Elden Ring NPC Summons: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Helpers in 2026

Hey everyone, it's 2026 and we're still talking about Elden Ring! I mean, can you believe it? This game just keeps on giving. Today, I want to chat about something that's saved my skin more times than I can count – summoning NPCs. Sure, you can call in other players, but sometimes you just want to go it alone with a trusty AI buddy by your side, right? Let's dive into my personal favorites and why they're absolute legends.

Let's start with Blaidd, everyone's favorite half-wolf. I still remember the first time I saw him howling at the Mistwood ruins – gave me chills! His main summon is for the Bloodhound Knight Darriwil fight inside the Forlorn Hound Evergaol. Now, here's the tea – you don't really need to fight Darriwil super early, but if you're like me and want that Bloodhound's Fang weapon right from the start? Blaidd is your guy. Just a heads up though, you gotta talk to Merchant Kalé to get his questline rolling. It's a bit of work, but totally worth it for that sweet, sweet weapon drop.

My Top 10 NPC Summons (Personal Ranking!)

1. Radahn Festival Crew - The ultimate squad goals moment! (Except Patches, that coward)

2. Recusant Bernahl - Godskin Duo? More like Godskin Done-o with his help

3. Iron Fist Alexander - The chunkiest, most lovable tank you'll ever meet

4. Nepheli Loux - Basically royalty and fights like it too

5. The Dung Eater - Yeah, he's gross, but man can he take a hit

6. Melina - One boss only, but leaves you wanting more

7. Millicent - Waterfowl Dance? Yes please!

8. Great Horned Tragoth - Walking brick wall with a heart of gold

9. Sorcerer Rogier - Your early-game bestie against Margit

10. Blaidd - Good boy who's also great in a fight

Now let's talk about Sorcerer Rogier. Bless his heart, he's not the strongest phantom out there, but against Margit? Absolute lifesaver. According to the stats, Margit has killed more players than almost anyone else (second only to Malenia, of course). Having Rogier around as a distraction is... chef's kiss. He's squishy, sure, but he gives you those precious seconds to heal or get in a good hit. Best part? No quest required! He's just there for you from the get-go.

Oh, you have to meet Great Horned Tragoth. This guy... he's basically a walking fortress. Shows up in the Bull-Goat Set with the Giant-Crusher – the heaviest gear in the game! He helps with three bosses, but the real MVP moment is against the Draconic Tree Sentinel. That thing guards Leyndell and can be... let's say frustrating. Having Tragoth on your side turns the tide completely. And get this – he helps you out of pure kindness! No strings attached. (Though later... well, let's just say fashion souls has its costs.)

Millicent is interesting because she can be summoned for four different fights – more than anyone else! But here's the catch: you'll miss her if you don't follow her questline carefully. She's like that friend who's always busy unless you specifically make plans. If you want to see her in action (and watch her use Waterfowl Dance – yes, THAT move), you need to head to Caelid early and talk to her at every location. It's a commitment, but watching her fight is like poetry in motion.

Quick Summons Checklist

Melina... now there's a summon that leaves an impression. She only helps with one boss – Morgott – but she makes it count. She uses the Blade of Calling for holy attacks, calls down pillars of light, and even has this unique golden tree healing incantation. Her moveset is similar to Black Knife Tiche – lots of jumping, quick movement. She doesn't just stand there like some summons do. She's in the fight, dancing around Morgott's attacks and surviving way longer than you'd expect.

Okay, I know The Dung Eater is... well, gross. But hear me out – this guy can FIGHT. He deals and takes massive damage. He can basically solo Mohg, the Omen (the phantom version) and tanks Morgott like a champ. To get him, you need to free him from his cell in the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds. Not exactly a fun field trip – twisty hallways, scary enemies – but worth it for the firepower.

Nepheli Loux is another favorite. Her summons are locked behind her questline, but most steps are pretty straightforward. Against Godrick? Just talk to her before the fight (though honestly, Godrick's pretty easy). For the Omenkiller? Talk to her on the path. But for Godfrey, First Elden Lord? You need to finish her entire questline. And let me tell you – if Godfrey's giving you trouble, Nepheli is worth the effort. She deals solid damage with her Stormhawk Axes and is surprisingly tanky for someone wearing... not much. But hey, she's basically royalty, so it makes sense!

Iron Fist Alexander against the Fire Giant is... an experience. First, you need to progress his questline enough. Second, his summon sign is inside the arena, which is unusual! The Fire Giant moves a lot for such a big boy, and Alexander... well, he's round. Not exactly fast. But once he gets in range? Absolute unit. He tanks damage like nobody's business and his charged punches hit like trucks.

Now for Recusant Bernahl – your savior against the Godskin Duo. You know, arguably the most complained-about boss in the game? Assuming you haven't killed him (don't!), he's summonable right outside their room. Unlike Rogier who's mostly a distraction, Bernahl actually contributes. He tanks damage, keeps one of the Duo busy, and evens the odds in this frustrating fight. Pro tip though: if you're using the sleep strategy (they're weak to it), maybe don't summon him. NPCs tend to wake sleeping enemies... oops.

And finally... the Radahn Festival. This isn't just a summon – it's an EVENT. Once you enter Radahn's arena, you can summon a whole army. Patches will bail immediately (typical), but everyone else bands together to fight the Scarlet Rot giant. You get Blaidd, Tragoth, Alexander (if they're alive), and several others. It's the most NPCs you can summon for any boss. And the best part? If they die, you can re-summon them! They'll run out eventually, but with their help, you can beat Radahn without ever attacking him yourself. Now that's what I call teamwork.

So there you have it – my personal guide to the best NPC summons in Elden Ring. Whether you're struggling with a particular boss or just want some company in the Lands Between, these characters have your back. Well, most of them. Looking at you, Patches.

What about you? Who's your go-to summon buddy? Let me know in the comments! 👇