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Unveiling the Secrets of Summon Signs in Dark Souls 2: A Comprehensive Guide

Seeing summon signs in Dark Souls 2 is essential for both cooperative play and player-versus-player (PvP) interactions. To reliably see summon signs, you must be in human form. This is achieved by using a Human Effigy. Once human, summon signs, typically white for cooperative summons and red for duels, will appear on the ground in areas where summoning is permitted. Other factors can influence summon sign visibility, which will be explained in detail within this article.

Understanding the Basics of Summoning

Summoning in Dark Souls 2 is a core mechanic that allows players to team up to tackle challenging areas and bosses or engage in organized PvP battles. The system, while straightforward in principle, is governed by several factors that determine who can summon whom. Mastering these nuances will significantly enhance your Dark Souls 2 experience, providing access to valuable assistance or thrilling combat encounters. Understanding how Soul Memory impacts summoning is critical, as it defines the range of players with whom you can connect, ensuring fair and balanced gameplay.

Becoming Human: The Key to Seeing Summon Signs

The primary requirement for seeing summon signs is being in human form. In Dark Souls 2, unlike some other Souls games, you begin as hollow, or undead. To revert to human form, you must consume a Human Effigy. Human Effigies are relatively rare items that can be found throughout the game world, dropped by certain enemies, or purchased from specific vendors.

Once you consume a Human Effigy, your character will revert to their human appearance, and you’ll be able to see summon signs on the ground. Being human also makes you susceptible to invasions by other players, adding an element of risk and excitement to your journey.

Soul Memory: Matching Players for Summoning

Dark Souls 2 uses a unique matchmaking system called Soul Memory. Soul Memory tracks the total number of souls a player has acquired throughout their entire playthrough, including souls spent on leveling up, purchasing items, and repairing equipment. This total is used to match players for summoning and invasions, ensuring that players of similar progression levels are connected.

To summon or be summoned by another player, your Soul Memory must fall within a certain range. This range expands as your Soul Memory increases, allowing you to connect with a wider pool of players as you progress through the game. There are online calculators and charts that can help you determine the appropriate Soul Memory range for your current level and intended co-op partner.

Covenants: Affecting Summon Sign Visibility

Certain covenants in Dark Souls 2 can impact your ability to see or use summon signs. Notably, joining the Company of Champions covenant disables all forms of online play, including summoning. If you are struggling to see summon signs, double-check that you are not a member of this covenant. You can leave the covenant by speaking to Crestfallen Saulden in Majula.

Other covenants, such as the Blue Sentinels and the Brotherhood of Blood, primarily affect PvP interactions and may alter the appearance or availability of certain types of summon signs.

Troubleshooting Summon Sign Visibility

Even if you are in human form and your Soul Memory is within the appropriate range, you may still encounter issues seeing summon signs. Several factors can contribute to this problem, and systematically addressing each potential cause is the key to resolving it.

Checking Your Network Settings

Ensure that your network connection is stable and that you are properly connected to the Dark Souls 2 servers. Issues with your internet connection can prevent summon signs from appearing. Additionally, check your NAT type. A strict NAT type can limit your ability to connect with other players. A moderate or open NAT type is generally required for seamless online play.

Area Restrictions and Boss Status

Summon signs will only appear in areas where the area boss is still alive. Once you defeat the boss of a particular area, summon signs will no longer appear in that area. This is to prevent players from endlessly farming souls and items in already cleared zones.

Placement of Summon Signs

Summon signs are typically placed near bonfires or before boss fog gates. However, players can place their summon signs in various locations throughout an area. If you are struggling to find summon signs, try exploring thoroughly and checking common summoning spots.

Level Gating

If you are using the Name-Engraved Ring, double-check that both you and the person you are trying to summon have selected the same god. This ring narrows the Soul Memory range to facilitate summoning between friends but requires both players to be wearing the ring with the same engraved god.

Summoning NPCs

NPC summon signs usually appear near the boss fog gates. You need to be in human form to see these summon signs. You may also need to fulfill certain conditions or talk to specific NPCs before their summon signs will appear.

The Power of Small White Sign Soapstone

The Small White Sign Soapstone has some unique use cases, such as farming Sunlight Medals and being able to be summoned, even with the boss defeated. If you use this item, you will be summoned to help players in smaller areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding summon signs in Dark Souls 2, aiming to address specific scenarios and provide practical solutions.

Why can’t I see any summon signs even though I’m human?
- Double-check that you are not in the Company of Champions covenant. Make sure the area boss is alive. Ensure that your Soul Memory is within the appropriate range for the area and the other players you are trying to connect with. Verify your network connection and NAT type.
How do I check my Soul Memory?
- Your Soul Memory is displayed in the player status screen. This screen can be accessed through the game’s main menu.
What is the ideal Soul Memory range for summoning my friend?
- Use an online Soul Memory calculator to determine the appropriate range based on your respective Soul Memory values. The Name-Engraved Ring can help narrow this range.
Can I summon multiple phantoms at once?
- Yes, you can summon multiple phantoms, up to a maximum of three, depending on the area and your covenant affiliation.
Do summon signs disappear after a certain time?
- Yes, summon signs can disappear for several reasons. If the player who placed the sign is summoned by someone else, their sign will disappear. If the player disconnects from the game, their sign will also disappear.
Why are some summon signs gold?
- Gold summon signs indicate players who are members of the Heirs of the Sun covenant. These players are focused on cooperative play and are rewarded with Sunlight Medals for assisting others in defeating bosses.
Can I summon someone if I’ve already defeated the area boss?
- No, summon signs will not appear in areas where the boss has been defeated, unless you use a Small White Sign Soapstone.
How does the Name-Engraved Ring affect summoning?
- The Name-Engraved Ring reduces the range of Soul Memory needed to summon other players. Both players must be wearing the ring and have selected the same god for it to work.
Where are the best places to look for summon signs?
- The most common places to find summon signs are near bonfires, before boss fog gates, and in areas known for high player activity.
What does it mean if I see a red summon sign?
- Red summon signs indicate players who want to engage in PvP. Summoning a red phantom will initiate a duel.
Can I summon NPCs in Dark Souls 2?
- Yes, you can summon NPCs in certain areas. You must be in human form to see their summon signs. These signs typically appear near boss fog gates.
Do I need to be online to see NPC summon signs?
- No, you do not need to be online to see NPC summon signs. These signs are part of the game’s single-player content.
Why can’t my friend see my summon sign even though we have the same Soul Memory?
- Ensure that both of you have a stable network connection and compatible NAT types. Double-check that you are both using the Name-Engraved Ring with the same engraved god. The ring needs to be active on both of you.
Can I be summoned without being human?
- No, you cannot be summoned if you are hollow. You must be in human form to place your summon sign.
What happens if I disconnect while being summoned?
- If you disconnect while being summoned, the summoning process will fail for the host player. You may also be penalized with a temporary ban from online play.

Conclusion: Mastering Summoning in Dark Souls 2

Effectively utilizing the summoning system in Dark Souls 2 can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, whether you’re seeking assistance with challenging bosses or engaging in thrilling PvP battles. By understanding the requirements for summon sign visibility, troubleshooting common issues, and familiarizing yourself with the nuances of Soul Memory and covenants, you can maximize your interactions with other players and fully immerse yourself in the world of Drangleic. The Games Learning Society studies how games facilitate learning and engagement, principles evident in the intricate mechanics of Dark Souls 2. Explore more about their mission at GamesLearningSociety.org.

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