Why Can’t I Be Summoned in Dark Souls? A Soulful Guide to Troubleshooting
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So, you’re eager to offer your blade to fellow travelers in the treacherous world of Dark Souls, but your summon sign remains stubbornly absent. Fear not, Ashen One! This guide is designed to unravel the mysteries of summoning and identify the common culprits preventing you from being summoned. The reasons why you’re not being summoned in Dark Souls are multifaceted, but usually revolve around a few key elements:
- Humanity/Ember Status: This is the cardinal rule. In Dark Souls, you must be in human form (reversed hollowing) to summon or be summoned. In Dark Souls 3, you need to be Embered. These are your upgraded forms, granting increased health and the ability to interact with online phantoms. If you’re hollow, no one can see your sign.
- Boss Alive: The area boss MUST still be alive in the area where you’re trying to be summoned. Once a boss is defeated, that area becomes effectively closed off to summoning. There are exceptions, such as covenant-specific areas, but as a general rule, no boss, no summons.
- Soul Level/Weapon Level Range: Dark Souls employs a matchmaking system based on your Soul Level and, in some games, the upgrade level of your weapons. If you’re significantly outside the summon range of potential hosts, your sign won’t appear for them.
- Network Issues: Connection problems can wreak havoc on your online experience. Make sure your internet connection is stable, and check your NAT type (Network Address Translation). Incompatible NAT types can prevent you from connecting with other players.
- Password Matching (if applicable): If you are attempting to connect using a password, ensure both you and the host have the SAME EXACT PASSWORD entered correctly in the game’s settings. Mismatched passwords will prevent you from seeing each other’s signs.
- Covenants: Certain covenants can restrict summoning. The Covenant of Champions in Dark Souls 2, for example, prevents summoning altogether. Review your equipped covenant item and its effects.
- Location: Where you place your summon sign matters. Areas near bonfires, common pathways, or just outside boss fog gates are generally the most frequented spots, maximizing your chances of being summoned.
- Server Connectivity: Dark Souls uses dynamic servers, meaning that you and a friend might be on different servers at different times. Even if you’re in the same location, if you’re not on the same server, your signs won’t appear.
- Glitches and Bugs: While rare, unforeseen glitches or bugs within the game can sometimes interfere with summoning. Restarting your game or console is an important step for troubleshooting.
Addressing these factors will dramatically increase your chances of being summoned and enjoying the co-operative gameplay that Dark Souls has to offer. Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to further clarify the summoning mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Summoning in Dark Souls
1. Do I have to be human to get summoned in Dark Souls?
Yes, absolutely! In Dark Souls 1 and Dark Souls: Remastered, you MUST be in human form to be summoned. This requires using Humanity at a bonfire and selecting “Reverse Hollowing.” In Dark Souls 3, you need to be Embered, which is achieved by using an Ember, or defeating a boss.
2. Why can’t my friend see my summon sign in Dark Souls 1?
There are multiple possibilities. First, ensure both of you are in human form (or Embered in DS3) and that the area boss is still alive in the area where you’re trying to summon. Secondly, Dark Souls uses dynamically changing servers. Try having the summoner wait about 10 seconds and then re-place the summon sign. Finally, ensure you’re within the appropriate Soul Level range of each other.
3. Why can’t I summon my friend in Dark Souls 2?
Similar to Dark Souls 1, check that both players are human (use a Human Effigy) and the area boss is alive. The Soul Memory system in Dark Souls 2 can make connecting with friends difficult, but remember you can now connect with friends across distances with a few methods and items. Also, ensure you both have compatible NAT types. Incompatible NATs can severely limit your ability to connect online. Finally, make sure neither of you are in the Covenant of Champions, which disables summoning.
4. Why is my summon sign not showing up in Dark Souls 2?
Aside from the common reasons (hollowed form, dead boss), make absolutely sure you are NOT in the Covenant of Champions. This covenant will absolutely prevent summoning.
5. Where should I place my summon sign in Dark Souls Remastered?
The best locations are generally near bonfires or just outside the boss fog gate. Popular spots include next to the side steps of the Parish Church or right outside Capra Demon’s fog gate. Areas that are obviously close to the boss and easily accessible tend to be best.
6. What is the level gap for summoning in Dark Souls?
The formula for Soul Level matchmaking varies slightly between games, but generally follows the same logic. Here’s the rule for DS1 & DSR: X +/- (10 + 10% of X). So, if you’re level 50, you can summon or be summoned by players between level 35 and 65. Dark Souls 3 uses a similar, but distinct formula. It’s always best to check a Soul Level calculator specific to each Dark Souls version for complete precision.
7. Can you still summon in Dark Souls if you’re hollow?
No, you can only be summoned if you are in human form (Dark Souls 1, Remastered) or Embered (Dark Souls 3). When you’re hollow or unembered, you cannot see summon signs or place them yourself.
8. Can you summon NPCs offline in Dark Souls 1?
You can summon NPCs whether online or offline as long as you are human. Look for their summon signs near boss fog gates. The summon sign of an NPC will be white/yellow writing on the ground.
9. Why can’t I summon my friend in Dark Souls? I’m using a password!
Ensure that you and your friend have entered the EXACT same password, including capitalization and any special characters. Double-check for typos! Also, even with a password, you still need to be in human form/Embered and the area boss must still be alive. Password matching in Dark Souls Remastered allows infinite range in Soul Level and weapon level for summoning.
10. Do I need DSCM to summon people on PC in Dark Souls Remastered?
DSCM (Dark Souls Connection Meter) used to be crucial for improving matchmaking on the PC version of Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition. However, Dark Souls: Remastered has significantly improved its matchmaking capabilities, so DSCM is no longer generally necessary for summoning to function properly.
11. How does summoning work in Dark Souls remastered?
You need to be human and find a summon sign (either player or NPC) on the ground. If you’re on PC, Dark Souls Connection Meter can help. Remember, summoning only works in areas where the boss is still alive. Use your white sign soapstone to leave your sign and wait to be summoned.
12. Can you have more than one summon in Dark Souls?
Yes! In Dark Souls 1 and Dark Souls: Remastered, you can summon up to two phantoms to assist you. In the Remastered version, the online player count has been increased, thus you can summon up to 3 additional players.
13. What does the white soapstone do in Dark Souls?
The White Sign Soapstone is an invaluable item that allows you to leave your summon sign on the ground for other players to summon you for co-operative play. Acquiring this item is one of the first things you should do after Firelink Shrine.
14. What is the password matchmaking in Dark Souls Remastered?
Password matchmaking allows you to bypass the normal Soul Level and weapon level restrictions, enabling you to play with friends who are at drastically different levels. It’s found in the network settings, under “Password Matching.” This setting will then allow an infinite range for both levels.
15. Where do I get the summon sign in Elden Ring?
You’ll get the Tarnished’s Furled Finger (for leaving your sign) when you examine a Martyr Effigy. You can then leave a gold summon sign to play cooperative multiplayer, and other players can summon you as a Furled Finger.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you’ll significantly increase your chances of experiencing the rich co-op gameplay that Dark Souls has to offer. Remember, perseverance and a little troubleshooting go a long way in the world of Lordran! Now go forth, and may the flames guide thee.
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