elden ring how to multiplayer: A Journey Through Chaos and Cooperation

Elden Ring, the highly anticipated action RPG from FromSoftware, has captivated players with its vast open world, intricate lore, and challenging gameplay. One of the most exciting aspects of Elden Ring is its multiplayer component, which allows players to team up with friends or strangers to tackle the game’s many challenges. In this article, we will explore the various ways to engage in multiplayer in Elden Ring, discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each method, and provide some tips for making the most of your multiplayer experience.
1. Cooperative Play: Banding Together Against the Darkness
Cooperative play is one of the most popular ways to experience Elden Ring’s multiplayer. By summoning other players into your world, you can tackle difficult bosses, explore dangerous areas, and complete quests together. Here are some key points to consider:
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Summoning Signs: To summon another player, you must first find their summoning sign, which appears as a glowing mark on the ground. These signs can be found near bonfires, boss arenas, and other key locations. Once you interact with the sign, the other player will be summoned into your world.
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Password Matching: If you want to play with specific friends, you can set a password in the game’s multiplayer menu. This ensures that only players with the same password can see each other’s summoning signs, making it easier to connect with your chosen companions.
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Limited Resources: Summoning other players requires a consumable item called a “Furlcalling Finger Remedy.” These items can be crafted or found throughout the world, so be sure to stock up before embarking on a cooperative adventure.
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Shared Objectives: When playing cooperatively, all players share the same objectives. This means that if you defeat a boss or complete a quest, all players in the session will receive the rewards. However, if one player dies, the entire group will be sent back to the last bonfire, so communication and teamwork are essential.
2. Invasions: The Thrill of the Hunt
For those who enjoy a more competitive experience, Elden Ring also offers the option to invade other players’ worlds. As an invader, your goal is to hunt down and defeat the host player, adding an element of danger and unpredictability to the game. Here are some things to keep in mind:
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Invasion Mechanics: To invade another player’s world, you must use a “Bloody Finger” item. This will randomly select a player’s world for you to invade, and you will be transported there as a hostile entity. The host player will be notified of your presence, so be prepared for a fight.
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Covenants: Certain covenants in Elden Ring are designed around invasions. For example, the “Bloody Fingers” covenant rewards players for successfully invading and defeating hosts. Joining a covenant can provide additional incentives and rewards for engaging in PvP (player versus player) combat.
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Risk vs. Reward: Invasions can be highly rewarding, as defeating a host player will grant you valuable items and souls. However, there is also a significant risk involved, as the host player may have summoned allies to help defend against invaders. Additionally, if you die during an invasion, you will lose any souls you were carrying, so proceed with caution.
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Ethical Considerations: Some players view invasions as a form of griefing, as they can disrupt the host player’s experience. If you choose to engage in invasions, it’s important to be mindful of the impact your actions may have on others. Consider using invasions as a way to challenge yourself and test your skills, rather than simply seeking to ruin someone else’s game.
3. Dueling: A Test of Skill
For players who prefer a more structured form of PvP, Elden Ring offers dueling. Duels are one-on-one battles between players, often arranged through community forums or in-game meetups. Here are some tips for getting started with dueling:
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Dueling Etiquette: In the Elden Ring community, there are certain unwritten rules when it comes to dueling. For example, it is customary to bow or gesture before the fight begins, and healing during a duel is generally frowned upon. Adhering to these etiquette guidelines will help ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for both players.
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Arena Locations: Certain areas in Elden Ring are popular spots for duels, such as the “Pontiff’s Backyard” in the Irithyll of the Boreal Valley. These locations often have flat, open spaces that are ideal for combat, and they are frequently visited by other players looking for duels.
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Build Optimization: To succeed in duels, it’s important to have a well-optimized build. This means choosing the right weapons, armor, and spells to complement your playstyle. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to adjust your build based on the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents.
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Learning from Defeats: Losing a duel can be frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity to learn and improve. Take note of what strategies your opponent used, and consider how you might counter them in future matches. Over time, you’ll become more skilled and confident in your abilities.
4. Community Events: Joining the Fray
Elden Ring’s multiplayer community is vibrant and active, with players organizing various events and tournaments. Participating in these events can be a great way to meet other players, test your skills, and earn unique rewards. Here are some examples of community events you might encounter:
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Fight Clubs: Fight clubs are organized events where players gather to duel each other in a controlled environment. These events often have specific rules, such as no healing or restricted weapon types, and they can be a fun way to engage in PvP without the randomness of invasions.
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Boss Rush Challenges: Some community events focus on cooperative play, such as boss rush challenges where players team up to defeat a series of bosses in quick succession. These events can be a great way to test your teamwork and coordination, and they often offer unique rewards for participants.
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Cosplay Contests: Elden Ring’s character customization options allow for a wide range of creative possibilities, and some community events celebrate this by hosting cosplay contests. Players can dress up as their favorite characters from the game or other media, and compete for prizes based on their creativity and attention to detail.
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Speedrunning Competitions: For those who enjoy a challenge, speedrunning competitions are a popular way to test your skills and knowledge of the game. These events challenge players to complete the game as quickly as possible, often with specific rules or restrictions. Participating in a speedrunning competition can be a thrilling experience, and it’s a great way to push yourself to new heights.
5. Tips for a Successful Multiplayer Experience
To make the most of your multiplayer experience in Elden Ring, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
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Communication is Key: Whether you’re playing cooperatively or competitively, communication is essential. Use voice chat or text chat to coordinate with your teammates, share strategies, and warn each other of potential threats.
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Be Prepared: Multiplayer in Elden Ring can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Make sure you have plenty of healing items, repair powder for your weapons, and any other consumables you might need. Additionally, consider carrying a variety of weapons and spells to adapt to different situations.
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Respect Other Players: Elden Ring’s multiplayer community is diverse, with players of all skill levels and playstyles. It’s important to respect other players, whether you’re cooperating with them or competing against them. Avoid toxic behavior, and remember that everyone is here to have fun.
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Experiment and Have Fun: Multiplayer in Elden Ring offers a wide range of possibilities, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Whether you’re summoning allies for a tough boss fight, invading another player’s world, or participating in a community event, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience.
FAQs
Q: Can I play Elden Ring multiplayer with friends on different platforms? A: Unfortunately, Elden Ring does not support cross-platform play. You can only play with friends who are on the same platform as you (e.g., PC, PlayStation, Xbox).
Q: How many players can join a cooperative session in Elden Ring? A: In cooperative play, up to three players can join a session, including the host. This means you can have a total of four players in a session if you include the host.
Q: Can I be invaded while playing solo in Elden Ring? A: Yes, you can be invaded while playing solo, but only if you are in an area where invasions are possible and you have not used a “White Cipher Ring” to disable invasions.
Q: Are there any rewards for participating in PvP in Elden Ring? A: Yes, participating in PvP can reward you with unique items, souls, and covenant rewards. Additionally, some covenants offer special rewards for successful invasions or duels.
Q: How do I join a covenant in Elden Ring? A: To join a covenant, you must find and interact with the covenant’s leader or representative in the game world. Each covenant has its own requirements and benefits, so choose one that aligns with your playstyle.
Q: Can I use mods in Elden Ring multiplayer? A: Using mods in Elden Ring multiplayer is generally discouraged, as it can lead to instability, unfair advantages, and potential bans. It’s best to play multiplayer without mods to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone.