Salt and Sanctuary offers a challenging solo experience, but it also features cooperative mechanics that can aid you in your quest. Understanding how to summon and be summoned is key to tackling difficult bosses or exploring dangerous areas with a friend.
The Summoning System
The summoning system in Salt and Sanctuary relies on the use of specific items and the presence of a "Sanctuary" – the game's equivalent of bonfires. When you are playing online, other players who are in a similar stage of the game and have placed their "Sanctuary" can be seen as summon ss.
How to Summon a Player
- Find a Sanctuary: Rest at a Sanctuary to replenish your health, Salt, and other resources.
- Use a Stone of Ephemeral Eyes: This is the primary item required to see summon ss. These can be found throughout the world, dropped by enemies, or purchased from certain merchants. If you don't have any, you'll need to explore and find some.
- Place your own Sanctuary: If you wish to be summoned by others, you will need to place your own Sanctuary. This is done by interacting with a Sanctuary altar and choosing to "Place Sanctuary."
- Look for Summon Ss: Once you have a Stone of Ephemeral Eyes and are near a placed Sanctuary, you should begin to see summon ss from other players who are also looking to cooperate. Approach these ss and interact with them to initiate the summoning process.
How to Be Summoned by a Player
- Find a Sanctuary: As with summoning, you must be near a Sanctuary.
- Place your Sanctuary: Ensure your Sanctuary is placed. This makes you visible to other players seeking assistance.
- Wait: Other find your summon s. The process can take some time depending on the online population and your game's progression.
- Accept the Summon: When another player finds your s and initiates a summon, you will receive a prompt. Accept it to join their world.
Cooperative Gameplay Mechanics
- Shared Progression: When you join another player's world, you will assist them in their current area and against their bosses. Any Salt you gain during the session will be carried back to your own world.
- Limited Resources: Be mindful that you share a limited pool of healing items. Coordinate with your partner to ensure you both stay alive.
- Boss Fights: Co-op is particularly useful for tackling challenging boss encounters that you might be struggling with solo.
- Area Exploration: You can explore areas together, helping each other find secrets and clear out enemies.
- Player Dissolution: When the host player rests at a Sanctuary, dies, or defeats the boss of the area, the summoned player will be returned to their own world.
Cooperative play in Salt and Sanctuary is a valuable tool for overcoming obstacles and experiencing the game in a different way. Remember to communicate with your partner and utilize your combined strengths to conquer the grim world.