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Can You Summon NPCs and Players in Bloodborne? A Comprehensive Guide

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Yes, you absolutely can summon both NPCs and other players in Bloodborne, though each system functions differently and serves unique purposes. This mechanic adds layers of strategy and companionship to the often-brutal world of Yharnam. Let’s delve into how summoning works, the rules that govern it, and everything else you need to know to make the most of it.

Summoning NPCs: Offline Assistance

How to Summon NPCs

In Bloodborne, you can summon certain NPC hunters to aid you in specific areas. To summon an NPC, locate their summon sign—a glowing white mark—near a particular area or boss gate. Stand over the sign and press ‘X’ to ring the Old Hunter Bell. This action consumes one Insight (a form of currency). Once summoned, the NPC will follow you and help you fight enemies, and particularly tough bosses.

Rules for NPC Summons

The rules surrounding NPC summons are straightforward:

Insight Cost: Summoning an NPC costs one Insight each time.
Location Specific: NPC summon signs are located in specific areas, often near boss gates or challenging enemy locations.
Limited Availability: Not all areas and not all boss fights have NPC summon options.
Resummoning: If an NPC summon dies, you can resummon them by reloading the area (going back to the Hunter’s Dream and then returning).
Multiple Summons: You can summon up to two NPCs at any one time.
Dismissing Summons: If you wish to dismiss an NPC summon, use the Silencing Blank to send them back to their world.
Boss Fights: NPCs are particularly helpful in boss fights. However, be aware that while their presence adds extra firepower, it also increases the boss’s health.

Top NPC Summons

Some NPCs are more effective than others. Here are some of the best to call upon:

Vileblood Hunter Alfred: Often found near challenging areas, Alfred is a capable and aggressive fighter.
Valtr, Master of the League: Available after joining the League Covenant, Valtr is a durable and reliable ally.
Father Gascoigne: A powerful combatant, summoning Gascoigne can significantly turn the tide in a difficult encounter.
Henryk: An excellent choice to help with tough fights.
Younger Madaras Twin can be helpful with the right boss or areas.
Henriett: Found in the Cathedral Ward and Hunter’s Nightmare, Henriett is a versatile option for many areas.

Summoning Players: Online Co-op

How to Summon Players

Unlike summoning NPCs, summoning other players requires an online connection. Bloodborne’s online multiplayer utilizes specific bells to connect players.

The Beckoning Bell: Used by the host player to initiate a co-op session.
The Small Resonant Bell: Used by players to offer their assistance.

To summon other players, the host player must ring the Beckoning Bell. The player offering help will then ring the Small Resonant Bell in the same area. If they are within the level range and password match if they have one set, they will be summoned to the host’s world.

Rules for Player Summons

Co-op with other players is governed by several rules:

Insight Cost: The host player must spend one Insight to ring the Beckoning Bell.
Level Range: To be summoned, players must be within a certain level range of each other. A general rule of thumb is to stay within approximately 10 levels +/- of the host.
Password System: You can set a password in the game’s network settings to ensure only specific players can be summoned. This is helpful for playing with friends. It’s recommended to use a creative password with numbers in them for added uniqueness.
Local Network Settings: To increase the likelihood of connecting with your friends, set your network settings to “Local Network.”
Bell Restrictions: There are some “no-summon areas” where you will not be able to ring your bells. Moving into these areas after ringing your bell can prevent both summoning and being summoned, as indicated by an X on the bell.
Area Boss Status: Once the boss in a particular area is defeated, you cannot summon players to assist in that area any longer.
Bell Maiden: When engaging in coop, when two players are summoned, a Bell Maiden will spawn into the host world, allowing for invasion from other players.

Why Can’t I Summon My Friend?

Several issues can prevent you from summoning a friend. Check these common causes:

Bell Status: Make sure that the bells don’t have an “X” on them.
Insight: Ensure that the host player has enough Insight.
Level Range: Confirm that both players are within the level range.
Password Consistency: If using a password, make sure that it’s entered correctly on both ends.
Area Restrictions: Be sure you are not in a restricted area.
Area Boss: If the area boss has been defeated, summoning won’t be possible.

FAQs: Bloodborne Summoning

1. Can I summon two players for a co-op session?

Yes, you can. If you use a password, it is possible to have two player summons assist you.

2. Does summoning make the boss fights harder?

Yes, when you summon either an NPC or another player, the boss’s health significantly increases, but you also have allies to help deal damage.

3. Where do I get the Small Resonant Bell?

The Small Resonant Bell can be purchased from the Insight shop in the Hunter’s Dream for 1 Insight, it appears once you have at least 10 Insight points.

4. How do I know if an area is restricted from summoning?

If the bell has an “X” on it in the interface, it means you are in an area where summoning is restricted.

5. What is the best origin class for beginners?

The Military Veteran or Professional origins are generally considered the best for beginners due to their balanced stats.

6. What is the hardest NPC fight in Bloodborne?

The Bloody Crow of Cainhurst is often considered the hardest NPC fight, due to their high damage and complex attacks.

7. Can I summon NPCs more than once?

Yes, you can resummon NPCs as often as you need if they die, as long as you reload the area and have the insight to spend, and the area boss is still alive.

8. What is the best build in Bloodborne?

There is not one build that is “the best”, but builds using Ludwig’s Holy Blade or the Whirligig Saw are often considered among the most powerful for the most common playstyles.

9. Is Bloodborne still active in 2023?

Yes, while it is not a current hit, Bloodborne still has a dedicated player base and an active community, but a few major 2023 hits have begun to outpace it in popularity.

10. Can I invade my friend in Bloodborne?

Yes, to invade a friend you must set the same password and be in the same generated Chalice Dungeon.

11. How many times can you summon NPCs in bloodborne?

You can resummon NPC’s as often as you want. You will have to re-ring the Old Hunters Bell, and spend one insight, each time you resummon an NPC. As long as the area boss is still alive, you can continue summoning NPC’s.

12. How often do enemies respawn in Bloodborne?

Enemies respawn every time you enter an area, making it easy to farm for items and Blood Echoes.

13. What is the strongest armor set in Bloodborne?

The Harrowed set, found in the Old Hunters DLC, offers the highest physical defense.

14. Is there a level gap for summoning in Bloodborne?

Yes, the level gap for summoning in co-op is roughly 30-40 levels.

15. What weapon has the highest DPS in Bloodborne?

The Whirligig Saw has the highest DPS, with many players calling it overpowered.

By understanding these mechanics, you can better navigate the challenging world of Bloodborne, whether you are relying on AI or the support of fellow hunters. Happy hunting!