Stuck in the Dark: Why Can’t I Summon in Dark Souls 1?
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So, you’re facing a formidable foe in Lordran, ready to call in some backup, but the summon signs are nowhere to be found? Don’t despair, fellow Undead! Summoning in Dark Souls 1 can be a bit finicky, but usually, it boils down to a few common culprits. You likely aren’t in human form, the area boss is already dead, your level is outside the summoning range, or there might be an issue with your network connection. Let’s delve into each of these possibilities and get you back to co-oping in no time.
The Cardinal Sins of Summoning: Why It Isn’t Working
Before you start smashing your controller against the wall (we’ve all been there), run through this checklist to identify the problem. Summoning in Dark Souls 1, while rewarding, is governed by strict rules, and overlooking just one can leave you stranded.
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Humanity is Key: This is the most common oversight. You must be in human form to summon other players or NPCs. You transition from Hollow to Human by reversing hollowing at a bonfire, which consumes one Humanity. Check the top-left corner of your screen. If you see a number next to the Humanity icon, you’re good to go. If it’s zero, reverse that hollowing, friend.
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Boss Down, Summons Out: Once you’ve defeated the area boss, you can no longer summon players in that area. This is because the game considers the area “complete.” Time to move on to the next challenge!
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Level Up, But Not Too Much: Dark Souls 1 uses a level range system to match players for co-op. If your level is significantly higher or lower than other players in the area, you won’t see their summon signs. The general rule of thumb is that you can summon players within 10 levels +/- 10% of your current level. So, a level 50 character can summon players between levels 35 and 65 (approximately).
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Covenant of Champions: Joining the Covenant of Champions in Majula increases the game’s difficulty and prevents summoning. If you’ve accidentally joined this covenant, leave it immediately!
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Network Issues: Ensure your internet connection is stable and that you’re logged into the PlayStation Network or Xbox Live. A simple restart of your console or PC can sometimes resolve connectivity problems. Also, check if the Dark Souls 1 servers are online – occasional maintenance can disrupt online play.
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The White Soapstone is Mandatory for the Summons: Any summonable friend has to use the white soapstone to cast their summon sign on the ground to be able to join your game.
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Game Version Mismatch: Ensure that everyone wanting to play is on the same game version.
Troubleshooting Steps to Take
Alright, you’ve checked the basic requirements, and you’re still having trouble. Here are some additional troubleshooting steps:
- Restart Your Game and Console/PC: This is the classic “turn it off and on again” solution, but it often works wonders.
- Check Your Summoning Location: Summon signs typically appear near bonfires or before boss fog gates. Don’t wander too far from these areas.
- Look Closely: Summon signs can be small and easily overlooked. Make sure you’re scanning the ground carefully.
- Try a Different Location: Sometimes, summon signs are more prevalent in certain areas. Experiment with different bonfires and boss approaches.
- Use a Password (Dark Souls Remastered): If you’re playing Dark Souls Remastered, use the password matching system to connect directly with your friends. This bypasses the level range restrictions and makes it easier to play together.
- Make sure you are online: Make sure that in game you are not set to offline.
NPCs: The Lone Wolves Who Need Your Help
Don’t forget that Dark Souls 1 also features NPC summons! These can be incredibly helpful for tough boss fights. However, summoning NPCs also has its own set of requirements:
- Human Form is Still Needed: Just like with player summons, you need to be in human form.
- NPC Availability: Some NPCs are only available for specific boss fights, and their availability might depend on your progress in their questlines.
- Check Near the Fog Gate: NPC summon signs typically appear right before the boss fog gate.
The Importance of Community and Learning
Dark Souls 1 can be a challenging game, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the community. Websites, forums, and online communities are filled with experienced players who are eager to share their knowledge. Learning from others and sharing your own experiences is a key part of the Dark Souls experience. Organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, are dedicated to exploring the educational potential of games, including the collaborative and problem-solving aspects of titles like Dark Souls. They offer resources and insights that can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about summoning in Dark Souls 1:
1. Do I need Humanity to be summoned?
No, you don’t need to be in human form to be summoned by others. You can be hollowed and still place your summon sign using the White Sign Soapstone. However, being hollowed prevents you from summoning others.
2. What is the level gap for summoning in Dark Souls?
The level gap for summoning in Dark Souls is 10 levels plus or minus 10% of the host’s level.
3. Can you summon NPCs in Dark Souls offline?
No, you cannot summon NPCs offline. Summoning, whether it’s players or NPCs, requires you to be online and connected to the Dark Souls servers.
4. Can I summon at Firelink Shrine in Dark Souls 1?
There is no dedicated summoning area within Firelink Shrine itself for co-op purposes. You can, however, use the bonfire to reverse hollowing and prepare for summoning in other areas.
5. Why can’t I see any summon signs in the Undead Burg?
Make sure you’re in human form, the area boss is still alive, and that your level is within the summoning range of other players in the area. Also, ensure that you’re standing in a location where summon signs can appear (near the bonfire or before the Taurus Demon fog gate).
6. What level should I be at the end of Dark Souls 1?
Most players finish their first playthrough of Dark Souls 1 around level 75-100. However, this can vary depending on your playstyle and how much you explore.
7. Is it okay to summon in Dark Souls?
Absolutely! Summoning is a legitimate game mechanic in Dark Souls. The developers designed the game with co-op in mind, so don’t feel guilty about using it.
8. Do you need to be Embered to summon NPC?
The concept of being “Embered” is specific to Dark Souls 3. In Dark Souls 1, you only need to be in human form to summon NPCs.
9. What happens if a summoned NPC dies in Dark Souls?
If a summoned NPC dies during a boss fight, it doesn’t affect your ability to summon them again in future attempts, provided you meet the necessary requirements (human form, boss still alive, etc.). However, killing the NPC permanently will prevent you from summoning them.
10. What is the best starting class in Dark Souls 1?
The Pyromancer is often considered the best starting class in Dark Souls 1 due to its high damage output and versatility.
11. How do I become a human in Dark Souls?
You become human by using a Humanity item at a bonfire and selecting the “Reverse Hollowing” option.
12. Why can’t I summon my friend even with a password?
While the password system in Dark Souls Remastered bypasses level restrictions, make sure both of you have the same password entered correctly. Additionally, double-check that you’re both connected to the internet and on the same game version.
13. Can you summon in Dark Souls if the servers are down?
No, you cannot summon in Dark Souls if the servers are down, as summoning requires an active online connection.
14. Where can I find the White Sign Soapstone?
You obtain the White Sign Soapstone by talking to Solaire of Astora near the bonfire in Undead Burg, shortly after entering the area from the Undead Parish aqueduct.
15. I’ve tried everything, and I still can’t summon. What should I do?
If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps, consider reaching out to the Dark Souls community on forums or social media for assistance. There might be specific issues affecting your game that other players have encountered and resolved. It also doesn’t hurt to contact Bandai Namco support for official assistance.
Summoning in Dark Souls 1 can be a test of patience, but the rewards of co-op are well worth the effort. By understanding the game’s mechanics and troubleshooting common issues, you’ll be back to conquering Lordran with your friends in no time. Good luck, and don’t you dare go hollow!