Does Summoning Help in Elden Ring Make Bosses Harder? Unraveling the Co-op Conundrum
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Lands Between are a treacherous place, and the prospect of facing its formidable bosses alone can be daunting. So, naturally, many Tarnished turn to summoning – be it fellow players or spectral allies – for aid. But here’s the rub: while summoning definitely provides extra firepower and can act as a distraction, it also impacts boss difficulty. Yes, summoning other players in Elden Ring does make bosses harder. The health and resistance of the boss increase significantly. However, summoning Spirit Ashes (NPCs or AI controlled allies) does NOT increase the boss’s health or resistances. Let’s delve into the specifics and address the common misconceptions surrounding summoning in Elden Ring.
The Two Sides of Summoning: Players vs. Spirits
The critical distinction to understand is between summoning human players for co-op and summoning Spirit Ashes. They function very differently, and their impact on boss encounters varies greatly.
-
Co-op with Players: When you summon other players to assist you in a boss fight, the game adjusts the boss’s stats to compensate for the increased number of combatants. Primarily, this involves a significant increase in the boss’s health pool and, to a lesser extent, their resistances. In other words, you’re essentially trading a tougher boss for the benefits of having allies who can deal damage, draw aggro, and potentially revive you.
-
Spirit Ashes (NPC Summons): Spirit Ashes are a staple of Elden Ring, providing single-player players a unique advantage. Unlike summoning player-controlled allies, summoning Spirit Ashes does not increase the boss’s health, damage, or resistances. This makes them an invaluable tool for solo players looking to even the odds, offering additional damage, crowd control, and crucial distractions.
The Health Scaling Mechanic in Detail
The exact amount that a boss’s health increases when summoning co-op partners depends on the number of players summoned. Here’s a general breakdown:
- One Player Summoned: Boss health typically increases by around 60%, and resistances increase by around 50%.
- Two Players Summoned: The health increase is even more substantial, often exceeding 100% (doubling the boss’s original health). Resistances also see a further increase.
This scaling mechanic is designed to prevent co-op from trivializing boss encounters. The idea is that the increased damage output and strategic advantages provided by multiple players should be balanced by a tougher, more resilient boss.
Why This Matters: Strategic Considerations
Understanding how summoning affects boss difficulty is crucial for making informed decisions about your approach to combat. Are you confident enough in your skills to tackle a boss alone, or would you prefer the safety net of co-op, even if it means facing a stronger opponent?
Here are some factors to consider:
- Your Build: A well-optimized build focused on dealing high damage might be better suited for solo play, as you can quickly burn down a boss’s health bar before they have a chance to overwhelm you.
- Boss Weaknesses: If a boss has a specific elemental weakness or vulnerability to a particular status effect, capitalizing on it can be easier in solo play, as you don’t have to coordinate your attacks with other players.
- Learning the Moveset: Solo play forces you to learn a boss’s attack patterns thoroughly. While co-op can provide distractions, it can also hinder your ability to understand the nuances of a boss’s behavior.
- Friendship Goals: Sometimes the goal is not to simply win the fight but to learn and play cooperatively with a friend. In such cases, even if the fight is harder, the goal has been achieved. The Games Learning Society studies exactly these types of collaborative activities in games and designs improved learning experiences.
- Personal Playstyle: Are you a seasoned Soulsborne veteran who thrives on the challenge of solo combat, or do you prefer the social aspect and cooperative experience of playing with others?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of summoning in Elden Ring:
1. Does summoning an NPC (Spirit Ash) make the boss harder?
No, summoning Spirit Ashes, such as the Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche, does not increase the boss’s health, damage, or resistances. They serve as helpful allies without directly scaling the boss’s difficulty.
2. Why does the boss feel harder with summons sometimes?
Even if bosses don’t get a HP boost from spirit ashes, the AI of the boss will change during play, and the adds will provide advantages the single player would not be able to experience.
3. Does being invaded affect boss health?
No, being invaded by another player does not affect the health or stats of any bosses in the area. Invasions are a separate mechanic unrelated to boss scaling.
4. What happens if a summoned player dies during a boss fight?
If a summoned player dies during a boss fight, they are returned to their world, and the boss’s health remains the same. The boss does not lose any health it gained from the summoning.
5. Can I summon both players and Spirit Ashes simultaneously?
No, you can only summon either players or Spirit Ashes, not both at the same time. You must choose which type of assistance you prefer for a given boss encounter.
6. Are there any downsides to summoning players besides increased boss health?
Yes, summoned players receive a slight decrease to their stats and have their Flasks (healing potions) halved. This is to prevent high-level players from completely trivializing the experience for lower-level hosts.
7. What are the best Spirit Ashes to use against bosses?
The “best” Spirit Ash depends on the boss and your playstyle, but some consistently strong choices include:
- Black Knife Tiche: High damage, excellent mobility, and reduces enemy max HP.
- Mimic Tear: Copies your character and weapon build, offering versatile support.
- Lhutel The Headless: Durable, aggressive, and inflicts Frostbite.
8. Can I use summons against all bosses?
Yes, you can summon players or Spirit Ashes for almost all bosses in Elden Ring. The only exceptions are specific boss fights designed as solo encounters.
9. Does killing a boss prevent me from summoning in that area afterward?
Yes, defeating a major boss in an area typically prevents you from summoning players for co-op in that specific area. However, you can still summon Spirit Ashes. This mechanic prevents players from continually farming bosses in co-op.
10. Do I get fewer runes if I defeat a boss with summons?
No, you do not get fewer runes for defeating a boss with summons. The rune reward is the same regardless of whether you fight the boss solo or with assistance. In fact, in co-op, you’ll get runes for killing enemies as a phantom, without all the risks associated with exploring the open world!
11. How does level scaling work in co-op?
Elden Ring uses a sophisticated level-scaling system to balance co-op play. Higher-level summoned players will have their stats temporarily reduced to match the host’s level, preventing them from being overly dominant.
12. Can I respec my character to better suit co-op play?
Yes, you can respec your character’s stats multiple times in Elden Ring by using Larval Tears. This allows you to optimize your build for co-op if you prefer playing with others.
13. What are the best weapons for co-op in Elden Ring?
Weapons that deal high damage, inflict status effects (like Bleed or Frostbite), or provide support buffs are generally excellent choices for co-op. Some popular options include katanas, greatswords, and weapons with unique weapon skills.
14. Is Elden Ring easier with summons?
This is a complex question. While summons provide extra damage and distractions, the increased boss health can make the fight longer and more challenging. Ultimately, whether summoning makes the game easier depends on your skill level, build, and playstyle.
15. Does summoning affect invasions?
Yes, summoning players makes you more susceptible to invasions. When you summon other players, you open your world to potential invaders. This is a risk-reward tradeoff, as co-op assistance comes with the possibility of being interrupted by hostile players.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Tarnished
The decision of whether or not to summon in Elden Ring is ultimately a personal one. There’s no right or wrong way to play the game. Understanding the mechanics of summoning – how it affects boss difficulty, its advantages and disadvantages – allows you to make informed choices that align with your preferences and goals. Embrace the freedom to experiment, adapt, and forge your own path through the Lands Between. Whether you choose to brave the challenges alone or with allies, may your journey be filled with triumph and discovery.
And, remember, learning and collaboration are key to success, both in Elden Ring and in life. Organizations like the GamesLearningSociety.org study the educational and social benefits of games, providing valuable insights into how we can learn and grow through play.