How to Play Multiplayer Elden Ring: A Journey Through Chaos and Cooperation

Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action RPG from FromSoftware, has captivated players with its vast open world, intricate lore, and challenging gameplay. While the single-player experience is a journey of self-discovery and perseverance, the multiplayer aspect adds a layer of unpredictability and camaraderie that can either enhance or complicate your adventure. In this article, we will explore the various facets of multiplayer in Elden Ring, from summoning allies to invading other players’ worlds, and discuss how these mechanics can shape your experience in the Lands Between.

Summoning Allies: The Art of Cooperation

One of the most straightforward ways to engage in multiplayer is by summoning other players to aid you in your quest. This can be done using the Furlcalling Finger Remedy, an item that reveals summon signs placed by other players. These signs can be found near Sites of Grace or before challenging boss fights. When you summon a player, they join your world as a Phantom, and together, you can tackle the game’s many challenges.

However, summoning allies is not without its risks. The more players you summon, the more the game’s difficulty scales, making enemies tougher and more resilient. Additionally, summoning players opens your world to invaders, other players who can enter your game with the intent to kill you and your allies. This adds a layer of tension to the cooperative experience, as you must balance the benefits of having allies with the potential threat of invaders.

Invasions: The Dark Side of Multiplayer

Invasions are a core part of Elden Ring’s multiplayer experience, and they can be both thrilling and frustrating. As an invader, your goal is to enter another player’s world and defeat the host, either by killing them directly or by causing enough chaos to force them to retreat. Invasions are initiated using the Bloody Finger or Recusant Finger items, which allow you to invade other players’ worlds.

Invasions are not for the faint of heart. As an invader, you are often outnumbered and outgunned, as the host can summon allies to defend themselves. However, invasions also offer unique rewards, such as Runes and Rare Items, making them a tempting option for players looking for a challenge. Additionally, invasions can be a way to test your skills against other players, as the unpredictable nature of human opponents can lead to some of the most memorable moments in the game.

The Role of Covenants: Factions in the Lands Between

Covenants are factions that players can join to align themselves with specific goals or ideologies. In Elden Ring, covenants play a significant role in multiplayer, as they can influence how you interact with other players. For example, the Blue Sentinels covenant is dedicated to protecting other players from invaders, while the Brotherhood of Blood is focused on invading and defeating other players.

Joining a covenant can provide you with unique rewards and abilities, but it also comes with responsibilities. For example, members of the Blue Sentinels are automatically summoned to defend other players when they are invaded, while members of the Brotherhood of Blood are tasked with invading other players’ worlds. These roles can add a layer of depth to the multiplayer experience, as they encourage players to engage with the game’s mechanics in different ways.

The Etiquette of Multiplayer: Unwritten Rules

While Elden Ring’s multiplayer is largely unstructured, there are some unwritten rules that players tend to follow. For example, it is considered polite to bow or gesture before engaging in combat with another player, whether in a duel or an invasion. Additionally, many players avoid using certain overpowered weapons or tactics, as they can make the experience less enjoyable for everyone involved.

However, these rules are not enforced by the game, and some players may choose to ignore them entirely. This can lead to moments of frustration, but it also adds to the unpredictability of the multiplayer experience. Ultimately, the etiquette of multiplayer is up to the individual player, and how you choose to engage with others can shape your experience in the Lands Between.

The Impact of Multiplayer on the Single-Player Experience

While multiplayer is a significant part of Elden Ring, it is important to remember that the game can also be enjoyed entirely in single-player mode. In fact, some players may prefer to experience the game’s story and world without the added complexity of multiplayer. However, for those who choose to engage with the multiplayer aspects, the experience can be incredibly rewarding.

Multiplayer can add a layer of unpredictability to the game, as you never know when an invader might appear or when a summoned ally might turn the tide of a difficult battle. Additionally, the social aspect of multiplayer can make the game feel more alive, as you interact with other players in real-time. Whether you choose to play solo or with others, Elden Ring offers a rich and immersive experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I play Elden Ring multiplayer with friends?
A: Yes, you can play with friends by using a password system. Both you and your friend need to set the same password in the multiplayer menu, which will make it easier to find each other’s summon signs.

Q: What happens if I die in multiplayer?
A: If you die in multiplayer, you will return to your own world, and any progress you made in the host’s world will be lost. However, you will retain any items or runes you collected during the session.

Q: Can I be invaded while playing solo?
A: No, you can only be invaded if you have summoned other players into your world or if you are using certain items that allow for invasions. If you are playing solo, you are safe from invaders.

Q: Are there any rewards for participating in multiplayer?
A: Yes, participating in multiplayer can reward you with runes, rare items, and covenant-specific rewards. Additionally, defeating other players in invasions or duels can grant you unique items and bragging rights.

Q: Can I turn off multiplayer if I don’t want to be invaded?
A: Yes, you can play in offline mode to avoid invasions and other multiplayer interactions. However, this will also prevent you from summoning allies or seeing messages left by other players.