Quick Answer
Spirit Ashes are upgraded through Roderika’s Spirit Tuning service at Roundtable Hold. Most regular ashes use Grave Glovewort, while special ashes use Ghost Glovewort. For a first playthrough, do not spread upgrades across every summon. Build one durable ash and one damage or utility option first.
Unlock Checklist
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meet Roderika around the Stormhill route | Starts the Spirit Tuning chain |
| 2 | Reach Roundtable Hold and exhaust her dialogue | Moves the unlock forward |
| 3 | Talk to both Roderika and Smithing Master Hewg | Their dialogue unlocks the service |
| 4 | Rest and check near Hewg again | Spirit Tuning appears once she relocates |
If you are already at Roundtable Hold but cannot upgrade ashes, exhaust both characters’ dialogue until it repeats, then rest at the table grace.
Spending Glovewort
| Player Need | Smart Priority | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| First playthrough | Upgrade one reliable tank summon | Raising every ash by one level |
| Sorcery or ranged build | Use an ash that holds aggro | Choosing only by damage |
| Melee build stuck on bosses | Pick a summon that creates breathing room | Letting the ash fight alone |
| Found a strong special ash | Save some Ghost Glovewort | Burning rare materials early |
Glovewort is a route resource. The safe plan is to upgrade the summon you actually bring into hard fights, then wait until your build direction is clearer.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Ash is equipped but cannot be summoned | Check for the tombstone icon and enough FP |
| Spirit Tuning menu is missing | Continue Roderika and Hewg dialogue |
| Summon dies immediately | Dodge the opener before summoning, or summon during a safer gap |
| Unsure which ash to upgrade | Choose the ash you would bring to three bosses in a row |
Related Guides
FAQ
What is the quickest way to use this Elden Ring guide?
Start with the short answer or first table, then turn it into one action: choose the next route, check the system priority, or open the related Elden Ring hub before jumping to a different topic.
Is Elden Ring Spirit Ash Upgrade Guide: Roderika, Glovewort, and Early Priorities still useful if the game changes?
Yes, as a route and decision checklist. If an update changes exact numbers, item names, or release details, keep the structure here and verify the newest official notes before treating specifics as final.
Where should I go after this page?
Return to the Elden Ring hub, then move to the section that matches your next blocker: starter route, systems and builds, map and quests, completion updates, or video guides.
