As a seasoned Soulsborne player who's spent countless hours battling through these brutal worlds, I've come to appreciate the subtle art of summoning assistance. While some purists might argue that summoning diminishes the challenge, I've found that these NPC companions often provide some of the most memorable moments in these games. They're not just difficulty modifiers—they're characters with their own stories, personalities, and combat styles that can fundamentally change how you experience each encounter.

10. Black Iron Tarkus — Dark Souls 1

Mightiest of the Berenike Knights

Summon Location: Before the Iron Golem fight

Let me tell you about my first encounter with Tarkus—I was struggling against the Iron Golem, feeling completely overwhelmed. Then I discovered this absolute unit of a knight. Tarkus isn't just a summon; he's a spectacle. Watching this massive warrior with his greatsword take on the Iron Golem in what felt like a true David vs. Goliath battle was genuinely cinematic. He's so effective that you can literally sit back and watch him handle the entire fight. It's tragic knowing his eventual fate with the Painting Guardians, but in that moment, he's the hero you need.

9. Amnesiac Lapp — Dark Souls 3

"I Swear Upon My Birth Name That I Am Your Friend"

Summon Locations: The Dreg Heap, The Ringed City (Spear of the Church)

Okay, spoiler alert—but if you haven't figured out by 2025 that Lapp is actually Patches, where have you been? Beyond the mind-blowing revelation, Lapp is incredibly valuable against the Demon Prince. While he won't solo the boss like Tarkus, his tankiness with that massive shield and Splitleaf Greatsword makes him the perfect distraction. He'll chug his Estus Flask like a true veteran, giving you breathing room in one of the DLC's toughest fights. Just remember—this is Patches we're talking about, so keep an eye on him!

8. Biorr of the Twin Fangs — Demon's Souls

Brothers In Arms

Summon Locations: World 1-3, World 1-4

While Demon's Souls might be considered more approachable than later entries, The Penetrator is no joke. Biorr transforms this challenging encounter into a manageable fight. His sheer durability allows him to absorb punishment while you focus on dealing damage from a safe distance. What's particularly memorable is how his assistance extends beyond just boss fights—if he survives The Penetrator, he'll bravely distract the Blue Dragon, sacrificing himself so you can progress. That's true loyalty!

7. Recusant Bernahl — Elden Ring

The Volcano Manor Awaits You

Summon Location: Godskin Duo fight

The Godskin Duo remains one of Elden Ring's most frustrating encounters, but Bernahl turns this 2v1 nightmare into a fair 2v2 brawl. His tankiness and aggressive fighting style perfectly complement your own approach, creating genuine teamwork dynamics. What I find fascinating is his complex narrative—he starts as an ally through the Volcano Manor questline but may become an adversary later. This duality makes summoning him feel meaningful beyond just the combat assistance.

6. Sellsword Luet — Dark Souls 2

The Body Of A Mountain

Summon Locations: Multiple locations including Drangleic Castle and Frozen Eleum Loyce

The Scholar of the First Sin edition really improved NPC summons, and Luet exemplifies this enhancement perfectly. Dual-wielding Greatshields of Glory while wearing Havel's armor, he's the definition of a tank. What sets Luet apart is his availability throughout your journey—he's not a one-time summon but a consistent companion for multiple key battles. His ability to maintain aggro makes him invaluable against bosses like the Looking Glass Knight.

5. Slave Knight Gael — Dark Souls 3

Consumed By The Dark

Summon Locations: Painted World of Ariandel, The Dreg Heap

Gael represents one of the most complex relationships in Soulsborne history—he's both your ally and eventual final boss. His assistance during the brutal Sister Friede fight is game-changing, consistently helping players reach the challenging third phase. Against the Demon Prince, he's even more effective, dealing substantial damage while demonstrating impressive survivability. Knowing his tragic destiny makes every summon feel poignant and meaningful.

4. Valtr, Master Of The League — Bloodborne

Vermin Slayer, Beast Eater

Summon Locations: Hunter's Nightmare, Nightmare Church

Valtr is arguably Bloodborne's most effective NPC summon, especially against the DLC's most challenging bosses. His Whirligig Saw tears through enemies while his aggressive style keeps attention focused away from you. What makes Valtr special is how he embodies the Hunter's Nightmare themes—he's consumed by his mission but remains a reliable ally when you need him most against Laurence or Ludwig.

3. Drake Warrior Igon — Elden Ring

Curse You, Bayle!

Summon Location: Bayle the Dread fight

Igon might not be the most mechanically useful summon, but he's undoubtedly the most cinematic. His Moby Dick-inspired quest for vengeance against Bayle creates one of Elden Ring's most emotionally charged moments. His voice acting and dialogue are so iconic that they spawned countless memes upon the Shadow of the Erdtree release. Summoning Igon feels less about gameplay advantage and more about participating in an epic narrative moment.

2. Bashful Ray — Dark Souls 2

Binocular Enthusiast

Summon Locations: Multiple areas including Huntsman's Copse and Drangleic Castle

Ray is the Swiss Army knife of NPC summons—versatile, resilient, and surprisingly effective. He can engage with Umbral Daggers up close or use pyromancies from range, adapting to whatever situation you're facing. His self-healing capability and substantial health pool make him incredibly durable. What I appreciate most is how he demonstrates the improved AI in Scholar of the First Sin, feeling like a genuine partner rather than just a distraction.

1. Solaire of Astora — Dark Souls 1

Praise The Sun!

Summon Locations: Multiple locations including Anor Londo and Kiln of the First Flame

Was there ever any doubt about who would claim the top spot? Solaire isn't just a summon—he's the heart and soul of Dark Souls. His journey from optimistic warrior to tragic figure (unless you save him) represents the series' themes perfectly. His assistance against Ornstein and Smough is legendary, but what makes Solaire truly special is how he embodies hope in a world consumed by darkness. The "Praise the Sun" gesture has become gaming's universal symbol of perseverance and camaraderie.

Why NPC Summons Matter in 2025

Looking back at these incredible characters, I realize that NPC summons have evolved from simple gameplay mechanics into integral narrative components. They represent FromSoftware's genius in creating organic difficulty options without compromising their design philosophy. Each summon tells a story, contributes to world-building, and creates emotional connections that enhance our journey through these challenging worlds.

Whether you're a veteran who never uses summons or a newcomer who relies on them heavily, there's no denying the impact these characters have had on the Soulsborne experience. They remind us that even in the darkest, most brutal worlds, we don't always have to face our challenges alone. So the next time you see a summon sign, remember—you're not just making the game easier; you're inviting a character with their own story to share in your adventure.