Is it Fair to Use Summons in Elden Ring?
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.
Absolutely. The use of summons in Elden Ring is not only fair, but it’s an intended game mechanic designed to offer players flexibility in how they approach the game’s challenges. FromSoftware, the developers, deliberately included summons, both Spirit Ashes and cooperative multiplayer, as part of the core gameplay loop. To question their fairness is to misunderstand the design philosophy behind Elden Ring, which emphasizes player choice and accessibility.
Understanding Elden Ring’s Design Philosophy
Elden Ring departs from previous Souls games in several key ways. It embraces a vast open world, offers a multitude of playstyles, and provides an unprecedented level of customization. The inclusion of summons is directly tied to this philosophy. The Lands Between are a formidable place, teeming with powerful enemies and demanding bosses. Summons provide a means for players of varying skill levels to overcome these challenges, ensuring that more players can experience the entirety of the game.
Think of it this way: Elden Ring is a single-player game. Outside of willingly inviting co-op players, the game is a solo adventure and your decisions are just that – yours.
Summons as a Core Mechanic
The game practically throws summons at you from the get-go. The Spirit Calling Bell, which allows you to use Spirit Ashes, is acquired early. The game features countless Spirit Ashes, each with unique abilities and strengths. Even the boss arenas are designed with summoning in mind, often including specific areas where summons can be activated.
Radahn, a prominent demigod boss, is a prime example. The arena is littered with summon signs of various NPCs, explicitly encouraging the player to call for aid. This is not a bug or an unintended consequence; it’s a deliberate design choice. This is where the developers are signalling very strongly that summons are an expected, even desirable part of the experience.
The Spectrum of Difficulty and Player Agency
The beauty of Elden Ring lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of players. Some players revel in the challenge of soloing every boss, embracing the intense difficulty and sense of accomplishment. Others prefer to explore the world and enjoy the story without getting bogged down by frustrating encounters. Summons allow players to tailor their experience to their preferences. A player struggling with a particular boss can use summons to even the odds, while a seasoned veteran can choose to forgo them for a more challenging experience.
This spectrum of difficulty is a key element of player agency. Elden Ring offers numerous tools and strategies, and it’s up to the player to decide how to use them. There’s no “right” way to play the game, and judging others for their choices is antithetical to the spirit of the game. In fact, the Games Learning Society, advocates for understanding games as complex systems of learning and player agency, a principle clearly demonstrated within Elden Ring.
The Illusion of “Easy Mode”
Some argue that using summons trivializes the game and essentially constitutes an “easy mode.” While it’s true that summons can make certain encounters easier, they don’t eliminate the challenge entirely. Bosses in Elden Ring often have aggressive attack patterns, high damage output, and complex movesets. Even with summons, players still need to learn these patterns, manage their resources, and strategize effectively. Moreover, summoning other players increases the boss’s health and damage, potentially making the fight even more difficult for unprepared players. The game’s core challenge remains intact, regardless of whether or not summons are used.
Addressing Common Concerns About Summons
Despite the clear design intent, some players still harbor reservations about using summons. These concerns often stem from a sense of purism or a desire to adhere to an imagined “true” Souls experience. Let’s address some of these common concerns:
- “Using summons is cheating.” This is simply untrue. Summons are a built-in game mechanic, not a glitch or exploit.
- “It makes the game too easy.” Summons can certainly make some encounters easier, but they don’t eliminate the challenge entirely. The player still needs to be skillful and strategic.
- “It’s not a ‘real’ Souls experience.” Elden Ring is its own game, with its own design philosophy. It’s not meant to be a carbon copy of previous Souls games.
- “Soloing bosses is the only ‘valid’ way to play.” This is a subjective opinion, not an objective truth. Players should be free to play the game in whatever way they find enjoyable.
The Social Aspect of Elden Ring
Finally, it’s important to remember the social aspect of Elden Ring. Summoning other players for cooperative multiplayer is a fantastic way to connect with other gamers, share strategies, and overcome challenges together. It’s a collaborative experience that can be incredibly rewarding and enriching. Elden Ring is ultimately a game about exploration, discovery, and shared experiences.
In conclusion, the question of whether or not it’s fair to use summons in Elden Ring is a moot point. The developers have explicitly included them as part of the game’s design, and players should feel free to use them without guilt or judgment. The Lands Between are vast and challenging, and summons offer a valuable tool for navigating its perils. Embrace the freedom of choice, experiment with different strategies, and enjoy the game in your own way. Whether you choose to summon or not, Elden Ring offers a rich and rewarding experience for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Summons in Elden Ring
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to summons in Elden Ring, providing further clarity and guidance for players:
FAQ 1: Do Elden Ring bosses get harder if you summon other players?
Yes, summoning other players for cooperative multiplayer increases the boss’s health and damage. This is a trade-off, as having additional players can provide more firepower and strategic options but also makes the boss more formidable.
FAQ 2: Are you supposed to use summons against Radahn?
While not mandatory, Radahn’s boss fight is specifically designed with summons in mind. The arena is filled with summon signs, and Radahn’s attacks often target summons, making it a viable strategy to use them as a distraction.
FAQ 3: How often can you use summons in Elden Ring?
Spirit Ashes can only be summoned once per encounter and cannot be re-summoned after they die. Cooperative multiplayer summons can be used repeatedly, as long as the players are available and willing to be summoned.
FAQ 4: Can you use two Spirit Ashes at the same time?
No, only one type of Spirit Ash can be summoned at a time. Additionally, Spirit Ashes cannot be used during multiplayer sessions.
FAQ 5: What is the best summon for Malenia?
Black Knife Tiche is often considered one of the best summons for Malenia. Her dodging ability helps her avoid Malenia’s healing attacks, and her cursed blade move deals significant damage.
FAQ 6: Should I use summons against Radagon?
The choice is yours. However, Black Knife Tiche is also a solid choice for this fight. She can quickly close the distance and inflict substantial damage.
FAQ 7: What level should I be at Radahn?
It is recommended to be at least level 70 before fighting Radahn, with a powerful weapon suited to your chosen build.
FAQ 8: Is summoning making Malenia tougher?
Yes, while Malenia normally heals when her attacks hit the player, she also heals when she attacks summons in multiplayer. This is part of the trade-off of summons, providing benefit but also allowing her to restore HP even when failing to land a blow on you.
FAQ 9: What are the risks of using summons?
The main risk is that summoning other players increases the boss’s health and damage. Additionally, relying too heavily on summons can hinder your own development as a player.
FAQ 10: What is the highest damage summon in Elden Ring?
Mimic Tear is generally considered the highest damage summon, as it creates a clone of your character with all your equipment and abilities. Other powerful summons include Black Knife Tiche and Lhutel The Headless.
FAQ 11: Should you use Spirit Summons?
Yes, Spirit Summons are a valuable tool for overcoming challenges in Elden Ring. They can distract enemies, inflict damage, and provide valuable support. They can also be used by new players to assist with the challenge of learning the game.
FAQ 12: Can I use summons against Godrick?
Yes, you can use Spirit Summons or summon the NPC Nepheli Loux to help you against Godrick.
FAQ 13: Can you use summons against Morgott?
Yes, you can summon Melina for the Morgott boss battle. Her summon sign is located just outside the fog door.
FAQ 14: Can you summon for Red Wolf of Radagon?
There are no NPC summons available for the Red Wolf of Radagon, but you can use the Furlcalling Finger Remedy to summon other players.
FAQ 15: Can you use summons for Tree Sentinel?
Yes, consider summoning Tragoth and/or Millicent. They can provide decent damage and can take aggro away from you.
By addressing these common questions and concerns, it is hoped that players will feel more informed and empowered to make their own choices about using summons in Elden Ring. Remember, the goal is to have fun and enjoy the game! Learn more about the game mechanics at GamesLearningSociety.org.