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Do You Have to Be Human to Be Summoned in Dark Souls 2?

The short, direct answer is no, you do not have to be human to be summoned in Dark Souls 2. You can be in either your human form or your hollowed form to be summoned by another player. This is a key difference from other Souls games, where being human or “embered” is often a requirement for both summoning and being summoned. However, being human does come with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. While you can be summoned as a hollow, you cannot initiate a summon or see summon signs unless you are in your human form.

In Dark Souls 2, the state of your character—whether human or hollow—significantly impacts gameplay, particularly concerning online interactions. When you die, you become hollow, your maximum health is reduced, and you look quite undead. To regain your human form, you’ll need to use a Human Effigy or participate successfully in co-op, helping another player defeat a boss. Once human, you can summon other players and NPCs to assist you, but you also become vulnerable to invasions from other players who seek to disrupt your progress. Understanding this mechanic is crucial for navigating the complex online landscape of Dark Souls 2. Let’s delve into the specifics and clarify how this system works.

Understanding Human and Hollow Forms

The human and hollow states are not just cosmetic changes in Dark Souls 2; they have deep gameplay implications.

Human Form

Being human is the optimal state for many players. In human form, you have your full health bar and access to crucial online functionalities. This includes:

Summoning Other Players: You can see summon signs left by other players, allowing you to invite them into your world for co-op.
Summoning NPCs: NPC summon signs are only visible when you’re human, giving you the option to enlist AI-controlled help for bosses and challenging areas.
Vulnerability to Invasions: Being human makes you susceptible to invasions by hostile players who can enter your world uninvited to attempt to kill you.

Hollow Form

Being hollow has fewer benefits, but it does have some critical implications:

Reduced Health: You will have a reduced maximum health bar, making the game more challenging.
No Summoning: You cannot summon other players or NPCs when hollow.
No Invasions: Hollow players cannot be invaded by other players.
Can be Summoned: Even though you are hollow, you are still able to be summoned into other players’ worlds for co-op.

The Significance of Being Summoned as Hollow

The fact that you can be summoned while hollow is a crucial aspect of the game. This is not a common mechanic in other games in the Souls series. This mechanic allows players to still participate in co-op without necessarily having to waste a Human Effigy. This means if you are struggling and have died, you can still assist someone else in order to regain your human form. This also gives hollowed players more incentive to use the Small White Sign Soapstone to be summoned, as it could very well be the only means they have to restore humanity.

How to Manage Humanity in Dark Souls 2

Understanding how to maintain your human form is vital to maximize your multiplayer experience. Here are some key ways to manage your humanity:

Using a Human Effigy: The primary way to become human is to use a Human Effigy. These are consumable items found throughout the game world or purchased from merchants.
Co-Op Success: When you are summoned into another player’s world and successfully assist them in defeating a boss, you will regain your human form.
Shrine of Amana: Praying at the Altar of Amana in the Shrine of Amana will restore your humanity, making this a good way to reset your character status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the summoning and humanity mechanics in Dark Souls 2:

1. Can I be invaded while in hollow form?

No, you cannot be invaded by other players when you are in hollow form. Invasions are only possible when you are in your human form. This is a key incentive for players who want to avoid the risk of PvP.

2. Do I need to be the same level as another player to summon them?

Dark Souls 2 uses a Soul Memory system rather than a level-based system for matchmaking. You and the other player need to be within a certain range of soul memory, which is the total amount of souls you’ve collected across your playthrough. It’s not just about your current level.

3. Why can’t I see summon signs?

If you cannot see summon signs, you need to be in human form, which can be achieved by using a Human Effigy or by successfully assisting another player with a boss fight. Also, ensure you are online and not in an area where summoning is restricted.

4. Can I summon NPC phantoms while hollow?

No, you need to be in human form to see and interact with NPC summon signs.

5. How do I summon NPCs?

First, ensure that you are in human form. Look for their summon signs, typically located near the boss room entrance. Interact with the sign to summon the NPC to help you in your boss fight.

6. Can I summon multiple players?

Yes, you can summon multiple players, usually up to two, depending on your covenant status and item usage.

7. What is the difference between the White Sign Soapstone and the Small White Sign Soapstone?

The White Sign Soapstone allows you to be summoned for a larger co-op session that stays until the area boss is defeated, while the Small White Sign Soapstone allows for smaller sessions with fewer rewards and a shorter time to be summoned. Both help regain your human form.

8. Can I summon players in every area?

No, you can only summon players in areas where the boss is still alive. Once you’ve defeated the area boss, you can no longer summon in that area unless you enter into a different covenant.

9. What is Soul Memory?

Soul Memory is the total number of souls you’ve collected throughout the game. It’s used for matchmaking with other players. This is different from your actual level, so pay attention to the total number of souls you have gathered.

10. What happens if I accidentally hit an NPC?

If you attack an NPC, they will become hostile. To reconcile with them, you need to pay a fee to the pardoner, located near the first bell tower.

11. How can I help my friend connect to my world?

Make sure you and your friend are within the same soul memory range. Agree on a location where you will both place summon signs, and make sure both of you are online.

12. Can I use the Blue Eye Stone while hollow?

The Blue Eye Stone is used for invasions and being summoned as a protector. While you can be summoned as a protector while hollow, you need to be in soul form and within the allowed area of the level to use it.

13. Why is it difficult to connect with friends?

Soul Memory and location are critical. You also need to be in a valid area for multiplayer interaction, which is usually before a boss. Make sure your settings allow for cross-region play.

14. What are Gray NPC Phantoms?

Gray NPC Phantoms are semi-transparent enemies that appear in the Crown of the Sunken King DLC. They resemble the player phantoms seen during online play.

15. Can I summon in areas where I have already beaten the boss?

Typically, no, you can only summon in areas where the area boss is still alive. However, there are certain covenants that allow for summoning even after defeating the boss in specific areas, such as the Company of Champions covenant.

Do you have to be human to be summoned in ds2?