Do NPC Summons Increase Boss Health in Elden Ring? The Truth About Summoning
The Lands Between are a treacherous place, filled with fearsome bosses and challenging encounters. Many Tarnished find solace in summoning allies, whether spirit ashes or helpful NPCs, to even the odds. But a common question lingers among players: does summoning NPCs increase a boss's health pool in Elden Ring? The short answer is: yes, in most cases. Let's delve into the details, exploring this crucial mechanic and unraveling the nuances.
My journey through the Lands Between started with a naive belief that summoning would simply add more bodies to the fight without affecting the boss’s health. My early attempts to tackle Margit the Fell Omen with a summoned NPC quickly disabused me of this notion. The fight felt noticeably longer, and I quickly realized something was amiss. It wasn't just the added challenge of coordinating attacks, but the sheer endurance of the boss himself.
This experience led me down a rabbit hole of research and in-game experimentation. What I discovered solidified my understanding of this critical game mechanic, and it’s information I’m eager to share with you.
How Much Does Boss Health Increase with NPC Summons?
The exact increase in boss health varies. It's not a fixed percentage; instead, it's dynamically adjusted based on the number of summons you use. Summoning one NPC generally results in a significant increase (often around 20-30%), but summoning multiple allies can lead to even more substantial increases. Think of it this way: the game scales the difficulty to compensate for the added firepower you bring to the fight.
What About Spirit Ashes? Do They Also Increase Boss Health?
Yes, spirit ashes also contribute to the increased health pool. The magnitude of the increase might vary slightly depending on the ash summoned, but it follows the same principle as summoning NPCs – more allies equals a tougher boss. It’s important to weigh the benefits of increased offensive power against the longer, more demanding fights that come with them.
Are There Any Bosses Unaffected by Summons?
While most bosses have increased health when facing multiple players, there are a few exceptions. Certain legacy dungeons or optional boss fights might not scale in this way. However, these are the outliers, and for the vast majority of encounters, expect a tougher challenge with summons in tow.
Does the Difficulty Increase Justify Summoning?
This question hinges entirely on your play style and preferred difficulty. For some, the added challenge of a beefed-up boss is simply part of the fun. The increased difficulty can lead to more engaging and rewarding encounters, especially for players who relish a good fight. Others might prefer a more straightforward approach, opting to face the boss alone to streamline the fight.
Ultimately, the decision to summon is entirely yours. The additional help can be invaluable in overcoming difficult encounters, but it comes at the cost of a longer, more demanding fight. Weighing the pros and cons is crucial before deciding to call in reinforcements.
Why Does FromSoftware Do This?
FromSoftware's design philosophy revolves around player choice and challenge. Increasing boss health with summons isn't simply a matter of balancing; it's a core design element. It's a way to provide a consistently challenging experience, regardless of the player's chosen approach. The challenge scales accordingly, providing a fair, though tougher, fight.
My experience playing Elden Ring has taught me the importance of understanding this mechanic. It’s a key element that influences strategy and overall game difficulty. Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about when and how to utilize summons effectively in your quest to become the Elden Lord.
