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Elden Ring: Ways to Increase Difficulty - Banning Summons

Elden Ring Sep-20-2025 PST

Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action RPG from FromSoftware, offers players a vast and immersive world filled with challenges. While the game does not feature a traditional difficulty setting, players have the unique opportunity to tailor their experience through various self-imposed restrictions. One such method of increasing difficulty is by banning summons, which can significantly alter the way players engage with the game formidable foes.

Elden Ring: Ways to Increase Difficulty - Banning Summons

In Elden Ring, summoning allies can provide crucial support during tough encounters. There are three primary avenues through which players can summon help:

1.Spirit Ash Summons: Players can call upon Spirit Ashes, ethereal companions that can distract and deal damage to enemies. Among these, the Soul Ash stands out as one of the most powerful options, capable of taking on various forms depending on the player needs.

2.NPC Summons: Certain quests and scenarios allow players to summon NPC to assist in specific boss battles. These NPC often have unique abilities and can turn the tide of combat.

3.Player Summons: Players can also summon friends or other online players for cooperative gameplay. This can ease the burden of challenging bosses and create a more social gaming experience.

While these options enhance gameplay, they can also dilute the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming obstacles alone. For players seeking a greater challenge, banning all forms of summoning can lead to a more intense and rewarding experience.

Choosing to tackle Elden Ring without the aid of summons forces players to rely solely on their skills, knowledge of the game mechanics, and character builds. This kind of self-imposed challenge can take several forms:

1. Mastering Combat Mechanics

Without the distraction of summoned allies, players must become adept at the game intricate combat system. This includes learning enemy attack patterns, timing dodges and blocks, and optimizing weapon choices. Each boss encounter becomes a test of skill, demanding precision and strategy.

2. Building the Right Character

Players who opt not to summon must carefully consider their character builds. This involves selecting weapons, armor, and skills that complement their playstyle. A well-rounded build can mean the difference between success and failure, particularly in high-stakes encounters. Players may experiment with different aspects, such as melee combat, magic, or ranged attacks, to find what works best for them. Enhance your Elden Ring experience with reliable Elden Ring runes and Elden Ring items from MMOEXP. Get yours now to help you navigate the game faster and find your perfect build!

3. Resource Management

Without the aid of summons, players must also manage their resources more judiciously. Healing items, buffs, and magic spells become critical, and players must learn when to use them to maintain their survivability. This adds an additional layer of strategy to every encounter, as players balance offense and defense.

Banning summons is not just about the mechanical challenge; it also has significant psychological implications. Facing powerful bosses alone can lead to feelings of vulnerability and fear, but overcoming these challenges can foster a deep sense of achievement. 

1. Building Resilience

Solo play encourages resilience. Players will inevitably face setbacks—deaths, failures, and frustration—but each defeat can serve as a learning opportunity. This process of trial and error not only hones skills but also builds mental fortitude. Players learn to adapt, strategize, and ultimately prevail against overwhelming odds.

2. Immersion in the Game World

Without the presence of summons, players often find themselves more immersed in the world of Elden Ring. Every enemy encounter feels more personal, and the stakes feel higher. This immersion can enhance the emotional experience of the game, making victories feel more meaningful and losses more poignant.

For those looking to spice up their no-summon run, there are additional self-imposed rules that can further increase difficulty:

1.No Upgrades: Players can choose not to upgrade their weapons or armor, forcing them to rely solely on their skill and strategy.

2.Limited Healing: Restricting the number of healing items used per encounter can add an extra layer of tension.

3.Weapon Restrictions: Limiting oneself to a specific weapon type or class can create unique challenges and force players to adapt their strategies.

In Elden Ring, banning summons is a compelling way to increase the game difficulty and enhance the overall experience. By taking on challenges solo, players engage more deeply with the combat mechanics, character builds, and resource management. The psychological rewards of overcoming obstacles alone can lead to a heightened sense of achievement and immersion in the game world.




MMOexp Elden Ring Team