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Why Can’t I See Summon Signs in Dark Souls 3? A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re diving into the treacherous world of Dark Souls 3, ready to tackle its fearsome bosses with the help of fellow players. But alas, the ground remains bare, devoid of those shimmering summon signs that promise camaraderie and assistance. Don’t despair, Ashen One! Several factors can prevent you from seeing those elusive signs, and understanding them is the key to unlocking the game’s vibrant cooperative multiplayer.

The most common reason you can’t see summon signs in Dark Souls 3 is that you are not Embered. Being Embered is the equivalent of being “human” in the original Dark Souls and is essential for participating in online multiplayer. You can become Embered by using an Ember item, defeating a boss, or successfully assisting another player as a phantom.

However, even if you’re Embered, other factors can prevent you from seeing summon signs:

Summon Sign Visibility setting: This setting, found in the network tab of the options menu, needs to be set to “Unrestricted”. If it’s set to “Restricted,” the game limits the number of summon signs you see on screen.
Password Matching: If you have a password set in the network options, you will only see summon signs from players using the same password. This is used for playing with specific friends.
Level and Weapon Upgrade Disparity: The game uses a matchmaking system based on your level and weapon upgrade level. If you’re significantly higher or lower level than other players in the area, you won’t see their signs.
Area Restrictions: You can’t summon players in areas where you’ve already defeated the boss. Similarly, some areas are restricted from summoning.
Online Connectivity Issues: Sometimes, the problem lies with your internet connection or the game’s servers.
Covenants: Some covenants affect summoning. For example, being in the Company of Champions (Dark Souls 2) blocks summons, but DS3 does not have a direct equivalent. However, being part of a covenant can affect the types of summons you see or prioritize certain invasions.

By carefully checking these points, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the issue, allowing you to finally summon those helpful allies or engage in thrilling PvP battles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly does it mean to be “Embered” in Dark Souls 3?

Being Embered is a temporary state in Dark Souls 3 that grants you increased HP and allows you to summon other players for cooperative play. It also makes you vulnerable to invasions by other players. When you die, you lose the Embered state and must use an Ember item to regain it.

2. How do I become Embered in Dark Souls 3?

You can become Embered in several ways:

Using an Ember item: This is the most common method.
Defeating a boss: Successfully defeating a boss automatically Embers you.
Helping another player defeat a boss as a phantom: If you are summoned to help another player and you succeed in defeating the boss together, you will return to your world Embered.

3. Where can I find Ember items in Dark Souls 3?

Ember items can be found throughout the game world, dropped by enemies, or purchased from certain merchants. They are more common in areas after boss fights.

4. What is “Summon Sign Visibility” and how does it affect my ability to summon?

The “Summon Sign Visibility” setting, located in the network tab of the options menu, controls the number of summon signs you can see at once. When set to “Restricted,” it limits the number of signs displayed to prevent your screen from becoming cluttered. Make sure this is set to “Unrestricted” to see all available signs.

5. How does password matching work in Dark Souls 3 summoning?

Password matching allows you to connect with specific friends by entering the same password in the network settings. When a password is set, you will only see summon signs from players using that same password, regardless of level differences. This is a great way to play with friends who are at different stages of the game.

6. How does level and weapon upgrade level affect summoning?

Dark Souls 3 uses a matchmaking system that considers both your character level and your weapon upgrade level. There is a range within which you can connect with other players. If you are significantly higher or lower level than other players in the area, or if your weapon upgrade level is vastly different, you won’t be able to see their summon signs. Websites can provide detailed level and weapon upgrade matchmaking calculators for precise information.

7. Can I summon players anywhere in Dark Souls 3?

No, there are some restrictions on where you can summon players:

Areas where the boss has already been defeated: Once you’ve defeated the boss of an area, you can no longer summon players there.
Specific locations: Some areas, like the Kiln of the First Flame prior to starting the final boss fight, are restricted from summoning.
Some Covenants zones: Some locations where a specific convenant takes place, such as Aldritch Faithful or Watchdogs of Farron will be much more diffcult to summon friendly phantoms.

8. What should I do if I suspect my internet connection is the problem?

Check your internet connection speed and stability.
Restart your router.
Ensure that your gaming platform (PlayStation, Xbox, or PC) is properly connected to the internet.
Check the Dark Souls 3 server status to see if there are any known issues.

9. What are covenants and how do they affect summoning?

Covenants are factions in Dark Souls 3 that players can join, offering different gameplay experiences and rewards. While some covenants, such as the Warriors of Sunlight, encourage cooperative play, others, like the Rosaria’s Fingers, focus on invasions. Being in a covenant can influence the types of summon signs you see and the frequency with which you are invaded.

10. I’m seeing a message saying “Summoning Failed”. What does this mean?

A “Summoning Failed” message indicates that the attempt to summon a player has failed. This can happen for several reasons:

The player you were trying to summon was summoned by someone else first.
The player you were trying to summon disconnected.
There was a problem with your internet connection or the game servers.

11. What is the difference between gold and red summon signs?

Gold summon signs indicate players who are willing to help you fight enemies and bosses in your world.
Red summon signs indicate players who want to engage in PvP combat with you. Interacting with a red summon sign will bring that player into your world as an invader.

12. I can’t see any summon signs, but my friend can. What could be the issue?

Compare your game settings, levels, weapon upgrade levels, and areas. Make sure you both are Embered, have the same password setting (or no password), and are in the same area where summoning is allowed. Also, verify that you’re both online and have stable internet connections.

13. What is a Dried Finger and how does it affect summoning?

The Dried Finger is an item that removes summoning restrictions and increases the number of players that can be summoned into your world. It also increases the likelihood of being invaded. Using a Dried Finger can be helpful for players who want to engage in more chaotic multiplayer experiences.

14. What should I do if I suspect I have been banned from Dark Souls 3?

If you suspect you have been banned, check the game’s main menu. A message stating that you have been penalized will appear instead of the patch notes. Bans are usually due to cheating or hacking, or any modification to the game’s files.

15. How does the Games Learning Society relate to Dark Souls 3?

While seemingly unrelated, the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) explores how games can be powerful tools for learning and skill development. Even in challenging games like Dark Souls 3, players develop problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and resilience. The GamesLearningSociety.org studies and promotes the educational potential of games across various disciplines. The patience and dedication required to master Dark Souls 3 can translate into valuable real-world skills.

By understanding these factors and troubleshooting steps, you can overcome the frustration of not seeing summon signs and fully enjoy the collaborative and competitive multiplayer aspects of Dark Souls 3. Good luck, Ashen One, and may the flames guide thee!

Why can’t I see summon signs Dark Souls 3?