You might not be able to use Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring primarily because you are not in a designated area where summoning is permitted, or you haven't acquired the essential Spirit Calling Bell.
Spirit Ashes are powerful allies that can assist you in combat, but their use is restricted to specific conditions and locations within the Lands Between. Understanding these limitations is key to successfully summoning your spectral companions.
Key Reasons You Cannot Summon Spirit Ashes
Several factors can prevent you from calling forth your Spirit Ashes. Here's a breakdown of the most common reasons:
1. Location Restrictions
Not all areas in Elden Ring allow for Spirit Ash summoning.
- Designated Summoning Areas: Spirit Ashes can only be summoned in specific locations. These are typically challenging combat encounters, such as boss fights or areas with a high concentration of enemies.
- The Rebirth Monument Icon: To indicate where summoning is possible, look for a small, glowing Rebirth Monument icon on the left side of your screen. This icon resembles a stone obelisk with a blue-white glow. If this icon is not visible, you cannot summon Spirit Ashes in your current location.
2. Missing the Spirit Calling Bell
The Spirit Calling Bell is an essential key item required to summon Spirit Ashes.
- Acquisition: Without this bell in your possession, you simply do not have the ability to call upon the spirits. This item is typically acquired early in the game, often from Renna (Ranni) at the Church of Elleh during nighttime, after you've received Torrent.
- Inventory Check: Ensure the Spirit Calling Bell is in your inventory and not accidentally stored away.
3. Spirit Ash Conditions and Limitations
Even if you're in a valid summoning area and have the bell, other conditions apply:
- FP Cost: Each Spirit Ash summon requires a certain amount of Focus Points (FP). If you don't have enough FP, you won't be able to summon.
- HP Cost (for some spirits): Some specific Spirit Ashes, like the Mimic Tear, consume a portion of your HP instead of FP. Ensure you have enough health to cast them.
- Single Summon Limit: You can only have one type of Spirit Ash summoned at a time. If you try to summon another while one is already active, it will replace the current one.
- Disappearance Conditions: Summoned Spirit Ashes are not permanent allies. They will disappear if:
- You move out of the Spirit Calling range.
- A boss has been defeated in the area.
- The Spirit Ash is defeated in combat.
- You rest at a Site of Grace.
- You fast travel.
Troubleshooting Your Spirit Ash Summoning Issues
| Issue | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Can't activate Spirit Ash in quick slot | Not in a summonable area / Missing Spirit Calling Bell | Look for the Rebirth Monument icon on screen. Acquire the Spirit Calling Bell. |
| Spirit Ash is grayed out in inventory | Insufficient FP/HP, or already have a Spirit Ash active | Check your FP/HP bar. Desummon current Spirit Ash or wait for it to be defeated. |
| Spirit Ash disappears suddenly | Moved too far from summon spot or boss defeated | Spirit Ashes have a limited active range. They despawn once a boss is defeated. |
| Can't find the Spirit Calling Bell | Not acquired yet or missed the trigger event | Revisit the Church of Elleh at night after meeting Melina and getting Torrent. |
By checking these points, you should be able to identify why you cannot use your Spirit Ashes and get back to exploring the Lands Between with your spectral companions by your side.
