If you’re diving into Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and wondering how to bring trusted allies into boss encounters, the game doesn’t hand you the answer upfront. Summoning is tied to exploration, NPC progression, and a specific key item that’s easy to miss if you rush the early chapters. This guide breaks down every step so you always know when help is available — and when you’re on your own.
How Summoning Works in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Companions aren’t automatic sidekicks. In Wuchang, your allies show up only under the right conditions, and unlocking them takes a bit of work. The core of the system revolves around a unique item you’ll acquire early in the campaign.
To understand the whole process, let’s walk through the essential steps before you can call someone into battle.
After defeating the game’s first major boss, the Man-Eating Dutanga, you’ll receive the Lightzen Key. This key opens a previously locked section of the Lightzen Temple, letting you push deeper into the valley. Crossing the river leads you to an isolated NPC, Nian Suichang. Speak with him, and he’ll hand you the Bone Whistle — the item required to summon companions — along with the “Well Met” emote.
If you happen to miss Suichang or need an extra copy, a vendor named Tao Qing also sells the Bone Whistle later in the game, ensuring you’re never permanently locked out.
Requirements Before You Can Summon Allies
Once the Bone Whistle is in your pocket, you might assume companions will join you anywhere. Unfortunately, Wuchang keeps things a bit stricter.
First, the game only allows summoning during specific encounters. These are usually major boss fights or unique enemy scenarios tied to storyline events. When you’re in an eligible arena, a small notification appears at the bottom of the screen, letting you know the Bone Whistle can be used.
Second, many NPCs won’t answer your call unless you’ve progressed their personal questlines. Their involvement in your journey isn’t automatic — you must seek them out, talk to them between chapters, and complete any tasks they request. Only after fulfilling these requirements will the option to summon them appear during key battles.
Finally, the Bone Whistle animation takes several seconds. It’s absolutely worth placing it in a quick-access slot so you don’t get flattened while fumbling through menus at the start of a fight.
Which Companions Can Be Summoned
Throughout the campaign, several NPCs can step in to help, each one tied to specific narrative arcs and boss encounters. Their availability depends on whether you’ve completed their quests or major dialogue steps.
Below is an overview of the companions commonly available during boss battles. Before diving into the list, keep in mind that some late-game allies are tied to story spoilers and secret routes, so those won’t be detailed here.
If you progress their associated quests, the following NPCs can be summoned for particular encounters:
- Nian Suichang: Joins you against Lu Bingzhang, General of the North, and later against Ai Nengqi and the Fierce Tiger/Sovereign battles.
- Huang Jian’e: Can be summoned for select stages of the confrontation with Zhang Xianzhong.
- White-Robed Elder: Appears during the Bo Sorcerer fight.
- He Youzai: Available in the encounter with Bai Kru.
These allies can dramatically shift the tempo of boss battles, especially in the mid-game when enemy health pools get significantly larger.
Tips for Making the Most of Summons
Knowing when you can call a companion is only part of the strategy. Using them effectively is what turns a brutal Soulslike battle into something manageable.
Before using the list of tips below, it helps to understand that most companions don’t simply act as damage dealers. Their real value lies in opening windows of opportunity and reducing enemy pressure.
- Start the summon immediately as the fight begins. The whistle animation is long, and delaying it usually wastes your cleanest opening.
- Use your ally’s aggro window to apply heavy damage. Most companions draw attention for a brief period — perfect for charged attacks or stance-breaking combos.
- Finish NPC quests whenever you encounter them. Many summon options disappear entirely if you ignore their early chapters.
- Don’t rely on companions for every boss. The game is structured so some encounters are deliberately solo, and that’s part of the intended difficulty curve.
Final Thoughts
Companions in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers aren’t simple backup characters — they’re rewards for exploration, curiosity, and keeping track of the people you meet along the way. A well-timed summon can turn a brutal boss into a fair fight, but only if you’ve prepared the groundwork. With the Bone Whistle in hand and NPC quests completed, you’ll always have someone to call when the odds get ugly.