How to Do Multiplayer in 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. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is its multiplayer component, which allows players to team up with friends or strangers to tackle the game’s many challenges. However, navigating the multiplayer system in Elden Ring can be as daunting as facing one of its many bosses. In this article, we’ll explore how to do multiplayer in Elden Ring, offering tips, tricks, and insights to help you make the most of your cooperative adventures.

Understanding the Basics of Multiplayer in Elden Ring

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the basic mechanics of multiplayer in Elden Ring. The game offers two primary forms of multiplayer: cooperative play and competitive play. Cooperative play allows you to summon other players to help you defeat bosses, explore dungeons, or simply enjoy the game together. Competitive play, on the other hand, pits you against other players in PvP (Player versus Player) combat.

Cooperative Play: Summoning and Being Summoned

To engage in cooperative play, you’ll need to use specific items called “Furlcalling Finger Remedies.” These items allow you to see summon signs left by other players, which you can interact with to summon them into your world. Conversely, if you want to be summoned into another player’s world, you’ll need to use the “Tarnished’s Furled Finger” to leave your summon sign.

Tips for Successful Summoning:

Timing is Key: Summoning other players can be a bit unpredictable. Be patient and try summoning at different times of the day to increase your chances of finding a partner.
Communication: While Elden Ring doesn’t have built-in voice chat, using gestures and the in-game messaging system can help you coordinate with your summoned allies.
Level Matching: The game uses a level-matching system to ensure that players of similar levels are paired together. Keep this in mind when summoning or being summoned.

Competitive Play: Invasions and Duels

If you’re looking for a more adversarial experience, Elden Ring’s competitive multiplayer options are sure to satisfy. Invasions allow you to enter another player’s world as an enemy, with the goal of defeating the host player. Duels, on the other hand, are more formalized PvP encounters, often arranged through community hubs or in-game arenas.

Tips for Competitive Play:

Know Your Build: A well-optimized character build is crucial for success in PvP. Experiment with different weapons, spells, and armor to find a setup that suits your playstyle.
Map Awareness: Understanding the layout of the game’s world can give you a significant advantage in invasions. Use the environment to your advantage, setting traps or ambushes for your opponents.
Practice Makes Perfect: Like any competitive game, practice is key. Spend time honing your skills in both invasions and duels to become a formidable opponent.

Advanced Multiplayer Strategies

Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are several advanced strategies you can employ to enhance your multiplayer experience in Elden Ring.

Password Matching: Playing with Friends

One of the most requested features in Elden Ring’s multiplayer system is the ability to play with friends. Fortunately, the game offers a password matching system that allows you to connect with specific players. By setting a password in the multiplayer menu, you can ensure that only players with the same password can see your summon sign or invade your world.

Tips for Password Matching:

Unique Passwords: Choose a unique password to avoid interference from other players. Simple passwords like “1234” are often used by many players, making it harder to connect with your intended partner.
Communication: Coordinate with your friends to ensure everyone is using the same password and is ready to play at the same time.

Multiplayer Etiquette: Respecting Your Fellow Players

While Elden Ring’s multiplayer system is designed to be flexible, there are some unwritten rules of etiquette that players generally follow. These include:

Bow Before a Duel: In formal PvP encounters, it’s customary to bow or gesture before engaging in combat. This shows respect for your opponent and sets the tone for a fair fight.
Don’t Overuse Summons: While summoning other players can make the game easier, over-reliance on summons can detract from the experience. Try to strike a balance between solo play and cooperative play.
Be a Good Sport: Whether you win or lose, always be gracious. Congratulate your opponent on a well-fought battle, and don’t be discouraged by defeat.

Exploring the Multiplayer Community

Elden Ring’s multiplayer community is vibrant and active, with players from all over the world coming together to share their experiences, strategies, and stories. Engaging with the community can enhance your multiplayer experience and provide valuable insights into the game.

Joining Online Communities

There are numerous online communities dedicated to Elden Ring, including forums, Discord servers, and social media groups. These communities are excellent resources for finding co-op partners, discussing strategies, and sharing your achievements.

Popular Elden Ring Communities:

Reddit: The Elden Ring subreddit is a hub for discussions, memes, and community events.
Discord: Many Discord servers are dedicated to Elden Ring, offering channels for co-op, PvP, and general discussion.
YouTube and Twitch: Content creators on these platforms often share tips, guides, and multiplayer sessions, providing both entertainment and education.

Participating in Community Events

Many Elden Ring communities organize events, such as PvP tournaments, co-op challenges, and lore discussions. Participating in these events can be a fun way to engage with the community and test your skills against other players.

Examples of Community Events:

PvP Tournaments: Organized competitions where players face off in duels or invasions, often with specific rules or restrictions.
Co-op Challenges: Community-led events where players team up to tackle difficult areas or bosses, often with unique twists or limitations.
Lore Discussions: Deep dives into the game’s rich lore, often led by knowledgeable community members or content creators.

Conclusion

Multiplayer in Elden Ring offers a rich and varied experience, whether you’re teaming up with friends to conquer the game’s toughest challenges or testing your skills against other players in PvP combat. By understanding the basics, employing advanced strategies, and engaging with the community, you can make the most of your multiplayer adventures in the Lands Between. So grab your Furlcalling Finger Remedy, set your password, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through chaos and cooperation.

Q: Can I play Elden Ring multiplayer on different platforms? A: Unfortunately, Elden Ring does not support cross-platform play. Players on different platforms (e.g., PC, PlayStation, Xbox) cannot play together.

Q: How many players can join a multiplayer session in Elden Ring? A: Elden Ring supports up to four players in a multiplayer session, including the host player. However, the exact number can vary depending on the type of multiplayer activity.

Q: Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold to play multiplayer in Elden Ring? A: Yes, you need an active subscription to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold to access multiplayer features on PlayStation or Xbox consoles, respectively. PC players do not require a subscription.

Q: Can I use mods in Elden Ring multiplayer? A: Using mods in multiplayer can lead to bans or other penalties. It’s generally recommended to avoid using mods when playing online to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.

Q: How do I deal with lag in Elden Ring multiplayer? A: Lag can be a common issue in multiplayer games. To minimize lag, ensure you have a stable internet connection, close background applications, and consider playing during off-peak hours when server traffic is lower.