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Can You Summon for Lothric? Exploring Dark Souls 3 Co-op in the Endgame

The answer is nuanced: Yes, you can summon players for Lothric, but only before defeating the final boss, the Soul of Cinder. Once the Soul of Cinder is defeated in your game cycle, the summoning mechanic is effectively disabled for the Grand Archives and Lothric Castle areas. This article delves into the specifics of summoning in Dark Souls 3, focusing on Lothric and addressing common questions players have regarding co-op in the endgame.

Understanding Summoning Restrictions in Dark Souls 3

Dark Souls 3, like its predecessors, features a robust co-op system where players can assist each other in navigating treacherous areas and tackling challenging bosses. However, this system isn’t without its limitations, designed to maintain a certain level of challenge and prevent excessive assistance.

One of the key limitations is tied to boss progression. Once a boss in a particular area has been defeated, the game considers that area “cleared” for that specific player. Consequently, summoning phantoms is generally restricted in areas where the boss is already defeated. This limitation applies to the Grand Archives and Lothric Castle once the Soul of Cinder is vanquished.

Why is Summoning Disabled After Soul of Cinder?

The reasoning behind this restriction is primarily narrative and gameplay-driven.

Narrative Closure: Defeating the Soul of Cinder marks the end of the main storyline. The game encourages players to either progress into New Game Plus (NG+) or explore optional areas.
Preventing Easy Farming: Allowing unlimited summoning after defeating the final boss could lead to easily farming souls and items in those areas, diminishing the value of the challenges presented earlier in the game.
Encouraging Progression: By limiting summoning, the game nudges players to move forward into NG+ or tackle optional areas, thus extending the game’s lifespan and encouraging further exploration.

FAQ: Summoning in Lothric and Beyond

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding summoning in Dark Souls 3, with a particular focus on the Lothric area and the implications of defeating the Soul of Cinder.

1. Can I still summon for the optional bosses in Archdragon Peak after defeating the Soul of Cinder?

Yes. Defeating the Soul of Cinder only restricts summoning in areas directly related to the main storyline culmination: Grand Archives and Lothric Castle. Archdragon Peak and its bosses, like the Nameless King, remain accessible for co-op. You can summon and be summoned there freely as long as you haven’t defeated the boss in your own world.

2. I defeated the Soul of Cinder. Can I still be summoned in Lothric Castle by players who haven’t?

No. Once you’ve defeated the Soul of Cinder in your game cycle, you cannot place your summon sign in Lothric Castle or the Grand Archives for players who haven’t. The game recognizes that you’ve cleared the area, preventing you from participating in co-op within it.

3. Does the use of an Ember affect my ability to summon in Lothric?

Yes. You need to be Embered to summon other players. Being Embered grants you access to online play and allows you to see summon signs. If you’re not Embered, you won’t see any summon signs, regardless of whether you’ve defeated the Soul of Cinder or not (provided summoning is still possible in that area).

4. What are the restrictions on summon levels in Dark Souls 3?

Dark Souls 3 utilizes a level-based matchmaking system. Generally, you can summon players within a certain level range. This range expands as you level up. There are online tools and calculators available to help you determine the exact level ranges for summoning and being summoned. However, remember that weapon upgrade level also plays a significant role in matchmaking.

5. How does weapon upgrade level affect summoning?

The game considers the highest weapon upgrade you’ve ever achieved on any character. This means even if you revert to a lower-level weapon, your matchmaking will still be based on the highest weapon upgrade you’ve possessed. This prevents high-level players from dominating low-level areas with over-leveled gear.

6. Can I use a password to bypass the level restrictions?

Yes. Using a password will bypass level restrictions, allowing you to summon friends regardless of their level. However, keep in mind that the summoned player’s stats will be scaled down to match the host’s level, preventing them from being overly powerful.

7. Where are the best places to place my summon sign in Lothric Castle and the Grand Archives?

Popular locations include near bonfires (especially the Dragon Barracks and Grand Archives bonfire) and just before boss fog gates (for the Twin Princes fight). Experiment with different locations to find the most active summoning spots.

8. Can I summon multiple players in Lothric Castle before fighting the Twin Princes?

Yes. You can summon up to two friendly phantoms (or three with the Dried Finger) to assist you in fighting the Twin Princes, Lorian and Lothric.

9. Does the Dried Finger affect summoning in the Grand Archives?

Yes. The Dried Finger allows you to summon an additional phantom, increasing the maximum number of friendly phantoms to three. It also makes you more susceptible to invasions.

10. What happens if I die while being summoned in Lothric?

If you die while summoned as a phantom, you return to your own world at the last bonfire you rested at. You lose any souls you were carrying, just as if you had died in your own world.

11. Can I be invaded in Lothric Castle after defeating the Twin Princes but before defeating the Soul of Cinder?

Yes. As long as you are Embered and have not defeated the Soul of Cinder, you are vulnerable to invasions in Lothric Castle and the Grand Archives.

12. Does covenant affiliation affect summoning in Lothric?

Yes, certain covenants like the Watchdogs of Farron and the Aldrich Faithful will automatically summon you to defend their respective areas (Farron Keep and Anor Londo). However, for general co-op, covenant affiliation doesn’t directly impact your ability to place your summon sign in Lothric. The Warrior of Sunlight covenant, however, encourages co-op and rewards you for helping other players defeat bosses.

13. Can I summon for the DLC areas after defeating the Soul of Cinder?

Yes! The Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City DLC areas are completely independent of the main game’s progression regarding summoning restrictions. You can summon and be summoned in these areas regardless of whether you’ve defeated the Soul of Cinder.

14. If I start New Game Plus (NG+), will I be able to summon in Lothric Castle again?

Yes. Starting NG+ resets the game world, allowing you to summon in all areas, including Lothric Castle and the Grand Archives, until you defeat the Soul of Cinder again.

15. Are there any specific items that enhance summoning success rates?

The White Sign Soapstone is essential for placing your summon sign. The Ember is necessary for summoning other players. While there aren’t specific items that directly increase summon success rates, having a clear and stable internet connection, being in a popular summoning area, and using a password with friends can all significantly improve your chances of successful co-op.

Conclusion: Mastering Co-op in Lothric and Beyond

Understanding the nuances of the Dark Souls 3 summoning system, especially its limitations in the endgame Lothric area, is crucial for a fulfilling online experience. While the restriction after defeating the Soul of Cinder can be disappointing for those seeking continued co-op in the Grand Archives and Lothric Castle, it encourages exploration of other areas, engagement with the DLC content, and progression into New Game Plus. By understanding the rules and employing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can maximize your opportunities for both summoning and being summoned, enriching your Dark Souls 3 adventure.

Can you summon for Lothric?