Elden Ring continues to captivate players with its expansive open world, deep lore, and layered combat mechanics. One of the most underrated yet powerful aspects of gameplay is the strategic use of summonable NPCs. These spectral allies can dramatically shift the tide of battle, especially when paired with the right Elden Ring items and weapons. In this guide, we’ll explore five pro-level strategies to make the most of your summonable companions and give yourself the edge in even the most challenging encounters.
1. Pair NPC Summons with Elemental Items for Area Control
When facing bosses or enemy groups resistant to physical damage, elemental Elden Ring items can turn the tide. Fire Pots, Dragonwound Grease, and Freezing Pots create valuable pressure when your NPC is drawing enemy aggro. While the summon keeps the enemy busy, you can toss in elemental damage from a safe distance. This dual-front attack prevents bosses from recovering or repositioning, giving you a sustained offensive advantage.
2. Use Healing and Buffing Items to Sustain Your Summons
Summonable NPCs may be strong, but they’re not immortal. To maximize their impact, use healing and buffing Elden Ring items like Blessing of the Erdtree or the Flask of Wondrous Physick with support-based effects. These tools extend the lifespan of your summons, especially in protracted battles. Applying buffs such as Flame, Grant Me Strength or Golden Vow before summoning also improves their damage output, creating a more effective frontline.
3. Combine Summons with Status-Effect Weapons for Synergy
Some Elden Ring items weapons, particularly those that inflict bleed, poison, or frostbite, work exceptionally well alongside NPCs. While your summon distracts the target, you’re free to build up status effects without fear of interruption. Weapons like Rivers of Blood or Antspur Rapier can stack effects quickly in this setup, especially when the enemy is fixated on your NPC companion. This synergy turns battles into efficient, methodical takedowns.
4. Time Your Summons for Maximum Impact in Multi-Phase Boss Fights
Bosses in Elden Ring often have multiple phases, with escalating difficulty as the fight progresses. A common mistake is summoning your NPC too early, leading to their defeat before the hardest part begins. A pro strategy is to conserve your summon until the boss transitions to its second phase. Using the Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche at the right moment can split the boss’s attention during its most dangerous moveset, creating a crucial window for counterattacks or item use.
5. Equip Complementary Talismans and Spells to Support Your Summons
Elden Ring items aren’t just consumables—they also include talismans and spells that influence combat outcomes. For example, the Ancestral Spirit’s Horn restores FP on enemy kills, helping spellcasters maintain support roles during long engagements. Meanwhile, talismans like the Shard of Alexander can amplify your skill damage, making every attack count while your summon keeps enemies distracted. Spells like Terra Magica can also enhance your magic damage if placed carefully before summoning.
Understanding how to use Elden Ring’s summonable NPCs in harmony with items and weapons is key to mastering the game’s most intense challenges. These companions are more than distractions—they’re tactical assets that, when used wisely, unlock new layers of combat strategy. By combining the right Elden Ring items, weapons, and timing, even the toughest fights can become manageable. Whether you’re a seasoned Tarnished or just beginning your journey through the Lands Between, integrating these pro strategies will elevate your gameplay and deepen your appreciation for Elden Ring’s complex design.
