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

Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action RPG developed by FromSoftware, has captivated players with its vast open world, intricate lore, and challenging gameplay. One of the most exciting features 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, unlocking multiplayer in Elden Ring is not as straightforward as one might expect. In this article, we will explore the various methods and strategies to unlock multiplayer, as well as discuss some of the more unconventional aspects of this feature.

Understanding the Basics of Multiplayer in Elden Ring

Before diving into the specifics of how to unlock multiplayer, it’s important to understand the basic mechanics of how multiplayer works in Elden Ring. The game offers two main types of multiplayer interactions: cooperative play and competitive play.

Cooperative Play

Cooperative play allows players to team up with others to explore the world, defeat bosses, and complete quests. This mode is particularly useful for tackling some of the game’s more difficult challenges, as having additional players can make a significant difference in combat.

Competitive Play

Competitive play, on the other hand, pits players against each other in various forms of PvP (Player vs. Player) combat. This can range from duels to large-scale battles, and it adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the game.

How to Unlock Multiplayer in Elden Ring

Now that we have a basic understanding of the multiplayer modes available in Elden Ring, let’s delve into the steps required to unlock them.

Step 1: Acquire the Necessary Items

To engage in multiplayer, players must first acquire certain items that enable them to summon or be summoned by other players. These items include:

• Tarnished’s Furled Finger: This item allows players to place a summon sign, which other players can interact with to summon them into their world.
• Small Golden Effigy: This item is used to send a cooperative summon sign to nearby summoning pools, making it easier for other players to find and summon you.
• Duelist’s Furled Finger: This item is specifically for competitive play, allowing players to place a red summon sign that others can interact with to initiate a duel.

These items can be obtained early in the game, often as rewards for completing certain quests or defeating specific enemies.

Step 2: Activate Multiplayer Features

Once you have the necessary items, you need to activate the multiplayer features. This is done by interacting with specific in-game objects or using certain items.

• Summoning Pools: These are scattered throughout the world and can be activated by interacting with them. Once activated, they allow players to send their summon signs to these pools, making it easier for others to find and summon them.
• Furlcalling Finger Remedy: This item is used to reveal summon signs placed by other players. It can be crafted using Erdleaf Flowers, which are commonly found throughout the world.

Step 3: Engage in Multiplayer Activities

With the necessary items and features activated, you can now engage in multiplayer activities. Here’s how:

• Cooperative Play: To summon another player, use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy to reveal summon signs near you. Interact with a summon sign to bring that player into your world. To be summoned, place your summon sign using the Tarnished’s Furled Finger or Small Golden Effigy.
• Competitive Play: To engage in PvP, use the Duelist’s Furled Finger to place a red summon sign. Other players can interact with this sign to challenge you to a duel. Alternatively, you can invade another player’s world using the Bloody Finger or Recusant Finger items.

Advanced Multiplayer Strategies

While the basic steps to unlock multiplayer are relatively straightforward, there are several advanced strategies that can enhance your multiplayer experience.

Password Matching

Elden Ring allows players to set a password for multiplayer sessions. This ensures that only players who know the password can join your game, making it easier to play with friends. To use this feature, simply set a password in the multiplayer menu and share it with your friends.

Summoning Pool Etiquette

When using summoning pools, it’s important to be mindful of etiquette. For example, if you’re summoning players for a boss fight, make sure to wait until everyone is ready before entering the boss arena. Additionally, if you’re being summoned, try to be respectful of the host’s world and follow their lead.

PvP Tactics

In competitive play, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your build is crucial. Experiment with different weapons, spells, and tactics to find what works best for you. Additionally, pay attention to the environment during PvP battles, as terrain can be used to your advantage.

Unconventional Multiplayer Experiences

While the primary focus of multiplayer in Elden Ring is on cooperative and competitive play, there are some more unconventional ways to engage with other players.

Message System

Elden Ring features a message system that allows players to leave notes for others to find. These messages can provide hints, warnings, or even humorous commentary. While not a traditional form of multiplayer, the message system adds a layer of community interaction that enhances the overall experience.

Ghostly Encounters

As you explore the world, you may occasionally see ghostly apparitions of other players. These are not actual players, but rather recordings of their actions. While you can’t interact with these ghosts directly, they can provide valuable insights into how other players are approaching certain challenges.

Conclusion

Unlocking multiplayer in Elden Ring is a rewarding experience that adds depth and variety to the game. Whether you’re teaming up with friends to take down a challenging boss or engaging in intense PvP battles, the multiplayer features offer endless opportunities for fun and excitement. By following the steps outlined in this article and experimenting with different strategies, you can make the most of Elden Ring’s multiplayer component and create unforgettable gaming memories.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I play multiplayer with friends who are on a different platform? A: No, Elden Ring does not support cross-platform multiplayer. You can only play with others who are on the same platform as you.

Q: Is there a level limit for multiplayer matchmaking? A: Yes, Elden Ring uses a level-based matchmaking system. Players who are within a certain level range can be matched together. However, using a password bypasses this restriction, allowing players of any level to join your game.

Q: Can I use multiplayer to cheese difficult bosses? A: While summoning other players can make boss fights easier, it’s important to remember that bosses also scale in difficulty based on the number of players. Additionally, relying too heavily on multiplayer can detract from the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming challenges on your own.

Q: Are there any penalties for dying in multiplayer? A: In cooperative play, dying will send you back to your own world, but you won’t lose any progress or items. In competitive play, dying will result in the loss of runes, which can be retrieved if you return to the location where you died.

Q: Can I communicate with other players in multiplayer? A: Elden Ring does not have a built-in voice chat system, but players can use gestures and the message system to communicate. Additionally, third-party voice chat applications can be used for more direct communication.