How to Play Multiplayer on 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, challenging combat, and deep lore. While the game is primarily a single-player experience, it also offers a unique multiplayer component that allows players to team up or compete against each other. However, the multiplayer system in Elden Ring is not as straightforward as in other games, and understanding how it works can be a bit of a puzzle. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to engage in multiplayer in Elden Ring, from summoning allies to invading other players’ worlds, and discuss the nuances of this system.

Summoning Allies: The Art of Cooperation

One of the primary ways to engage in multiplayer in Elden Ring is by summoning other players to assist you in your journey. This is done through the use of summoning signs, which can be found scattered throughout the game world. To summon another player, you’ll need to use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy, an item that reveals summoning signs near you. Once you’ve used the remedy, you’ll be able to see the summoning signs of other players who are looking to join your game.

When you interact with a summoning sign, you’ll be able to summon that player into your world. The summoned player will then assist you in combat, exploration, and boss fights. However, there are some limitations to this system. For example, you can only summon players who are within a certain level range of your own character. Additionally, summoning another player will increase the difficulty of the enemies in your world, making the game more challenging.

Invading Other Worlds: The Thrill of Competition

If cooperation isn’t your style, Elden Ring also offers a more competitive multiplayer option: invasions. Invasions allow you to enter another player’s world as an adversary, with the goal of defeating the host player. To invade another player’s world, you’ll need to use a Bloody Finger, an item that allows you to search for other players’ worlds to invade.

Once you’ve invaded another player’s world, your goal is to hunt down and defeat the host player. However, the host player is not alone; they may have summoned allies to assist them, making your task more difficult. Additionally, the host player can use certain items to increase the difficulty of the invasion, such as the Taunter’s Tongue, which allows them to summon additional invaders.

Invasions are a high-risk, high-reward activity. If you successfully defeat the host player, you’ll be rewarded with Runes, the game’s currency, and other valuable items. However, if you’re defeated, you’ll lose any Runes you were carrying at the time of the invasion.

The Role of Covenants: Aligning with Factions

Elden Ring also features a system of covenants, which are factions that players can align themselves with. Each covenant has its own unique rewards and objectives, and joining a covenant can provide additional multiplayer opportunities. For example, some covenants are focused on cooperation, allowing you to summon other members of your covenant to assist you in battle. Others are more competitive, encouraging you to invade other players’ worlds and defeat them.

Joining a covenant is as simple as finding the appropriate NPC and pledging your allegiance. Once you’ve joined a covenant, you’ll gain access to its unique rewards and objectives, as well as the ability to summon or invade other members of the same covenant.

The Etiquette of Multiplayer: Playing Fair and Having Fun

While Elden Ring’s multiplayer system offers a lot of flexibility, it’s important to remember that multiplayer is a shared experience. As such, there are certain unwritten rules of etiquette that players are expected to follow. For example, when summoning another player, it’s considered polite to wait for them to arrive before engaging in combat. Similarly, when invading another player’s world, it’s generally expected that you’ll engage in a fair fight, rather than using underhanded tactics to gain an advantage.

Of course, not all players will follow these rules, and there will always be those who seek to exploit the system for their own gain. However, by adhering to these unwritten rules, you can help ensure that the multiplayer experience in Elden Ring remains enjoyable for everyone involved.

Conclusion: A World of Possibilities

Elden Ring’s multiplayer system is a complex and nuanced one, offering a wide range of opportunities for both cooperation and competition. Whether you’re summoning allies to assist you in your journey, invading other players’ worlds for a thrill, or aligning yourself with a covenant to pursue unique objectives, there’s no shortage of ways to engage with other players in this vast and mysterious world.

As you explore the Lands Between, remember that multiplayer is a shared experience, and that by playing fair and respecting the unwritten rules of etiquette, you can help ensure that everyone has a good time. So grab your Furlcalling Finger Remedy, sharpen your blade, and prepare to embark on a journey through chaos and cooperation in Elden Ring.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I play multiplayer with friends? A: Yes, you can play multiplayer with friends by using a password system. When you set a password, only players who enter the same password will be able to see your summoning sign or invade your world.

Q: How do I leave a covenant? A: To leave a covenant, you’ll need to speak with the NPC who represents that covenant and choose the option to abandon your allegiance. Be aware that leaving a covenant may have consequences, such as losing access to certain rewards or abilities.

Q: Can I be invaded while playing solo? A: Yes, you can be invaded while playing solo, but only if you have used a Furlcalling Finger Remedy or have activated certain items that allow invasions. If you prefer to play without the risk of being invaded, you can avoid using these items.

Q: What happens if I die during an invasion? A: If you die during an invasion, you’ll lose any Runes you were carrying at the time of the invasion. However, you can retrieve your lost Runes by returning to the location where you died.

Q: Are there any rewards for participating in multiplayer? A: Yes, participating in multiplayer can reward you with Runes, items, and other valuable resources. Additionally, some covenants offer unique rewards for completing their objectives, such as special weapons or armor.