Elden Ring has captivated players around the globe with its vast open world, challenging combat, and rich lore. One of the most appealing features of the game is the ability to summon friends or NPCs to aid you in battle. However, many players have encountered frustrating issues when trying to summon others, leading to confusion and disappointment. In this article, we will delve into the common reasons why summoning may not be working in Elden Ring, ways to troubleshoot these issues, and best practices to ensure a smooth summoning experience.
Understanding the Summoning System
Before addressing the problems with summoning, it’s essential to grasp how the summoning system in Elden Ring is designed to work. The game offers two primary types of summoning: player summons and NPC summons.
Player Summons
In Elden Ring, players can summon others from their world to assist with difficult bosses or challenging sections of the game. This cooperative gameplay element not only enhances the experience but can also make some challenging encounters significantly easier.
NPC Summons
Along with player summons, players can summon various NPCs throughout their journey. Each NPC offers unique abilities and enhancements to your combat strategy, allowing for diverse gameplay styles. They often provide assistance in major boss fights or particularly tough enemy encounters.
Common Reasons for Summoning Failures
There are several reasons why summoning may not work as intended in Elden Ring. These can range from technical issues to in-game mechanics. Below are some of the most common factors affecting summoning:
1. Connection Issues
One of the foremost reasons why summoning may fail is due to connectivity problems. Elden Ring is an interconnected online multiplayer game, which means players must have a stable internet connection to summon or be summoned.
Diagnosing Connection Issues
- Stable Internet Connection: Ensure your internet connection is stable and fast enough for online gaming. A high ping or drops in the connection can hinder the summoning process.
- Server Status: Occasionally, the game’s servers may be down for maintenance or experiencing issues. It’s worth checking social media channels or official forums for server status updates.
2. Level and Area Restrictions
Summoning in Elden Ring is subject to specific rules and limitations. Players must be aware of these to successfully summon allies.
Understanding Level Restrictions
- Level Differences: Players must be within a certain level range to summon one another. If the levels are too far apart (usually around 10 levels), summoning will not be successful.
- Area Restrictions: Summoning typically only works in certain areas of the game. For example, if you are trying to summon players in a boss arena, both parties must be in the same area, and the summoner needs to have reached the summon sign.
3. Summoning Items and Mechanics
Proper usage of summoning items is crucial for successful summoning. Players must ensure they are using these items correctly.
Key Summoning Items
- Furlcalling Finger Remedy: This item reveals summon signs left by other players in your area. If you don’t use this item, you won’t be able to see or interact with other players’ summon signs.
- Spirit Ashes: When summoning NPCs, players need to ensure they have acquired the appropriate Spirit Ashes for the summoning to work.
Troubleshooting Summoning Issues
If you find yourself unable to summon others or being summoned, here are some troubleshooting tips that may help resolve the issue.
1. Check Your Game Settings
Game settings can impact your summoning abilities. Ensure you are not playing in Offline Mode. In most cases, you should be connected online to summon other players or NPCs. Check your settings to confirm you are in the correct mode.
2. Verify Item Usage
As mentioned earlier, summoning items must be used correctly for the summoning mechanic to work. Double-check that you have the right items equipped and that you are using them as intended.
3. Reduce Network Load
Sometimes, excessive network load can impact your game’s ability to connect with other players. To reduce this:
- Close bandwidth-heavy applications when gaming.
- Ensure no one else is downloading large files that might slow down your internet connection.
4. Restart the Game
If you’ve checked everything and summoning still doesn’t work, try restarting Elden Ring. A fresh start can often fix unnoticed issues that may have occurred during gameplay.
Best Practices for Successful Summoning
To enhance your summoning experience in Elden Ring, consider the following best practices.
1. Play With Friends
If possible, try to play with friends, as this eliminates many common issues with level differences. Coordinating with friends can also ensure smoother gameplay and better communication during difficult encounters.
2. Prepare Spirit Ashes
Always have the right Spirit Ashes ready for summoning NPCs. Experiment with different ashes to see which ones suit your playstyle best. For instance, some NPCs may provide better tanking capabilities, while others may offer ranged support.
3. Choose the Right Time to Summon
Timing is crucial. Summoning just before a tough boss fight or challenging area can make all the difference. Always prepare your summon items beforehand and make sure you are in a safe location when summoning to avoid interruption.
Conclusion
Summoning is a key aspect of Elden Ring that adds depth and excitement to the gameplay experience. While issues with summoning can be frustrating, understanding the reasons behind these problems and employing the right troubleshooting steps can help you overcome them. Whether you’re summoning friends for support or relying on NPCs to help in challenging encounters, knowing how to navigate the summoning system is essential for a successful journey through the Lands Between.
In conclusion, while the summoning system may seem daunting at first, with a bit of patience and knowledge, players can enjoy seamless assistance and camaraderie, making their adventures in Elden Ring even more rewarding. Happy gaming!
What are some common reasons why summoning isn’t working in Elden Ring?
The most common reasons for summoning issues in Elden Ring include incorrect summoning item usage, level disparities, and server connectivity problems. Players must ensure they are employing the proper summoning items, like the Furlcalling Finger Remedy, to identify potential allies. Additionally, the summoning system is often affected by the player’s current level compared to that of potential summons, where significant differences can hinder the process.
Another crucial factor is network stability. If there are issues with the game’s servers or your own internet connection, it may result in failed attempts to summon other players. Keeping an eye on server status can ensure that your attempts are not thwarted by external issues. Make sure to check online forums or the official channels for any reports of server maintenance or outages that might affect gameplay.
Are there specific locations where summoning is more effective?
Yes, certain areas in Elden Ring are more favorable for summoning than others. In general, summoning is most effective at Sites of Grace or designated summoning points that are designed to facilitate multiplayer interactions. These locations typically have clearer indications of co-op opportunities such as summon signs on the ground or special symbols.
Using the right summoning items, players should aim to position themselves strategically in these high-traffic areas after clearing nearby threats. Spawning summons at these designated locations increases the chances of attracting other players looking for co-op experiences, as many will often gather in these areas for assistance or to help others.
Why do I sometimes see summoning signs, but they disappear quickly?
Summoning signs disappearing quickly can be attributed to a few potential factors, primarily involving connection and timing. When players are logged into the game, signs can sometimes vanish if the summoner is not fast enough to interact with them before they time out. This timing can depend on server loads and how many players are currently playing in that area.
Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the phantom limitations in co-op play. If another player has already summoned a phantom to assist them, the summoning signs might disappear for others in that area. To increase your chances of successfully summoning, consider checking multiple times or even changing your network settings to improve connectivity.
Can my character’s level affect summoning capability?
Indeed, character level is a significant factor that can influence summoning capabilities in Elden Ring. The game utilizes a summoning range system which connects players of similar levels to maintain balance during co-op gameplay. If your character’s level is either too high or too low compared to the potential summon, your chances of finding others are severely limited.
The regulations applied by the matchmaking system ensure that only players within a certain range can summon or be summoned. To broaden your options, consider leveling your character within an optimal range where players are more active, or look for specific summoning groups that focus on engaging players of similar levels to improve your co-op experience.
What types of summoning items are available in the game?
Elden Ring features several summoning items, each serving different purposes and opportunities for cooperation. The Furlcalling Finger Remedy allows players to see summon signs from nearby players, which is essential for inviting phantoms into your world. The ability to use these items properly is key to enhancing your chances of effective summoning.
Furthermore, players can also utilize the Tarnished’s Finger to leave their own summon signs for others. This encourages a more player-driven approach to cooperative gameplay, allowing adventurers to share their resources and skills with others exploring the same challenging environments. Understanding how and when to use each item enhances the multiplayer experience significantly.
Why might I be unable to summon certain players?
There are several reasons why you might be unable to summon specific players in Elden Ring, often related to restrictions based on game progress and multiplayer settings. Each player may reach different points in the game, which can restrict summoning options if quests or bosses haven’t been tackled. The game has a built-in system preventing summons from players who are not within the same story progression, ensuring that adventurers face challenges appropriate to their development stage.
Another factor is the connection preferences set by players regarding their multiplayer experience. Some players may choose to disable their summon signs or restrict their play to solo experiences. Also, individual network conditions can impede successful connections between players. Ensuring that your settings allow for connectivity and checking with friends or partners you wish to summon can help navigate these limitations.
What should I do if I experience network issues during summoning?
If you’re experiencing network issues while trying to summon in Elden Ring, the first step is to troubleshoot your own internet connection. Ensuring that your network is stable can often resolve many minor issues. Restarting your router and disconnecting any devices using the same network can help free up bandwidth. Additionally, using a wired connection may enhance a gaming experience and minimize disruptions.
If your connection appears stable, it may be worth checking if Elden Ring’s servers are experiencing downtime or maintenance. Staying updated through official communication channels or online forums can provide insight into any ongoing issues. If the game servers are down, waiting until they are operational again is necessary for summoning to work effectively.