Unlocking Cooperation: A Comprehensive Guide to Summoning in Bloodborne

So, you’re ready to brave the nightmare that is Yharnam, but you’d rather not do it alone? Excellent choice, Hunter! Bloodborne’s cooperative multiplayer system can be a tremendous asset, turning seemingly insurmountable challenges into exhilarating victories. But like everything in FromSoftware’s masterpiece, summoning has its own set of rules and nuances.

The core rule is this: to summon another player, you must be in an area where the boss is still alive. You’ll also need to have at least one Insight and the Beckoning Bell, purchased from the Messengers in the Hunter’s Dream after acquiring your first Insight. The summon range is 20 levels +20% of your level. Finally, remember that Co-Operative Play is limited to a maximum level range matching system, roughly 30-40 levels difference. Let’s dive into the specifics!

Understanding the Essentials of Bloodborne Summoning

Before you start frantically ringing bells, let’s break down the fundamental elements of Bloodborne’s summoning system:

• Insight is Key: Summoning isn’t free. Every attempt to summon a player using the Beckoning Bell will cost you one Insight. Insight is acquired by discovering new areas, encountering bosses, and consuming Madman’s Knowledge. Keep an eye on the little eye icon in the top right of your screen.
• The Beckoning Bell and Small Resonant Bell: These are your two primary tools for cooperative play. The Beckoning Bell is used by the host, the player seeking assistance. The Small Resonant Bell is used by the guest, the player offering help. Remember, ringing the Small Resonant Bell first and then having the host use the Beckoning Bell often leads to faster connections.
• Location, Location, Location: You can only summon in areas where the boss is still alive. Once you’ve vanquished the boss of a particular zone, the Beckoning Bell will be greyed out, preventing you from summoning. This also applies to areas with no boss at all.
• Password Power: Want to play with a specific friend? Passwords are your solution! By setting the same password in the game’s network settings, you can bypass the level restrictions and summon a specific player, regardless of level differences. Be aware, however, that if the level difference is significant, the summoned player will be downscaled to maintain balance.
• Network Settings: To ensure you’re connecting with friends, double-check your network settings. The “Local” setting is generally recommended for playing with players in your immediate vicinity, while the “Worldwide” setting expands your search.
• Level Matters (Usually): Without a password, Bloodborne uses a level range system to match players. The exact formula is 20 levels + 20% of your level. This means a level 50 player can summon players between level 20 and level 80.

Summoning Etiquette and Tips

Beyond the technical requirements, a few unwritten rules can improve your Bloodborne summoning experience:

• Be Patient: Summoning isn’t always instantaneous. Server load, player availability, and network conditions can all affect connection times. Be prepared to wait a few minutes, and try re-ringing the bell if you encounter long delays.
• Communicate (If Possible): Bloodborne doesn’t have in-game voice chat, but using messaging services like PlayStation’s party chat can significantly improve coordination, especially during challenging boss fights.
• Respect the Host: As a summoned player, your primary role is to assist the host. Follow their lead, protect them from danger, and don’t wander off on your own.
• Be Prepared for Invasions: Using the Beckoning Bell also makes you vulnerable to invasions from other players using the Sinister Resonant Bell. Be ready for a PvP encounter!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bloodborne Summoning

Let’s address some common questions and concerns related to Bloodborne’s summoning system:

H3 1. When can you start summoning in Bloodborne?

You can start summoning in Bloodborne after you’ve obtained your first point of Insight. You’ll then need to purchase the Beckoning Bell from the Messengers in the Hunter’s Dream.

H3 2. Why can’t I summon anyone in Bloodborne?

Several reasons could prevent summoning: You might be in an area where the boss is already defeated, or an area without a boss. You might not have any Insight. Your level might be outside the summon range of other available players. There could also be network issues.

H3 3. What are the co-op restrictions in Bloodborne?

The primary restrictions are the need for Insight, the level range (20 levels + 20% of your level), and the fact that you can only summon in areas where the boss is alive.

H3 4. Are bosses harder in co-op in Bloodborne?

Yes. Boss health scales up based on the number of players in the party. While regular enemies might be slightly tougher, bosses become significantly more challenging, demanding greater coordination and strategy. Bosses become 2.5x harder with another player in the game.

H3 5. Why won’t my Beckoning Bell work in Bloodborne?

The most common reason is that you’ve already defeated the boss in the area. If the bell is greyed out, you can’t use it.

H3 6. Why can’t I ring the Small Resonant Bell in Bloodborne?

You can only use the Small Resonant Bell in areas with a boss. The Hunter’s Dream, for example, is a safe zone where you can’t offer assistance.

H3 7. Why is my Beckoning Bell greyed out?

The game will visually grey out the Beckoning Bell in areas where you can’t summon. This means there’s no boss alive to summon help for.

H3 8. Is there a level gap for summoning in Bloodborne?

Yes, without a password. The co-op summon range is 20 levels + 20% of your level.

H3 9. What does the eye icon mean in Bloodborne?

The eye icon represents your Insight stat. This stat is needed to ring the Beckoning Bell, purchase items from Insight vendors, and see certain enemies and environmental details.

H3 10. Why does it take so long to summon in Bloodborne?

Several factors can cause delays. Server load, the number of players in the area, and network conditions all play a role. Your blood level might be to low/high for that area or no one is trying to do coop.

H3 11. Can you use the Beckoning Bell in Chalice Dungeons?

Yes, you can. Chalice Dungeons follow the same summoning rules as the main game.

H3 12. How do you summon an invader in Bloodborne?

Invasions are initiated using the Sinister Resonant Bell, purchased from the Insight Merchant. Ringing this bell will search for a world to invade.

H3 13. Do Bell Maidens Respawn in Bloodborne?

Bell Maidens that spawn when you ring your Beckoning Bell will respawn if you leave the area and ring a bell again when coming back. They only spawn if the area boss is alive.

H3 14. Does Password Summoning Remove Level Restrictions in Bloodborne?

Yes, password summoning removes level restrictions, but much higher level summons will be downscaled.

H3 15. What Network setting should i use in Bloodborne to play with friends?

Use relatively creative passwords with numbers in them and stay on Local Network settings to ensure Coop with friends access.

Embrace the Hunt, Together

Bloodborne’s summoning system, while sometimes complex, offers a rewarding way to experience the game with friends or fellow hunters. By understanding the rules, respecting summoning etiquette, and utilizing passwords when needed, you can overcome the challenges of Yharnam and emerge victorious. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and remember, a hunter is never truly alone.

For those interested in exploring the educational potential of games like Bloodborne, the Games Learning Society offers a wealth of resources and insights. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.