Unlocking Jolan and Anna Spirit Ash in Shadow of the Erdtree

The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring introduces a wealth of new summons, with the Jolan and Anna Spirit Ash standing out as one of the most formidable dual-spirit options. This summon brings together two Swordhands of Night, combining sword strikes with claw attacks to overwhelm enemies and penetrate defenses effectively. Requiring 144 FP to deploy, it upgrades with Ghost Glovewort and offers versatility in tough boss fights.

Why Jolan and Anna Stands Out Among Spirit Ashes

In the expansive world of the Land of Shadow, spirit ashes provide crucial distractions and damage output. Jolan and Anna excel due to their synergy: Jolan’s precise swordplay pairs with Anna’s relentless claw assaults, creating openings in enemy guards. While solo Jolan deals higher individual damage, the duo’s combined pressure makes them ideal for multi-phase encounters.

• FP Cost: 144 (no HP cost)
• Upgrade Path: Ghost Glovewort up to +10, or Renowned Spirit Ashes in DLC
• Strengths: High poise damage, guard-breaking potential, agile movement
• Weaknesses: Vulnerable to AoE attacks if not positioned well

Players often pair this summon with faith or intelligence builds for maximum effect, as the spirits’ dark attacks complement elemental weapons.

Prerequisites for Accessing the DLC Content

Before pursuing Jolan and Anna, ensure you’ve met the expansion’s entry requirements. Defeat Starscourge Radahn in the base game and Mohg, Lord of Blood, to unlock the Cocoon of the Empyrean Site of Grace. Install the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC to access the Land of Shadow.

Completing Count Ymir’s Questline: The Foundation

The journey begins with Count Ymir’s storyline at the Cathedral of Manus Metyr in Scaduview. Speak to Ymir and Jolan, exhausting all dialogues. Progress involves obtaining the Hole Laden Finger Bone from the Finger Ruins of Miyr, accessed via the Cathedral’s hidden stairs.

1. Interact with Ymir’s throne after he vanishes to descend.
2. Survive Anna’s invasion in the ruins (optional NPC phantom fight).
3. Return with the finger bone to advance.
4. Confront Ymir, then Hornsent, leading to Jolan’s mortal wounding.

This quest unlocks interactions with Jolan, setting the stage for her spirit ash.

Acquiring the Iris of Grace: Essential Key Item

The Iris of Grace is pivotal for transforming Jolan’s remains. Head to Shadow Keep’s Storehouse, First Floor Site of Grace. Navigate left past minor foes to an elevator, descend, and follow the path to a lever that drains the keep’s water.

• Post-drain, explore the newly accessible lower areas.
• Locate the Iris on a corpse in the drained section.
• Alternative: Iris of Occultation yields Jolan’s weapon instead (Swordhand of Night).

With the Iris secured, return to the Cathedral of Manus Metyr. Find Jolan leaning against a pillar, critically injured. Offer the Iris of Grace to receive the Swordhand of Night Jolan Spirit Ash.

Locating Anna’s Puppet Body in Rabbath’s Rise

To unite the spirits, seek Anna’s puppet atop Rabbath’s Rise, north of the Cathedral. Access requires navigating to Shaman Village via a secret path from Shadow Keep, Back Gate Site of Grace.

Equip the ‘O, Mother’ gesture (found in Bonny Village) and use it before the Marika Statue to reveal the hidden entrance.

Inside the tower’s top room, interact with Anna’s lifeless puppet. Select to ‘Usher Anna into Swordhand of Night Jolan Spirit Ashes’ to forge the combined summon.

Step-by-Step Visual Path to Shaman Village and Rabbath’s Rise

1. Fast travel to Shadow Keep, Back Gate.

2. Use ‘O, Mother’ gesture on Marika Statue → Enter Shaman Village.

3. Proceed to village rear, drop down cliffside path.

4. Mount Torrent, align with Rabbath’s Rise balcony southeast of Hinterland Grace.

5. Leap to balcony, climb to summit room with Anna.

This route avoids common pitfalls like misaligned jumps or enemy ambushes.

Performance and Optimization Tips

Post-acquisition, upgrade at Roderika’s Roundtable Hold using Ghost Glovewort . Patch 1.13 buffs increased Vigor and Dexterity scaling.

• Best Boss Matchups: Messmer, Bayle, Promised Consort Radahn
• Synergies: Black Knife Tiche, Mimic Tear for triple summon pressure
• Tactics: Deploy early to aggro adds; resummon if one falls

Note: Re-interact with Anna’s body to separate ashes if needed, reverting to solo Jolan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get Jolan and Anna without the DLC?

No, this summon is exclusive to Shadow of the Erdtree.

What if I gave Jolan the Iris of Occultation instead?

You receive her weapon (Swordhand of Night), not the ash. Restart requires New Game+ or quest skip risks.

How do I reverse the combination?

Examine Anna’s puppet post-combine to separate into individual ashes.

Is solo Jolan better than the duo?

Solo hits harder per spirit, but duo excels in sustained fights.

Where to farm Ghost Glovewort for upgrades?

Finger Ruins, Cerulean Coast, or buy from Enia post-upgrades unlocked.

Advanced Strategies and Build Integration

Incorporate Jolan and Anna into bleed or madness builds, as their attacks build status rapidly. Position them behind bosses while you flank with Rivers of Blood or Vyke’s War Spear. For PvP, their guard-piercing shines against greatshield users.

Experiment in the Colosseum: Summon mid-invasion to turn 1v1 into 3v1, though FP management is key.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing Ymir quest → No Jolan encounter
• Wrong Iris → Weapon over ash
• Poor Torrent jump → Fall damage or inaccessible balcony
• Not upgrading → Underperforms in late-game

Double-check quest progress with online trackers if stuck.