How to Get Your First Summon in Elden Ring: A Tarnished’s Guide
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So, you’ve arrived in the Lands Between, a vast and unforgiving world teeming with formidable foes. You’ve likely heard whispers of powerful allies, spectral companions that can aid you in your perilous journey. You are wondering How do you get the first summon Elden Ring? The answer lies in a chance encounter and a simple act of kindness. You obtain your first summon, the Lone Wolf Ashes, and the means to summon them, the Spirit Calling Bell, by speaking to the witch Renna at the Church of Elleh shortly after obtaining your spectral steed, Torrent. This seemingly simple interaction unlocks a game-changing mechanic that can significantly ease your early struggles.
The Quest for Spectral Allies: Finding Renna
The path to your first summon begins after you’ve gained the ability to summon Torrent. This event is triggered by visiting three Sites of Grace in Limgrave and then returning to the Gatefront ruins. Melina will appear and offer you a pact, granting you the Spectral Steed Whistle.
Once you have Torrent, fast travel back to the Church of Elleh. This is the same church where you initially met the Merchant Kale. Assuming you’ve arrived at nighttime, you should find a new NPC, Renna, sitting on the wall near the entrance. She introduces herself as a witch, though she’s later revealed to be Ranni the Witch.
The Crucial Dialogue
Engage in a conversation with Renna. She’ll ask you if you can summon Torrent. Answering “yes” is crucial. If you answer “no,” you won’t receive the items. Upon confirming you can summon your spectral steed, she will gift you the Spirit Calling Bell and the Lone Wolf Ashes. She will disappear after giving you these items. These items enable you to summon spirits to fight alongside you in specific areas.
How Summons Can Help
Summons serve as distractions, dealing damage, and generally making difficult encounters more manageable. Early on, the Lone Wolves provide excellent support, overwhelming enemies with their numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Summoning in Elden Ring
Here are fifteen frequently asked questions to help you understand Elden Ring’s summoning mechanics better:
1. When Can You First Summon in Elden Ring?
You can summon spirits as soon as you receive the Spirit Calling Bell and Spirit Ashes from Renna at the Church of Elleh, after acquiring Torrent. A white gravestone icon will appear on the bottom left of your screen when spirit summoning is available.
2. How Do I Get the Spirit Calling Bell if I Miss Renna?
If you miss Renna at the Church of Elleh, don’t worry. You can purchase the Spirit Calling Bell from the Twin Maiden Husks merchant at the Roundtable Hold later in the game.
3. Can You Summon Friends at the Beginning of Elden Ring?
No, you cannot summon friends immediately. You need to progress enough to acquire the Tarnished’s Furled Finger, found on a corpse in the Stranded Graveyard near the lift to The First Step, to leave a summon sign.
4. What are the Requirements to Summon Someone in Elden Ring?
To place a summon sign for cooperative play, you need the Tarnished’s Furled Finger. To see summon signs, you often need to use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy. Keep an eye out for Summoning Pools, marked by small effigies, as these areas often see a lot of summoning activity.
5. Do You Need the Spirit Calling Bell to Summon Spirits?
Yes, the Spirit Calling Bell is essential. Although your character automatically uses the bell when you activate a Spirit Ash, you must possess the bell in your inventory.
6. How Do I Activate the Summoning Bell?
You don’t actively “activate” the Spirit Calling Bell. Equip the Spirit Ashes you wish to use to your item slots or pouch. When you use the Spirit Ashes, your character automatically rings the Spirit Calling Bell, summoning the corresponding spirit.
7. What is the Best Early Game Summon in Elden Ring?
Early game, the Lone Wolf Ashes you receive from Renna are an excellent choice. They provide multiple targets for enemies to focus on, giving you breathing room. The Jellyfish Ashes are also surprisingly effective, as they can tank damage well.
8. What is a Summoning Pool?
Summoning Pools are locations where players can easily find co-op and hostile summoning signs. They are marked by small effigies, called Effigies of the Martyr. Interacting with these effigies activates the pool.
9. How Do You Unlock Summoning Ashes?
To unlock the ability to use Spirit Ashes, you need the Spirit Calling Bell. This item is given to you by Renna the Witch at the Church of Elleh or can be bought later at the Roundtable Hold.
10. How Do I Equip Spirit Ashes?
To equip Spirit Ashes, access your inventory, select the ashes you want to use, and choose “Equip to Pouch” or “Equip to Slots.” Then, use the equipped slot during gameplay when the white gravestone icon appears.
11. What Do I Do if Ranni is Not in Her Tower?
If Ranni (Renna) is not at the Church of Elleh, try resting at a Site of Grace to reset the area and check again. If she is still not there, you will need to buy the bell later in the game.
12. Are Gold Summon Signs Real Players?
Yes, gold summon signs indicate real players who are offering to help you. Red summon signs are also real players, but they want to engage in PvP combat.
13. Where can I find resources to learn more about the theory behind games?
The Games Learning Society website is a great resource for learning more about the educational and societal impacts of games. Visit them at GamesLearningSociety.org or https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
14. Can I only summon spirits during boss fights?
No. You can summon spirits in areas where the white gravestone icon is visible on the left side of the screen. This is not limited to boss arenas.
15. How much FP (Focus Points) do I need to summon Spirits?
The amount of FP required varies depending on the Spirit Ash. The Lone Wolf Ashes require a relatively small amount of FP, while more powerful summons demand a larger FP investment.
Mastering the art of summoning in Elden Ring is crucial for survival. By understanding the mechanics, acquiring the necessary items, and choosing the right spirit for the job, you’ll significantly increase your chances of conquering the challenges that await you in the Lands Between. Good luck, Tarnished!