Finding yourself struggling against Elden Ring's toughest bosses in 2025? The Mimic Tear spirit ash remains one of the game's most powerful allies, creating an exact duplicate of your character to fight alongside you. Even after FromSoftware's balance updates over the years, this legendary summon continues to dominate the meta for both veterans and newcomers alike. Let's explore how to get the Mimic Tear in Elden Ring and make the most of this extraordinary companion.
What Makes the Mimic Tear Special?
Unlike other spirit summons in Elden Ring, the Mimic Tear doesn't just provide generic assistance—it creates a clone of your character with identical equipment, weapons, spells, and even items in your quick slots. What makes it particularly versatile is that it consumes HP instead of FP to summon, making it accessible for any build, even those with minimal Focus Points.
Your spectral twin will use your weapons, dodge like a player, and generally fight as an AI-controlled version of yourself. This makes the Mimic Tear exceptionally powerful when properly equipped, capable of melting bosses while tanking significant damage.
How to Get the Mimic Tear in Elden Ring
To obtain this coveted spirit ash, you'll need to venture into Nokron, Eternal City, which only becomes accessible after defeating General Radahn in Caelid. Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Defeat Starscourge Radahn in Caelid, which opens a crater in Limgrave's Mistwood region
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Enter Nokron, Eternal City through the newly opened crater
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Progress through the ruins until you reach the Night's Sacred Ground area
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Find a fog-gated room behind a locked door (requires one Stonesword Key)
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Open the chest inside to claim your Mimic Tear Ashes
Pro tip: The room containing the Mimic Tear is guarded by several enemies, so approach cautiously or use stealth to avoid unnecessary confrontations.
Facing Your Mirror Image: The Mimic Tear Boss
Before claiming the Mimic Tear Ashes, you'll need to defeat the Mimic Tear boss—a fascinating encounter where you literally fight against yourself. The boss copies your exact equipment, armor, weapons, and spells when you enter its arena.
Cheese Strategy for the Mimic Tear Boss
Want an easy victory? Try this clever approach:
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Unequip all weapons and armor before entering the fog gate
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Let the boss spawn as a bare-fisted, unarmored version of yourself
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Quickly re-equip your gear once the fight starts
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Defeat your defenseless doppelgänger with ease
The Honorable Approach
If you prefer a fair fight against your mirror image:
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Two-hand your weapon to maximize stagger potential
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Use summons or AoE spells that your mimic can't replicate
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Bait it into stamina-heavy attacks, then punish during recovery
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Remember: it mimics your loadout, not your tactical thinking
Optimizing Your Mimic Tear in 2025
The 2025 meta for Mimic Tear builds has evolved significantly since the game's release. Here are the current best practices:
Best Builds for Mimic Tear
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Bleed Builds (Rivers of Blood, Uchigatana with Seppuku)
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Why it works: Double bleed application means bosses melt twice as fast
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Pro tip: Pre-buff with Seppuku before summoning for maximum effect
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Intelligence/Strength Hybrid Builds
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Why it works: Your mimic becomes a versatile fighter with both melee and ranged options
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Equipment recommendation: Moonlight Greatsword or Dark Moon Greatsword
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Tank Builds (Greatshield + Heavy Weapon)
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Why it works: Creates an extremely durable distraction while you deal damage
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Best practice: Equip regeneration talismans to improve mimic survivability
Troubleshooting Mimic Tear Issues
Can't summon your Mimic Tear? Here are some common issues and solutions:
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Not enough HP: The summon costs 660 HP, so ensure you have sufficient health
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Restricted area: Some locations don't allow spirit summons
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Missing Spirit Calling Bell: Make sure it's in your inventory
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Co-op session: Spirit ashes can't be used when human co-op partners are present
Is the Mimic Tear Still the Best Spirit Ash in 2025?
Despite several balance adjustments over the years, the Mimic Tear remains among the top-tier spirit summons in Elden Ring. Its adaptability to any build and ability to use your exact equipment gives it unparalleled versatility.
That said, other summons like Black Knife Tiche, Latenna, and the Greatshield Soldiers offer specialized advantages in certain situations. The best choice depends on your playstyle and the specific challenge you're facing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can you get the Mimic Tear in Elden Ring?
After defeating General Radahn, typically around mid-game. Level 60-70 is recommended for the Nokron area.
Does the Mimic Tear use FP for spells?
No, the Mimic Tear has unlimited FP, making it exceptionally powerful with casting builds.
Can the Mimic Tear heal itself?
Yes, if you have healing items in your quick slots, the mimic will use them. Consider removing flasks if you want to preserve them for yourself.
How do I upgrade the Mimic Tear?
Use Ghost Glovewort items at Roderika in the Roundtable Hold to strengthen your Mimic Tear, up to +10.
Is the Mimic Tear still good after the nerfs?
Absolutely. While its damage output was reduced in early patches, it remains one of the most versatile and powerful summons in the game when properly equipped and upgraded.
The Mimic Tear continues to be a game-changer in Elden Ring's challenging world. By understanding how to obtain and optimize this extraordinary spirit ash, you'll have a faithful companion that can turn the tide of even the most difficult battles. Remember, the true power of the Mimic Tear lies in how well you build your own character—it's only as strong as you make it.