The Ancestor Spirit in Elden Ring is a ghostly stag boss in the Siofra River underground. It is optional, but it drops the Ancestral Follower Ashes and 13,000 runes. This guide covers what it is weak to, where to find it, how to open its arena and how to beat it safely.
Quick facts
| Location | Hallowhorn Grounds, Siofra River |
| Nearest Site of Grace | Siofra River Bank |
| Required? | Optional |
| HP (NG) | 4,393 |
| HP (NG+ to NG+7) | 8,106 to 11,349 |
| Runes (NG) | 13,000 |
| Drops | Ancestral Follower Ashes |
| Weak to | Fire and Holy (-20% negation), Slash (-10%) |
| Resists | Magic (20% negation); Poison, Scarlet Rot, Hemorrhage and Frostbite (1,140 buildup) |
| Immune to | Sleep, Madness |
| Parry | Cannot be parried; can be stance broken for a critical hit |
| Spirit Ashes / Co-op | Allowed (Spirit Ashes and co-op) |
| Recommended level | 40–50 (community estimate) |
| Difficulty | ▰▰▰▱▱▱▱▱▱▱ 3/10 |
What is the Ancestor Spirit weak to?
The Ancestor Spirit takes the most damage from Fire and Holy, and Slash weapons also do slightly more than normal. Magic is its one resisted damage type, so sorcerers should lean on physical spells such as Rock Sling. Negative numbers below mean the boss takes extra damage.
| Damage type | Negation | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Fire | -20% | Weak |
| Holy | -20% | Weak |
| Slash | -10% | Slightly weak |
| Standard, Strike, Pierce | 0% | Neutral |
| Lightning | 0% | Neutral |
| Magic | 20% | Resisted |
Status effects are a poor choice here: Poison, Scarlet Rot, Hemorrhage and Frostbite all need 1,140 buildup on NG, and Sleep and Madness do nothing.
Where is the Ancestor Spirit in Elden Ring?
The fight takes place in the Hallowhorn Grounds, east of the Siofra River Bank Site of Grace. The arena stays sealed until you light the obelisks spread around the river. New to the area? Our how to get to Siofra River guide covers the Mistwood well lift and the graces in order.
- Reach the Siofra River Bank grace and follow the river east to the stairs of the Hallowhorn Grounds.
- Light all eight obelisks (stone braziers) scattered around Siofra River. One sits right next to the grace; the rest are along the river, around Worshipper’s Woods and beside the path to Below the Well.
- Climb to the temple and interact with the deer carcass at the back. You are teleported outside the arena.
- Walk through the fog gate to start the fight.
Ancestor Spirit HP and runes in NG+
| Cycle | HP | Runes |
|---|---|---|
| NG | 4,393 | 13,000 |
| NG+ | 8,106 | 52,000 |
| NG+7 | 11,349 | 66,300 |
Overview
The Ancestor Spirit is the weaker version of the Regal Ancestor Spirit in Nokron. It is a slow, graceful fight with lots of openings.
Its spirit vapor attacks linger, so avoid staying in the mist.
Preparation
- Rock Sling is a good way around its magic resistance.
- Fast-attacking Spirit Ashes help keep pressure on.
- Bring a Fire or Holy weapon buff, or a Flame Art infusion, to hit its main weakness.
Moveset and how to counter it
Stay under or behind it and hit its legs.
Antler swing
Roll through the swings.
Hoof slam
Roll forward as it lands, then attack during the recovery.
Prancing drop
After the second bounce, count to three and roll sideways.
Spirit vapor
Keep your distance and avoid the lingering vapor.
How to beat the Ancestor Spirit
- Summon a Spirit Ash at the start so the boss splits its attention.
- Stay close to its hind legs; most of its attacks are aimed in front of it.
- Punish the hoof slam and the landing of the prancing drop with two or three hits, then back off.
- Charged heavy attacks build its stance (120). When it staggers, move to its head for a critical hit. Parrying does not work on this boss.
- Leave the area whenever the spirit vapor settles on the ground, and re-engage once it fades.
Best builds and tools
- Fire or holy damage.
- Rock Sling for sorcerers.
- Any melee weapon aimed at the legs; Slash weapons get a small bonus.
Rewards
- 13,000 Runes
- Ancestral Follower Ashes (Spirit Ash)
Difficulty rating
▰▰▰▱▱▱▱▱▱▱ 3/10 – Easy to moderate. A good early underground boss for practising patient dodging.
Related: after this fight, follow our how to get to Nokron guide to reach the Regal Ancestor Spirit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I unlock the Ancestor Spirit?
Light the eight obelisks around Siofra River and interact with the deer carcass behind the temple in the Hallowhorn Grounds.
What does it drop?
13,000 runes and the Ancestral Follower Ashes.
What is it weak to?
Fire and Holy (-20% negation), with a smaller Slash weakness (-10%). It resists Magic.
Can you parry the Ancestor Spirit?
No. It cannot be parried, but breaking its stance with heavy attacks opens it up for a critical hit.
Is the Ancestor Spirit the same as the Regal Ancestor Spirit?
No. The Regal Ancestor Spirit is a separate, stronger boss in Nokron, Eternal City. The Ancestor Spirit in Siofra River is the easier first encounter.
Beaten the Ancestor Spirit?
Prove it. MyGamerCv reads your Steam achievements and shows every Souls-like boss you have actually defeated, with a score, a rank and a shareable card. It is free and there is no sign-up.
Stuck on another boss? Browse all Elden Ring boss guides.
Further reading: Ancestor Spirit on the Fextralife Elden Ring wiki.