Can I Summon NPCs Offline in Elden Ring? A Tarnished’s Guide
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Yes, you absolutely can summon NPCs offline in Elden Ring! This is a crucial aspect of the game, especially for players tackling challenging bosses or exploring difficult areas solo. Unlike summoning other players, NPC summons don’t require an internet connection or PlayStation Plus/Xbox Live Gold. They’re a built-in mechanic designed to provide assistance to the Tarnished on their journey.
However, simply knowing that you can summon NPCs is only half the battle. Understanding how to summon them, the conditions required, and which NPCs are available is vital for maximizing their utility. Let’s delve into the specifics of NPC summons in Elden Ring.
Understanding NPC Summons in Elden Ring
How to Find and Activate NPC Summons
The process of summoning NPCs in Elden Ring is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key details to keep in mind.
- Furlcalling Finger Remedy: While not required for NPC summons, you’ll need a Furlcalling Finger Remedy if you wish to see summon signs left by other players. This item reveals summon signs, both cooperative (gold) and competitive (red). You can craft it using two Erdleaf Flowers, buy it from certain merchants, or find them scattered throughout the Lands Between.
- Locate Summon Signs: NPC summon signs usually appear as golden, glowing figures on the ground near boss fog gates or in specific areas where their assistance is scripted. These signs are often subtle, so pay close attention to the environment. Remember, NPC signs are always visible regardless of whether you use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy.
- Interact with the Summon Sign: Simply approach the sign and interact with it. A prompt will appear, allowing you to summon the NPC to aid you.
- Conditions for Summoning: Many NPC summons depend on game progress. You will often need to complete steps in questlines before being able to summon the NPC. For example, you may need to meet them at a specific location and exhaust all their dialogue options before they become available as summons.
Conditions for Summoning NPCs
Several factors can influence whether or not an NPC summon sign appears. These conditions can be simple or deeply embedded in complex questlines:
- Questline Progression: Many NPCs have extensive questlines, and their availability as summons is directly tied to your progress. If you haven’t met certain criteria, their summon sign simply won’t appear. For example, before you can summon Nepheli Loux to aid you in the battle against Godrick the Grafted, you must first encounter her in the Stormveil Castle.
- Boss Availability: Some NPCs are specifically tied to certain boss battles. If the boss is already defeated, the NPC summon sign will vanish.
- Character State: Some NPCs might become unavailable if you progress their questline in a certain way.
- Have you used a summon?: You will not be able to use a summon, whether that be Spirit Ashes or a NPC summon, if one is already in use. This will also lock you from summoning a real player.
Notable NPC Summons and Their Locations
While many NPCs offer their aid throughout Elden Ring, some are particularly useful or memorable:
- Nepheli Loux: Found near the Secluded Cell Site of Grace in Stormveil Castle, she can be summoned for the fight against Godrick. She can be a very valuable asset for newer players.
- Melina: Found before the fog gate leading to the Morgott, the Omen King. Melina is a great source of additional damage for this fight.
- Various NPCs for Radahn: During the Radahn Festival, numerous NPCs are available for summoning across the battlefield. These include characters like Blaidd, Alexander, and Lionel the Lionhearted. They are scattered across the arena.
The Power of NPC Summons
NPC summons can be incredibly helpful, especially for players who prefer a solo experience but occasionally need a helping hand. They can serve as distractions for bosses, deal extra damage, or even provide healing. However, remember that summoning NPCs also increases the boss’s HP and defense, so be prepared for a tougher fight. If you summon just one person, bosses will receive a 60 percent buff to their health as well as a 50 percent buff to its resistances.
Elden Ring NPC Summon FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about NPC summons in Elden Ring:
1. Why can’t I see any summon signs?
Ensure you’re in an area where summoning is allowed (usually near a boss fog gate or designated summoning pool). If you’re trying to see player summon signs, use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy.
2. Can I summon multiple NPCs at once?
No, you can only summon one NPC at a time.
3. Do NPC summons scale with my level?
No, NPC summons have fixed stats and equipment.
4. Can NPC summons be healed?
Yes, you can heal NPC summons using spells or items like healing incantations and Flasks of Crimson Tears.
5. Do NPC summons die permanently?
No, NPC summons will disappear when defeated or when you defeat the boss.
6. Can I summon NPCs in every area?
No, NPCs can only be summoned in designated areas, typically near boss fog gates or specific locations tied to their questlines.
7. How do I know if an NPC is available for summoning?
Check for their golden summon sign near the boss fog gate or relevant location.
8. Do I need to be online to summon NPCs?
No, NPC summons are available offline.
9. What happens if the NPC summon dies during the boss fight?
The summon disappears, and you’ll have to continue the fight alone. You won’t be able to summon them again for that attempt.
10. Does summoning an NPC make the boss harder?
Yes, summoning NPCs increases the boss’s HP and defense.
11. Are NPC summons affected by status effects like poison or bleed?
Yes, NPCs are vulnerable to status effects.
12. Can I use Spirit Ashes with NPC summons?
No, you cannot use Spirit Ashes alongside summoning another person, regardless of the summon being a real person or an NPC. Only one is allowed at a time.
13. How can I improve my chances of finding NPC summon signs?
Explore the area thoroughly, advance the relevant NPC’s questline, and ensure you haven’t already defeated the boss.
14. Are there any NPCs that are always available for summoning?
No, most NPCs have specific conditions that must be met before they can be summoned.
15. Where can I find more information about Elden Ring game mechanics?
You can explore resources like the Elden Ring wiki, community forums, and educational platforms such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for in-depth analysis and insights into the game’s mechanics.
Concluding Thoughts
NPC summons in Elden Ring offer a valuable tool for tackling the game’s challenging content, providing assistance without requiring online multiplayer. By understanding the conditions for summoning, exploring the world to discover available NPCs, and managing their assistance effectively, you can significantly enhance your solo playthrough. Remember to carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of summoning, as it will increase the boss’s overall health and defense. Good luck, Tarnished!