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Can You Use Spirit Ashes and NPC Summons? A Deep Dive into Elden Ring and Bloodborne

The question of whether you can combine Spirit Ashes and NPC summons is a common one, particularly for players navigating the challenging worlds of games like Elden Ring and Bloodborne. The short answer is: it depends on the game. In Elden Ring, you generally cannot summon both Spirit Ashes and another player (cooperator) or NPC summon for the same encounter. It’s one or the other. However, in Bloodborne, the summoning system is different, allowing for more flexibility. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics of each game to clarify.

Elden Ring: Spirit Ashes vs. Co-op Summons

The Limitation of Summoning

In Elden Ring, the summoning mechanics are designed to be a strategic choice. You’re presented with the option to use Spirit Ashes to summon AI-controlled allies or to summon human or NPC cooperators. However, you cannot have both active at the same time for a single encounter. Once you summon either a Spirit Ash or a cooperator, you are locked into that choice until the area is cleared or you rest at a Site of Grace. This forces you to think strategically about the best approach to any given encounter.

Spirit Ashes: Powerful AI Companions

Spirit Ashes allow you to summon a variety of allies, from spectral wolves (Lone Wolf Ashes) to powerful knights (Banished Knight Oleg) and even a Mimic of yourself (Mimic Tear). These summons are a crucial tool for players looking for an edge in combat. You can only use one type of Spirit Ash at a time, and they cannot be used during multiplayer sessions. It’s important to note that Spirit Ashes are reusable and not consumed upon use.

Multiplayer and NPC Summons: Human or AI Assistance

Alternatively, you can summon another player (cooperator) or an NPC summon sign that appears near a boss fight fog gate. Cooperating with other players introduces additional challenges, as boss health and damage output increase, but the extra firepower and distraction can be worth it. Note that, you cannot use Spirit Ashes while another player or NPC summon is active. This system encourages players to experiment with different strategies and adapt to different challenges.

Key Considerations

One Summon Per Encounter: Whether it’s a spirit or a player, you can only summon once per encounter.
Rebirth Monuments: Spirit Ashes can only be summoned near a Rebirth Monument, indicated by a gravestone icon on the side of your screen.
Limited Usage: You cannot summon again in a given area until you rest at a Site of Grace or Fast Travel.
Dismissing Summons: You can reuse a spirit ash to dismiss your current summon.
Boundary Limitations: Leaving the boundary of a valid summoning area will dismiss any active spirits.

Bloodborne: Flexibility in Co-op

Cooperative Summoning

In contrast to Elden Ring, Bloodborne is more lenient with its summoning system. You can summon up to two cooperators in the same area. These can be a combination of NPCs and other players. This allows for a much larger group to take on the tough challenges of the game. The boss encounters get more challenging each time you summon someone with an increase in their health pool.

NPC Summons in Bloodborne

Bloodborne provides a variety of powerful NPC summons, some of whom are available in multiple locations. Examples include Vileblood Hunter Alfred, Valtr, Master Of The League, and even Father Gascoigne. These NPCs can be incredibly helpful, especially in tough fights, and the fact that they can team up with another player makes for dynamic and cooperative gameplay.

Key Differences

Two Summons: You can summon up to two cooperators (both players or a combination of players and NPCs).
No Spirit Ashes: Bloodborne does not utilize a Spirit Ash system, focusing solely on cooperative summoning.
Increased Boss Health: Whenever you summon anyone, the Boss gains a boost to HP, adding an element of risk-reward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the differences and mechanics surrounding spirit ashes and NPC summons.

Can you summon spirit ashes and a cooperator simultaneously in Elden Ring? No, you can only summon either a spirit ash or a cooperator/NPC for a single encounter, not both.
Are spirit ashes consumable in Elden Ring? No, spirit ashes are not consumable. You can use them repeatedly as long as you are in an area where summoning is permitted.
Can you use Spirit Ashes during multiplayer in Elden Ring? No, Spirit Ashes cannot be summoned while playing multiplayer.
What is a Rebirth Monument in Elden Ring, and how does it affect spirit ash summoning? Rebirth Monuments are specific areas where spirit ashes can be summoned. A white gravestone icon will appear on the left side of your screen when you are within a summoning area.
How do you dismiss a spirit ash summon in Elden Ring? You can reuse the Spirit Ash item to dismiss the currently summoned ally.
Can you summon multiple spirits at once in Elden Ring? No, only one spirit ash can be active at a time.
Does using Spirit Ashes increase enemy HP or damage in Elden Ring? No, using Spirit Ashes does not increase enemy HP or damage output.
How many cooperators can you summon in Bloodborne? You can summon up to two cooperators in Bloodborne, which can be a mix of players and NPCs.
Does summoning cooperators increase boss difficulty in Bloodborne? Yes, summoning cooperators increases the boss’s health in Bloodborne.
Can you summon an NPC cooperator in Elden Ring? Yes, you can summon NPC cooperators in Elden Ring if their summon sign is available near a boss fight.
What are some of the best Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring? Some of the best Spirit Ashes include the Mimic Tear, Black Knife Tiche, Lhutel The Headless, and Banished Knight Oleg.
Where can you find the Lhutel the Headless Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring? Lhutel the Headless can be found in the Tombsward Catacombs in the Weeping Peninsula.
Are NPC summons always available in Elden Ring? No, NPC summons are only available at specific locations, such as near boss fog gates, and the summon sign must be present.
Can you summon an NPC in an area and also a cooperator player in Bloodborne? Yes, you can summon two cooperators, which can be any combination of other players or NPC’s.
Is the difficulty of Bloodborne increased every time you beat it in New Game Plus? Yes, enemies will have much higher health, damage and resistances in NG+ and beyond.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ability to use spirit ashes and NPC summons varies significantly between Elden Ring and Bloodborne. Elden Ring limits you to one type of assistance per encounter, forcing a choice between spirit ashes and cooperative players or NPCs. On the other hand, Bloodborne allows for more flexibility, enabling you to summon a combination of up to two cooperators whether they are players or NPCs. Understanding these mechanics is essential for strategizing and navigating the challenges of these beloved games.

Can you use spirit ashes and NPC summons?