Does Summoning NPCs Increase Boss Health in Elden Ring? A Tarnished's Tale
The Lands Between are a brutal place, filled with fearsome creatures and challenging bosses. Many a Tarnished has found themselves relying on the aid of Spirit Ashes or summoning other players to overcome these daunting foes. But a question that often arises, especially among newer players, is: does summoning NPCs increase boss health? The short answer is yes, but it's more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Let's unravel the truth behind this crucial mechanic, delving into the specifics and exploring related concerns. My journey through the Lands Between has taught me a thing or two about facing these challenges, and I'm happy to share my hard-earned wisdom with you.
Does Summoning NPCs in Elden Ring Increase Boss HP?
Yes, summoning Spirit Ashes or co-op partners in Elden Ring almost always increases the health of bosses. This is a fundamental game mechanic designed to balance the difficulty when facing these formidable adversaries with added support. Think of it as the game recognizing the increased offensive capabilities you gain with an extra pair of hands (or spectral claws). The increased health pool isn't simply a linear increase; the scaling is complex and varies between bosses. Some bosses see a more significant HP boost than others.
How Much Does Boss Health Increase When Summoning?
There isn't a readily available, precise formula detailing the exact percentage increase in boss health. It's a dynamic system, and the increase likely depends on several factors, including:
- The boss itself: Some bosses have a larger health pool increase than others when summoning. This variability adds to the game's challenge and prevents simple strategies from working on every encounter.
- The type of summon: Summoning a powerful Spirit Ash might result in a larger health increase than summoning a weaker one. The game seems to account for the power level of your summons.
- Number of summons: Summoning multiple players or Spirit Ashes simultaneously could potentially lead to a more significant health increase than summoning only one.
While FromSoftware hasn't disclosed the precise calculation, experienced players have observed significant increases, often ranging from a substantial percentage to more than double the original health.
Does Summoning Always Increase Boss Health?
Almost always. While there might be exceedingly rare exceptions or quirks, the vast majority of bosses in Elden Ring will have their health pools increased when summoning allies. It's a consistent mechanic across the game.
Is it Worth Summoning NPCs Despite the Increased HP?
Absolutely! While the increased health is a significant factor, the benefits of summoning often outweigh the drawbacks. Here's why:
- Increased damage output: Two players, or a player and a powerful Spirit Ash, can unleash significantly more damage than a solo Tarnished.
- Distraction: Summons can draw aggro, creating opportunities for you to focus on attacks or heal.
- Added survivability: Having an ally can dramatically increase your chances of survival against powerful attacks.
The strategic advantages of having additional support typically offset the added boss health, especially for challenging bosses.
Are there Bosses That Don't Increase HP When Summoning?
While the overwhelming consensus points to increased boss health when summoning, some players report isolated instances where this doesn't seem to be the case. These reports are rare and might be due to bugs or specific circumstances not fully understood. However, it's safer to assume that boss health will increase in the vast majority of encounters.
My journey through Elden Ring has been filled with both triumph and despair. Understanding the intricacies of summoning and its impact on boss health has been crucial to my success. I hope this guide helps you, fellow Tarnished, on your own perilous journey. May the Erdtree guide your way!
