Summon Monster weak

[Atalius]

Anyone else notice how weak Summon Monster is early game? When at level 1 summoning a CR 0 monster with 6-8 HP seems a bit underwhelming, everytime I summon it gets destroyed in 1 round. Anyone else think that the HP are a bit low? With only 3 spells per day I would expect spells to carry a bit more weight, what's your opinion?

[Themetricsystem]

6-8 HP at level 1-2 that a PC isn't taking is potentially life saving for any non Martial PC, but I see what you mean. Perhaps a slight adjustment to their AC (+1 AC/TAC) would be the best way to handle this rather than breaking the HP guidelines in order to make the more resilient.

[Atalius]

Yes, that AC could certainly be higher.

[Siro]

For my opinion, there not weak at lower levels. {for the most part, for me anyways, they hit just the right level of cost <3 actions and a spell slot> and impact <trading in an action to get two, another body on the field to take /get hit/flank/attack, and some variety to meet the situation, but not the ability to steal the show by themselves, as pointed out, there lower stats hold them back.}

Its actually the higher levels that I see some problems with there strength. {some of it is because saves start to become a bit more important, and some of it is because a lot more things have reactions against concentration.} The main kicker is the level 9 gap. Summon Monster is a spell that is dependant on the level its cast, with the power of these monsters based on it. As long as your casting it at your highest level slot, it should help against the foe you are facing, with a new list and updated power every two levels. However the difference between getting 9th spells and 10th spells {which not everyone gets, and you only get one slot for if you do} is four, {meaning those monsters, who are based off a level 17 character, will become very outdated by Level 19.) This is also true for the 10th level list, as it follows the same two level power upgrade as the pervious iterations, but both as the gap, and is using a very limited resource. (Sorry if this is a bit confusing}

What I oddly found was Illusory Creature became a better 'Summon' spell at higher levels. This was because, with the exception of damage and size, its power is dependant on the caster, not the level, and you could make it anything. This meant, even casted at lower levels, it could still do things, and because you could make it anything, you could easier take advantages of weakness. Now its does have its own weakness {disbelief with seek, destroyed on hit, ect} but that means it still made the creature use an action, and the reason why you cast it at a bit lower levels, where it breaking isn't as big of a deal. Plus, you can use both Summon Monster and Illusory Creature together {as long as you cast Summon Monster 1st.)