Vanishing Allies: Understanding Why Summon Signs Disappear in Souls-Like Games

Have you ever been ready to tackle a tough boss in Elden Ring, Dark Souls, or another soul-crushing game, only to find the much-needed summon signs have vanished? It’s a frustrating experience familiar to many players. So, why do summon signs disappear? The disappearance of summon signs is often caused by various factors that revolve around the game’s multiplayer mechanics, area restrictions, and player status. A common reason is simply traversing beyond the designated summoning area; usually, progressing past a fog gate or warping to a different location will sever the connection. Additionally, being invaded before you are summoned will make your sign vanish to prevent conflict between the invader and co-op partners.

However, more nuanced factors are also at play, related to the level differences and weapon upgrade disparities between potential summons and hosts. Server-related problems and network configuration issues can also play a part. Finally, some summon signs appear to be in one place when they are not, so checking near where the boss is can sometimes reveal summon signs.

Let’s delve into the specific reasons in detail, covering each aspect from the perspective of a seasoned Souls veteran.

Understanding the Mechanics Behind Summon Signs

Summon signs aren’t just randomly placed beacons of hope; they are governed by a complex set of rules designed to maintain balance and prevent exploitation of the multiplayer system.

• Area Restrictions: Each area within these games, especially those preceding a boss fight, has a designated “summoning zone.” This zone is typically defined by the proximity to the boss’s fog gate. Once a player crosses that gate alone, intending to fight the boss, the summon signs in that area disappear. This is because the game assumes you’re no longer seeking assistance and are committed to solo play. Similarly, if you warp to another location using a bonfire or other means of fast travel, your summon sign, or the summon signs you see, will also vanish.

• Invasion Priority: The game prioritizes invasions over summoning. If you are invaded by another player, your active summon sign will immediately disappear. This is to prevent a situation where you could potentially summon allies during an invasion, turning a one-on-one fight into a lopsided battle. You’ll need to defeat the invader or use an item to prevent invasions before your sign will reappear.

• Level and Weapon Upgrade Restrictions: Many games employ a level range and weapon upgrade range system to prevent significant power imbalances between players. This means that players significantly higher or lower in level than the host, or those with vastly different weapon upgrade levels, will not be able to see or interact with each other’s summon signs. This system ensures a fair and challenging co-op experience.

• Covenants and Multiplayer Items: Your covenant allegiance and the multiplayer items you use can significantly impact your ability to see or place summon signs. Some covenants restrict summoning, while others enhance specific types of multiplayer interactions. For example, in some games, joining a specific covenant can prevent you from seeing summon signs placed by players not affiliated with the same covenant. Use items like the Furlcalling Finger Remedy in Elden Ring to reveal nearby summon signs.

• Server and Network Issues: Poor network connectivity or server outages can also cause summon signs to disappear or fail to appear altogether. These issues are often temporary, and restarting the game or checking your internet connection can resolve them. It’s also worth checking the game’s official forums or social media channels for any announcements regarding server maintenance or outages.

Addressing Common Scenarios and Solutions

Understanding the underlying mechanics is crucial, but applying that knowledge to real-world scenarios is even more important. Here’s a breakdown of common situations and how to troubleshoot them:

1. Check Your Location: Ensure you are within the designated summoning zone for the area. Stay close to the boss’s fog gate and avoid venturing too far away.

2. Verify Online Status: Double-check that you are properly connected to the game’s online servers. Look for indicators in the game’s menu or interface that confirm your online status.

3. Use the Correct Item: Confirm you are using the proper multiplayer item (e.g., Furlcalling Finger Remedy in Elden Ring) to reveal summon signs. Some games require specific items to enable summoning.

4. Consider Level and Weapon Range: Be mindful of your level and weapon upgrade level relative to other players in the area. Try leveling up or down to fall within the appropriate range for optimal summoning.

5. Deactivate Restrictive Covenants: If you are part of a covenant that restricts summoning, consider leaving the covenant temporarily to enable wider multiplayer interactions.

6. Restart the Game: A simple game restart can often resolve temporary glitches or connectivity issues that might be preventing summon signs from appearing.

7. Check Network Settings: Ensure your network settings are configured correctly, including proper firewall settings and port forwarding (if necessary).

Expert Tips for Reliable Summoning

Beyond the basic troubleshooting steps, here are some advanced tips to improve your summoning success rate:

• Communicate with Friends: If you’re trying to summon a specific friend, use a password to ensure you can connect regardless of level differences. Coordinate your location and actions to minimize potential disruptions.

• Monitor Server Status: Keep an eye on the game’s official channels for updates on server status and maintenance schedules. Avoid playing during peak hours if server congestion is a common issue.

• Be Patient: Summon signs can appear and disappear quickly, especially in popular areas. Be patient and keep an eye out for new signs appearing.

• Utilize Online Communities: Engage with online communities and forums dedicated to the game. These communities often provide valuable insights into summoning mechanics and troubleshooting tips.

• Understand Area Boss Status: Summon signs are only visible while the area boss is still alive. If the boss is defeated, summon signs will no longer appear.

Soulslike games are designed with cooperation in mind, however, they have become more enjoyable in communities such as the Games Learning Society where players meet up and discuss experiences. GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable insights for players, making the experience more enjoyable by solving issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do summon signs disappear in Elden Ring?

Yes, summon signs can disappear in Elden Ring for various reasons, including moving too far from the summoning area, being invaded, or due to network issues. Using a Furlcalling Finger Remedy reveals them, and their visibility is dependent on other players actively placing them.

2. Why does my soul sign keep disappearing?

A “soul sign” likely refers to a summon sign. It usually disappears when you move past a fog gate, warp to another area, or are invaded by another player.

3. Why can’t I see gold summon signs?

You need to use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy (or equivalent item in other games) to see summon signs. Make sure you are online and haven’t joined a covenant that restricts summoning.

4. Why can’t people see my summon sign in DS3?

Ensure your Summon Sign Visibility is set to “Unrestricted” in the network settings. Both players must have this setting enabled for summoning to work.

5. Elden Ring: Why can’t I see friends summon signs?

Make sure you’re both using a password to bypass level restrictions. Also, ensure you are in the same area and using a Furlcalling Finger Remedy.

6. How do you reveal summon signs?

In Elden Ring, use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy. In other games, use equivalent items that reveal multiplayer signs.

7. Why can’t I see summon signs in DS2?

Check if you’ve joined the Company of Champions covenant, which prevents summoning. Also, consider if you’re too high or too low a level for the area.

8. Do you have to be human to see summon signs?

In some games, like Dark Souls 2, the host (person summoning) must be human (or equivalent state) to see summon signs. The person being summoned can be either human or undead.

9. How do you see summon signs without being embered?

In Dark Souls 3, you can’t summon without being embered, but spells like Seek Guidance can reveal summon signs without requiring ember status. This is specific to Dark Souls 3.

10. How do I see my NPC summon signs in Dark Souls?

NPC summon signs typically appear near boss fog gates. You need to be in human form to see them. Also, these signs only show up if the particular NPC can be summoned for that boss fight.

11. How do you get summon signs to show in Elden Ring?

Use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy to reveal nearby summon signs. Ensure you’re online and in an area where summoning is allowed.

12. Can you be summoned without being embered?

Yes, in some Dark Souls games, you can be summoned regardless of your ember status. However, the host typically needs to be embered to see summon signs.

13. Are the gold summon signs real people?

Yes, in Elden Ring and other Souls games, gold summon signs generally represent other players who are offering to help you.

14. Are gold summon signs NPCs?

While most gold summon signs represent real players, some NPCs can have gold summon signs as well, allowing you to summon them for boss fights.

15. Why can’t my friend summon me in Dark Souls Remastered?

The host needs to be in human form, and the area boss must still be alive. Also, ensure you’re within the appropriate level range or use a password for unrestricted summoning.

By understanding these factors, you can significantly improve your experience in the games and have a more fulfilling experience.