In the vast and brutal world ofElden Ring, Spirit Ashes play a critical role in helping players overcome the many challenges that lie ahead. Among the lesser-known but surprisingly useful Spirit Summons is the Putrid Corpse Ashes. This summon might not have the popularity of legendary spirits like the Mimic Tear or Latenna, but it offers unique utility that can make a real difference in the right situations. With a combination of fast attacks, mob pressure, and status effects, the Putrid Corpse Ashes can support aggressive or status-inflicting builds effectively.
Overview of Putrid Corpse Ashes
What Are Putrid Corpse Ashes?
The Putrid Corpse Ashes are a Spirit Summon item inElden Ringthat allows the player to summon a group of decaying humanoid corpses. Once summoned, they swarm enemies with fast, relentless melee attacks. While they may not have high individual HP, their strength lies in numbers and aggression, creating distraction and pressure in fights where you need room to heal, cast spells, or reposition.
Basic Stats and Behavior
- Summon Type: Spirit Ashes (multiple corpses)
- FP Cost: 22 FP
- Number Summoned: 5 Putrid Corpses
- Attack Type: Melee with possible rot or bleed status (depending on enemy interaction)
Each Putrid Corpse is relatively weak on its own but becomes formidable in a group. Their erratic, fast-moving combat style can overwhelm enemies, making them ideal for throwing off enemy targeting or creating opportunities for counterattacks.
Where to Find Putrid Corpse Ashes
Location and Acquisition
Players can find the Putrid Corpse Ashes in the Caelid region, known for its deadly Scarlet Rot swamps and high-level enemies. Specifically, they can be found in theAbandoned Caveafter defeating the Cleanrot Knights.
- Start from the Smoldering Wall Site of Grace in Caelid.
- Head east toward the tree branch leading to the Abandoned Cave.
- Inside the cave, defeat the Cleanrot Knights boss encounter.
- Upon victory, the Putrid Corpse Ashes will be your reward.
This area can be challenging due to the constant Scarlet Rot exposure and tough enemies, so come prepared with Preserving Boluses, Flame, Cleanse Me incantation, or the Mushroom Set to resist rot buildup.
Combat Utility of Putrid Corpse Ashes
Distraction and Aggression
One of the biggest strengths of the Putrid Corpse Ashes is their ability to act as a distraction. Their quick movement and erratic behavior make it hard for enemies to focus on the player. This allows for a more aggressive playstyle where you can land charged attacks, powerful spells, or critical strikes while the enemy is occupied by the summoned corpses.
Status Effect Synergy
Although the Putrid Corpses do not explicitly cause Scarlet Rot themselves, their rapid attacks can assist in building up status effects such as bleed or poison if the player is using weapons or gear that inflict such ailments. They can also stagger weaker foes, making them valuable in fights where timing and enemy interruption are crucial.
Best Used Against Weaker or Mid-Tier Mobs
While not ideal for tanking bosses or high-damage encounters, Putrid Corpse Ashes shine when used against smaller enemies or mid-tier threats. In dungeons, tunnels, and tight spaces, their numbers and unpredictability make them highly effective at swarming enemies that rely on spacing and single-target attacks.
Ideal Builds and Strategies
Synergy with Bleed and Poison Builds
If you are running a build that focuses on bleed (using weapons like Reduvia, Rivers of Blood, or Uchigatana) or poison (using Venomous Fang or Poison Moth Flight), the Putrid Corpse Ashes can help apply those statuses faster. Their constant pressure adds to the status buildup, especially when paired with talismans that boost effect duration or buildup rate.
Useful for Dexterity and Magic Builds
Dexterity and magic-based characters who are often vulnerable to being overwhelmed in melee can benefit greatly from using Putrid Corpse Ashes. These spirits take the heat off the player, allowing time for casting or mobility-focused tactics without being interrupted.
Not Ideal for Pure Tank or Faith Builds
While tanky strength builds usually prefer heavier summons like Banished Knight Oleg or Lhutel the Headless, and Faith builds often opt for healing or ranged summons, the Putrid Corpse Ashes find their place in hybrid or speed-focused playstyles. They’re better suited for characters who benefit from mobility and hit-and-run tactics.
Upgrading Putrid Corpse Ashes
Improving Their Effectiveness
To bring out the full potential of the Putrid Corpse Ashes, upgrade them using Grave Gloveworts. These can be found in catacombs and underground regions across the Lands Between. Increasing their level not only boosts their damage but also their survivability, allowing them to last longer in tougher battles.
Upgrade Priority
Since Putrid Corpses are quantity-based rather than tank-based, upgrading them early can significantly increase their effectiveness. Even a few more seconds of distraction in a tough fight can make the difference between victory and defeat.
Comparison to Other Spirit Ashes
Putrid Corpse Ashes vs Skeletal Militiamen
While both summons bring multiple units into battle, Skeletal Militiamen have the ability to revive unless finished off. However, Putrid Corpses are generally faster and more relentless in their attacks. Players looking for more aggression may prefer Putrid Corpses, while those seeking durability may lean toward skeletal options.
Putrid Corpse Ashes vs Lone Wolf Ashes
Lone Wolf Ashes offer slightly better coordination and attack range, but the Putrid Corpse Ashes provide a greater feeling of chaos and swarming. For players who want to overwhelm enemies rather than strategically flank them, the Putrid option is more satisfying.
Situational Use Cases
Dungeon Crawling and Group Battles
In Legacy Dungeons or enemy-dense areas like Nokron or Sellia, the Putrid Corpse Ashes can be a lifesaver. They scatter enemy focus, giving players time to pick off targets one at a time. Their AI behavior makes them efficient for crowd control in confined spaces.
Against Low-Poise Enemies
Putrid Corpses are also effective against enemies with low poise that can be interrupted. Their fast attacks often cause stagger, making it easier for players to land critical hits. In this way, they act almost like backup units in a coordinated assault.
Not Ideal for High-Mobility Bosses
Against bosses that move rapidly or have sweeping AoE attacks, the Putrid Corpse Ashes tend to die quickly. Their low defense means they should be summoned carefully preferably when you know you’ll have time to make use of their distraction without them being wiped out instantly.
The Putrid Corpse Ashes are an underrated but effective Spirit Summon inElden Ringthat shine in situations requiring distraction, aggression, and support for status builds. While they may not dominate in boss fights or tank encounters, their value lies in their numbers, speed, and ability to draw enemy focus. Upgrading them can significantly improve their utility, and when paired with the right build, they can contribute greatly to the player’s success in the Lands Between. For players who appreciate chaos, swarm tactics, or fast-paced engagements, these rotten allies may be just what’s needed to tip the scales of battle in your favor.