Why Can’t I Be Summoned in Dark Souls 3? A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re eager to offer your blade to a fellow Ashen One, to brave the treacherous landscapes of Lothric together, but your summon sign seems to be ignored? The struggle is real. There are several reasons why you might not be getting summoned in Dark Souls 3. It’s rarely a single, straightforward issue, but rather a confluence of factors that need to be addressed. Let’s break down the primary culprits:
The most common reasons boil down to:
- Level and Weapon Upgrade Mismatch: Dark Souls 3 employs a matchmaking system that considers both your character level and your highest weapon upgrade level. If these don’t align with potential hosts in your current area, your sign simply won’t appear for them.
- Location, Location, Location: Some areas are simply less active than others, or players are moving through them too quickly for your sign to register. Popular boss areas are generally the best bet.
- Boss Status: If you’ve defeated the area boss, you can no longer be summoned in that area for cooperative play. This is a fundamental rule of Dark Souls multiplayer.
- Covenant Restrictions: Certain covenants, like the Watchdogs of Farron or Aldrich Faithful, automatically summon you to specific areas, often overriding your ability to place a white summon sign elsewhere.
- Connectivity Issues: A poor internet connection or problems with the Dark Souls 3 servers can prevent your sign from being visible to other players. Make sure to troubleshoot your connection.
- Password Complications: Using a password will only allow you to connect with players using that exact password. Double-check your password and ensure your friend is using the correct one.
- Ember Status: While you don’t need to be Embered to place your sign, hosts need to be Embered to see summon signs. This is a frequently overlooked requirement.
Delving Deeper: Factors Affecting Summoning
Now, let’s explore these reasons in greater detail:
Soul Level and Weapon Level Range
This is perhaps the most significant factor determining summon eligibility. Dark Souls 3 has a built-in matchmaking range based on Soul Level. As a rule of thumb, the game generally allows players within about 10 levels +/- 10% of each other to connect. So, a level 50 character could potentially connect with a level 40-60 character. This changes depending on if you use passwords or not.
Weapon level matchmaking also plays a vital role. The game checks the highest upgraded weapon you’ve ever possessed on that character, even if you aren’t currently using it. If your weapon upgrade level is significantly higher than the host’s, you might be outside their summoning range. As a summon your weapons will be capped to two weapon upgrade levels higher than the host’s highest weapon.
Area Boss Status
Once you defeat an area boss, you can no longer be summoned for cooperative play in that specific area. The game assumes that you’ve completed the content there. If you want to help others with a particular boss, you’ll need to do so before defeating it in your own world.
Covenant Auto-Summons
Covenants like the Watchdogs of Farron and Aldrich Faithful automatically summon you to defend specific areas against other players. When you’re subject to covenant summons you can’t place your own white sign. If you are having issues getting summoned for cooperation try unequipping covenant items and placing a white sign soapstone.
Connectivity and Server Status
The Dark Souls 3 servers have been periodically affected by issues. Always check online forums or social media for announcements regarding server outages or maintenance. If the servers are down, summoning will be impossible. Additionally, ensure your own internet connection is stable and that you aren’t experiencing any firewall issues that might be blocking the game’s access to the internet.
Password Matchmaking
The password matchmaking system overrides level and weapon restrictions, allowing you to connect with friends regardless of your level difference. However, it also severely downscales the summoned player’s stats to match the host’s level. This means that while you can play together, the higher-level player will be significantly weaker than usual. Ensure the password matches exactly including capitalization. If your friend is not receiving summons make sure they have cross region play enabled.
Embering Up
The host MUST be embered to see summon signs. This is a non-negotiable requirement. While you don’t need to be embered to place your sign, nobody will see it unless they are in their Embered form. Remind your friend to use an Ember or defeat a boss to restore their Embered status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Summoning in Dark Souls 3
Why can’t I see any summon signs at all?
You need to be Embered to see white and gold summon signs (for cooperation). Red and purple signs (for PvP) can be seen while unembered. Also, make sure the area boss is still alive.
How do I become Embered?
You can become Embered by using an Ember consumable, defeating a boss, or successfully assisting another player as a phantom.
What is the level range for summoning?
Generally, the level range is 10 levels +/- 10%. However, password matchmaking bypasses level restrictions. Remember that your level will be scaled down.
How does weapon upgrade level affect summoning?
The game matches you with players who have a similar highest weapon upgrade level. If yours is too high, fewer players will be able to see your sign. As a summon, your weapons will be capped to two weapon upgrade levels higher than the host’s highest weapon.
I’m using a password; why can’t my friend see my sign?
Make sure the password is entered correctly by both players (including capitalization). Ensure that both of you have “Matchmaking ON” and “Cross-Region Play” set to “Matchmaking ON” in the game settings.
Can I summon in areas where I’ve already defeated the boss?
No, you cannot summon for cooperative play in areas where you’ve defeated the boss. However, some covenants allow you to be summoned as an invader in those areas.
I’m in a covenant. Does that affect summoning?
Yes, certain covenants like Watchdogs of Farron and Aldrich Faithful will automatically summon you to their respective areas, preventing you from placing a white sign elsewhere. Unequip the covenant item to place a sign for cooperation.
My internet connection is good. Why am I still having trouble summoning?
Check the Dark Souls 3 server status. If the servers are down or undergoing maintenance, summoning will be affected. Make sure to enable UPnP in your router settings.
Can I summon NPCs offline?
Yes, NPC summon signs will appear near boss fog gates if one is available. You don’t need to be Embered to see NPC summon signs.
Why do I keep getting summoned as a Blue Sentinel?
If you are wearing the Blue Sentinels or Darkmoon Blades covenant item, you will be automatically summoned to help players who are invaded while wearing the Way of Blue covenant.
Is summoning considered cheating in Dark Souls 3?
No, summoning is an intended game mechanic. Use it as you see fit. The “git gud” mentality is best left in the archives. The Games Learning Society promotes inclusive gameplay and the appreciation of games as complex systems for all.
How do I use the White Sign Soapstone?
Simply equip the White Sign Soapstone from your inventory and use it in an area where summoning is allowed. Your character will perform an animation and leave a summon sign on the ground.
What if my sign appears but nobody summons me?
Some areas are less active than others. Try placing your sign near a bonfire or before a boss fog gate in a more popular area.
Can I be summoned while Hollow?
Yes, you can be summoned while Hollow, but the host needs to be Embered to see your sign.
The error message says “Unable to summon phantom.” What does that mean?
This typically means that the player you were trying to summon was summoned by someone else before you could successfully connect. Try again, or try summoning a different player.
By addressing these potential issues, you’ll significantly increase your chances of being summoned and lending your skills to those in need in the harsh world of Dark Souls 3. Good luck, Ashen One, and may the flames guide thee! You might also be interested in more articles on topics related to gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org.