Do you find sorcerers or miracle users more effective summons than pure strength fighters?

As a host I always find it easier to finish a level when I summon a sorcerer or miracle user than a player whose character is only a strength build. From my experience, those summoned phantoms who only use weapons usually die more quickly and easily (for example, when fighting the 4 Kings). Do you agree?

Totally depends on the player.

STR/Dex characters that go toe to toe can die, because they put themselves in more risk than someone that stands back and shoots (either magic, faith, or bow). I think it's up to the host to heal them.

A poor player that is up close and personal will die more often than a poor player that just spams magic, but for 4 kings, I prefer a STR/DEX summon that knows what they're doing, as they deal more damage. You do have to keep a closer eye on them though to heal them if they get in trouble.

Depends what I'm playing. Over all though I tend to play less tanky builds, so I like to summon at least on Str build or other tough guy to distract the enemies so I don't get torn to pieces. If I was playing a tank I'd prefer casters, yeah.

Casters have higher DPS on average. However a tank is better if you don't have a lot of HP.
I tend to summon meleeists so i can have a moment to breathe, and heal.

It really depends. Most of the time though, yes, because i tend to be playing that heavy armoured crazy dude so, yeah, most of the time a caster is what i prefer. But i do enjoy summoning another melee guy once in a while, though mainly if i play as a dex character, or perhaps in the future, caster.

justwant2play wrote: (for example, when fighting the 4 Kings). Do you agree?

Spellcasters can keep a safe distance from what's trying to kill them, so they're much less likely to die. If you get a good player it really doesn't matter what they use though. If you see a naked barbarian's sign right outside the 4 Kings fog gate, and all he's holding is a Bandit's knife, summon him. Likely you can just sit back and watch him destroy.

On the other hand a host's main job is to keep his phantoms alive, and a really good host can almost always find a way. The obvious exception being Solaire vs. Gaping Dragon.:roll:

I always play as a melee build be it tanking or or what. On that note I almost always prefer one caster and one melee. The caster will give continuous damage while I and the other melee build will aggro the boss and mobs

have you ever played with a princess guard member? if they use the crescent axe they have good dps and they can cas healing spells for all... they make you pracatically invincible...