How Does Elden Ring Multiplayer Work: A Deep Dive into the Lands Between's Cooperative and Competitive Play

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 intriguing aspects of the game is its multiplayer system, which allows players to interact with each other in both cooperative and competitive ways. In this article, we will explore how Elden Ring multiplayer works, examining its mechanics, features, and the unique experiences it offers.

Cooperative Play: Joining Forces in the Lands Between

Cooperative play in Elden Ring is facilitated through the use of summoning signs, which allow players to call upon others for assistance. These signs can be found scattered throughout the game world, often near challenging bosses or difficult areas. When a player activates a summoning sign, they can invite another player into their world to help them overcome obstacles.

Summoning Mechanics

To summon another player, you need to use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy, an item that reveals summoning signs on the ground. Once you consume this item, you can see the signs of other players who are available to join your game. These signs are typically placed near Sites of Grace, the game’s checkpoints, or near boss fog gates.

When you interact with a summoning sign, you can summon that player into your world. The summoned player, known as a “Phantom,” will appear in your game and can assist you in combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. However, there are some limitations to this system:

• Level Range: Players can only summon others who are within a certain level range. This ensures that the summoned player is not too overpowered or underpowered for the content you are facing.
• Time Limit: Summoned players can only stay in your world for a limited amount of time. If you take too long to progress, the summoned player will be sent back to their own world.
• Invasion Risk: While you have a summoned player in your world, your game becomes open to invasions from hostile players. This adds an element of risk to cooperative play, as you may have to fend off invaders while trying to progress.

Cooperative Boss Fights

One of the most rewarding aspects of cooperative play in Elden Ring is the ability to tackle challenging boss fights with the help of other players. Bosses in Elden Ring are notoriously difficult, and having an extra set of hands (or weapons) can make a significant difference. When you summon a player for a boss fight, they will join you in the boss arena and fight alongside you until the boss is defeated or they are killed.

Cooperative boss fights can be incredibly satisfying, as they require coordination and teamwork. However, they also come with their own set of challenges. For example, bosses have more health when you summon additional players, so you will need to be prepared for a longer and more intense battle.

Competitive Play: Invasions and Duels

In addition to cooperative play, Elden Ring also offers competitive multiplayer options. These include invasions, where hostile players can enter your world to hunt you down, and duels, where players can engage in one-on-one combat.

Invasions: The Hunt Begins

Invasions are a staple of FromSoftware’s games, and Elden Ring is no exception. When you are playing online, your game world can be invaded by other players who are looking to challenge you. Invasions can happen at any time, but they are more likely to occur when you are in a vulnerable state, such as when you are low on health or exploring a dangerous area.

When an invader enters your world, their goal is to kill you. If they succeed, they will be rewarded with Runes, the game’s currency, and other items. On the other hand, if you manage to defeat the invader, you will be rewarded with Runes and the satisfaction of protecting your world.

Invasions can be thrilling and unpredictable, as you never know when or where an invader might appear. They add an extra layer of tension to the game, as you must always be on guard for potential threats.

Duels: Honorable Combat

For players who prefer a more structured form of PvP, Elden Ring offers duels. Duels are one-on-one battles between players, typically arranged through the use of summoning signs. Unlike invasions, duels are consensual, and both players agree to fight each other in a fair and honorable manner.

Duels are often held in specific locations, such as arenas or open areas, and they follow certain unwritten rules. For example, it is considered bad form to use healing items during a duel, as it can prolong the fight and give one player an unfair advantage.

Duels are a great way to test your skills against other players and improve your combat abilities. They also offer a sense of camaraderie, as both players are there to enjoy a fair and challenging fight.

Multiplayer Items and Mechanics

Elden Ring’s multiplayer system is supported by a variety of items and mechanics that enhance the experience. These include:

• Furlcalling Finger Remedy: As mentioned earlier, this item is used to reveal summoning signs and allow players to summon others into their world.
• Tarnished’s Furled Finger: This item allows players to place their own summoning sign, making them available to be summoned by others.
• Bloody Finger: This item is used to invade other players’ worlds. When used, it will search for a suitable world to invade, and if successful, the player will be transported to that world as an invader.
• Duelist’s Furled Finger: This item is used to place a red summoning sign, indicating that the player is looking for a duel. Other players can interact with the sign to summon the duelist into their world for a one-on-one battle.
• White Cipher Ring: This item allows players to call for help when they are invaded. When activated, it will search for other players who are willing to assist, and if successful, a friendly player will be summoned to help fend off the invader.

Conclusion

Elden Ring’s multiplayer system is a complex and multifaceted feature that adds depth and variety to the game. Whether you prefer to team up with others to tackle challenging content or test your skills against other players in PvP, there is something for everyone in the Lands Between. The game’s unique blend of cooperative and competitive play ensures that no two multiplayer experiences are the same, making it a truly dynamic and engaging experience.

Related Questions

1. Can I play Elden Ring multiplayer with friends?

   • Yes, you can play with friends by using a password system. When you set a password, only players who enter the same password can see your summoning sign, allowing you to connect with specific players.

2. How many players can join a cooperative session in Elden Ring?

   • Up to four players can join a cooperative session, including the host. This means you can have up to three summoned players assisting you in your world.

3. What happens if I die during a cooperative session?

   • If you die during a cooperative session, the summoned players will be sent back to their own worlds, and you will need to summon them again if you wish to continue playing together.

4. Can I disable invasions in Elden Ring?

   • Invasions cannot be completely disabled, but you can reduce the likelihood of being invaded by playing in offline mode or by not summoning other players into your world.

5. Are there any rewards for winning duels or defeating invaders?

   • Yes, winning duels or defeating invaders rewards you with Runes and sometimes other items, such as consumables or crafting materials. These rewards can be used to enhance your character and progress through the game.