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

Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action RPG developed by FromSoftware, offers a rich and immersive multiplayer experience that blends seamlessly with its single-player narrative. Whether you’re looking to summon allies for a tough boss fight or invade another player’s world for some PvP action, the multiplayer mechanics in Elden Ring are both intricate and rewarding. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to engage in multiplayer, the tools you’ll need, and some tips to make the most out of your cooperative or competitive adventures.
Understanding the Basics of Multiplayer
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the foundational elements of Elden Ring’s multiplayer system. The game employs a unique blend of cooperative and competitive multiplayer, allowing players to interact in various ways. The primary methods of multiplayer interaction include:
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Cooperative Play (Summoning): Players can summon others to help them tackle challenging areas or bosses. This is done using specific items like the Furlcalling Finger Remedy and Tarnished’s Furled Finger.
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Invasions: Players can invade another player’s world to engage in PvP combat. This is facilitated by items like the Bloody Finger and Recusant Finger.
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Dueling: For those who prefer a more structured form of PvP, duels can be arranged using the Duelist’s Furled Finger.
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Messages and Ghosts: While not direct multiplayer, players can leave messages for others to find, and ghostly apparitions of other players can be seen, adding a layer of indirect interaction.
How to Summon Allies
Summoning allies is one of the most common ways to engage in multiplayer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
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Activate the Furlcalling Finger Remedy: This item reveals summon signs left by other players. You can craft it using Erdleaf Flowers, which are commonly found throughout the game world.
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Look for Summon Signs: Once activated, you’ll see golden summon signs on the ground. These signs indicate that another player is available to be summoned.
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Summon the Player: Approach the summon sign and interact with it to bring the player into your world. Note that you can only summon players who are within a similar level range.
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Engage in Cooperative Play: Once summoned, the player will appear in your world, and you can tackle the area or boss together. Be mindful that summoning allies increases the difficulty of enemies, so coordination is key.
How to Invade Another Player’s World
For those who enjoy a more competitive experience, invading another player’s world can be thrilling. Here’s how to do it:
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Use the Bloody Finger or Recusant Finger: These items allow you to invade another player’s world. The Bloody Finger is available early in the game, while the Recusant Finger is obtained later.
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Search for a World to Invade: Activate the item, and the game will search for a suitable world to invade. Once a world is found, you’ll be transported there.
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Engage in PvP Combat: Your goal is to defeat the host of the world. Be prepared for a tough fight, as the host may have allies summoned to help them.
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Return to Your World: If you succeed in defeating the host, you’ll be rewarded with Runes and other items. If you fail, you’ll be returned to your world with no penalty.
Tips for Successful Multiplayer
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Communication is Key: If you’re playing cooperatively, communication with your allies is crucial. Use gestures or voice chat to coordinate your actions.
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Know Your Role: In cooperative play, it’s essential to understand your role. If you’re a tank, focus on drawing enemy attention. If you’re a damage dealer, prioritize dealing damage while staying safe.
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Be Prepared for Anything: Invasions can be unpredictable. Always be ready for a fight, and don’t underestimate your opponent.
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Use the Environment: Both in cooperative play and invasions, the environment can be your ally. Use it to your advantage by luring enemies into traps or using it to escape dangerous situations.
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Experiment with Builds: Different builds can be more effective in multiplayer. Experiment with various weapons, spells, and armor to find what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I play with friends in Elden Ring? 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, and you’ll be more likely to see each other’s summon signs.
Q: What happens if I die in multiplayer? A: If you die in multiplayer, you’ll be returned to your world. In cooperative play, you’ll need to be summoned again. In invasions, you’ll simply return to your world with no penalty.
Q: Can I be invaded while playing solo? A: Yes, you can be invaded while playing solo, but only if you have used the Furlcalling Finger Remedy or are in an area where invasions are common. If you prefer not to be invaded, avoid using the Furlcalling Finger Remedy.
Q: Are there any rewards for participating in multiplayer? A: Yes, participating in multiplayer can reward you with Runes, items, and even unique equipment. Successful invasions and cooperative play can yield significant rewards.
Q: Can I use multiplayer to bypass difficult areas? A: While multiplayer can make certain areas easier, it’s not a guaranteed way to bypass difficulty. Enemies become tougher when you summon allies, so coordination and strategy are still essential.
In conclusion, Elden Ring’s multiplayer system offers a diverse range of experiences, from cooperative play to intense PvP battles. By understanding the mechanics and following the tips provided, you can make the most out of your multiplayer adventures in the Lands Between. Whether you’re summoning allies to take down a formidable boss or invading another player’s world for some competitive action, the multiplayer in Elden Ring is sure to provide countless hours of entertainment.