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

Elden Ring, the highly anticipated 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. In this article, we will explore the various ways to engage in multiplayer in Elden Ring, discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each method, and provide tips for making the most of your multiplayer experience.

Understanding Elden Ring’s Multiplayer Mechanics

Before diving into the specifics of how to play multiplayer in Elden Ring, it’s important to understand the game’s unique approach to online interaction. Unlike traditional multiplayer games, Elden Ring does not feature a dedicated multiplayer mode. Instead, the game integrates multiplayer elements into its single-player experience, allowing players to summon others for assistance or invade their worlds for PvP combat.

Summoning Allies: Co-op Play

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. When you encounter a summoning sign, you can interact with it to bring another player into your game.

How to Summon Allies

1. Find a Summoning Sign: Summoning signs are typically found near bonfires, boss arenas, or other significant locations. They appear as glowing symbols on the ground.
2. Interact with the Sign: Approach the summoning sign and press the appropriate button to interact with it. This will send a request to the player who placed the sign.
3. Wait for the Summon: If the other player accepts your request, they will be summoned into your world. You can then proceed to explore the area or take on a boss together.

Benefits of Co-op Play

• Shared Experience: Playing with others can make the game more enjoyable, as you can share the experience of exploring the world and defeating bosses.
• Increased Firepower: Having additional players in your game can make combat easier, as you can divide the attention of enemies and deal more damage collectively.
• Learning from Others: More experienced players can offer valuable advice and strategies, helping you improve your skills.

Drawbacks of Co-op Play

• Increased Difficulty: Some enemies and bosses may become more challenging when playing with others, as their health and damage output can scale with the number of players.
• Limited Control: When summoning allies, you have less control over the pacing of the game, as you must wait for others to join and coordinate your actions.
• Potential for Griefing: While rare, some players may intentionally sabotage your game by summoning you into difficult situations or refusing to cooperate.

Invading Other Worlds: PvP Combat

In addition to co-op play, Elden Ring also allows players to invade other worlds for PvP combat. This is done through the use of invasion items, which can be obtained by defeating certain enemies or completing specific tasks.

How to Invade Other Worlds

1. Obtain an Invasion Item: Invasion items, such as the Cracked Red Eye Orb, can be found throughout the game world or purchased from certain merchants.
2. Use the Item: Activate the invasion item to search for a suitable world to invade. Once a world is found, you will be transported to the host’s game.
3. Engage in Combat: Upon entering the host’s world, your goal is to defeat them. If successful, you will be rewarded with items and souls.

Benefits of PvP Combat

• Thrill of Competition: PvP combat offers a unique challenge, as you must outwit and outmaneuver other players rather than AI-controlled enemies.
• Rewards: Successful invasions can yield valuable rewards, including rare items and large amounts of souls.
• Testing Your Skills: PvP combat is a great way to test your skills against other players and improve your abilities.

Drawbacks of PvP Combat

• Unpredictability: Unlike co-op play, PvP combat is highly unpredictable, as you never know what strategies or tactics your opponent will use.
• Risk of Losing: If you are defeated in PvP combat, you will lose any souls you were carrying and may need to retrieve them from your corpse.
• Potential for Frustration: Some players may find PvP combat frustrating, especially if they are repeatedly defeated by more experienced opponents.

Asynchronous Multiplayer: Messages and Bloodstains

In addition to direct multiplayer interactions, Elden Ring also features asynchronous multiplayer elements, such as messages and bloodstains. These allow players to leave hints, warnings, or other information for others to find, as well as view the deaths of other players.

Leaving Messages

1. Access the Message System: Press the appropriate button to bring up the message interface.
2. Compose Your Message: Use the available templates and phrases to create a message. You can also add gestures or other elements to enhance your message.
3. Place the Message: Choose a location in the game world to place your message. Other players will be able to see and interact with it.

Viewing Bloodstains

1. Find a Bloodstain: Bloodstains appear as red marks on the ground and can be found throughout the game world.
2. Interact with the Bloodstain: Approach the bloodstain and press the appropriate button to view the death of the player who left it.
3. Learn from Their Mistakes: Watching how other players died can provide valuable insights into potential dangers and how to avoid them.

Benefits of Asynchronous Multiplayer

• Community Interaction: Messages and bloodstains allow players to interact with each other in a non-intrusive way, fostering a sense of community.
• Helpful Hints: Messages can provide useful tips and warnings, helping players navigate the game world more effectively.
• Entertainment: Some messages and bloodstains can be humorous or entertaining, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the game.

Drawbacks of Asynchronous Multiplayer

• Misleading Information: Not all messages are accurate or helpful, and some may even be intentionally misleading.
• Spoilers: Some messages may contain spoilers, revealing secrets or surprises before you have a chance to discover them on your own.
• Limited Interaction: Asynchronous multiplayer does not offer the same level of interaction as co-op or PvP play, and some players may find it less engaging.

Tips for a Successful Multiplayer Experience

To make the most of your multiplayer experience in Elden Ring, consider the following tips:

1. Communicate with Your Allies: If you’re playing co-op, use gestures or voice chat to communicate with your allies and coordinate your actions.
2. Be Prepared for PvP: If you’re engaging in PvP combat, make sure you’re well-equipped and familiar with your chosen weapons and abilities.
3. Use Messages Wisely: When leaving messages, try to provide useful information or warnings, and avoid leaving misleading or unhelpful messages.
4. Learn from Bloodstains: Pay attention to bloodstains and try to learn from the mistakes of other players to avoid meeting the same fate.
5. Experiment with Different Playstyles: Multiplayer offers a great opportunity to experiment with different playstyles and strategies, so don’t be afraid to try new things.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I play Elden Ring multiplayer with friends?

A: Yes, you can play Elden Ring multiplayer with friends by using summoning signs to bring them into your game or by joining their game as a summoned ally.

Q: How do I invade another player’s world?

A: To invade another player’s world, you need to use an invasion item, such as the Cracked Red Eye Orb. Activate the item to search for a suitable world to invade.

Q: What are the benefits of leaving messages in Elden Ring?

A: Leaving messages in Elden Ring can provide helpful hints and warnings to other players, as well as foster a sense of community and interaction.

Q: Can I play Elden Ring multiplayer offline?

A: No, Elden Ring’s multiplayer features require an online connection. However, you can play the game in single-player mode without an internet connection.

Q: How do I view bloodstains in Elden Ring?

A: Bloodstains appear as red marks on the ground and can be interacted with to view the death of the player who left them. This can provide valuable insights into potential dangers and how to avoid them.

Q: Is PvP combat in Elden Ring balanced?

A: PvP combat in Elden Ring can be challenging and unpredictable, but it is generally balanced. However, some players may find it more difficult than others depending on their skill level and equipment.

Q: Can I summon multiple allies in Elden Ring?

A: Yes, you can summon multiple allies in Elden Ring, but the number of allies you can summon may be limited depending on the area and the specific summoning signs available.

Q: What happens if I die in another player’s world during PvP combat?

A: If you die in another player’s world during PvP combat, you will lose any souls you were carrying and may need to retrieve them from your corpse in your own world.

Q: Can I leave messages in specific locations to help other players?

A: Yes, you can leave messages in specific locations to help other players by providing useful hints, warnings, or other information. However, be mindful of spoilers and avoid leaving misleading messages.

Q: How do I improve my chances of winning in PvP combat?

A: To improve your chances of winning in PvP combat, make sure you’re well-equipped, familiar with your chosen weapons and abilities, and practice your skills against other players. Additionally, pay attention to your opponent’s tactics and adapt your strategy accordingly.