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

Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action RPG developed by FromSoftware, has captivated players worldwide with its vast open world, intricate lore, and challenging gameplay. While the single-player experience is a masterpiece in its own right, the multiplayer aspect of Elden Ring adds a whole new layer of depth and excitement. In this article, we will explore how to play Elden Ring multiplayer, diving into the mechanics, strategies, and the occasional absurdity that comes with cooperative and competitive play.

Understanding the Basics of Multiplayer

Before diving into the multiplayer experience, it’s essential to understand the basic mechanics that govern how players interact with each other in Elden Ring. The game offers two primary modes of multiplayer: cooperative play and competitive play.

Cooperative Play

Cooperative play allows players to team up with others to tackle the game’s challenging bosses and explore the Lands Between together. To engage in cooperative play, you’ll need to use specific items called “Furlcalling Finger Remedies.” These items allow you to see summon signs placed by other players, which you can interact with to bring them into your world.

Summoning Allies: To summon a friend or a random player, you’ll need to use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy. Once activated, you’ll see summon signs on the ground. These signs represent other players who are available to join your game. Simply interact with the sign to bring them into your world.
Setting a Password: If you want to play with specific friends, you can set a multiplayer password in the game’s settings. This ensures that only players with the same password can see each other’s summon signs, making it easier to connect with your chosen allies.
Limitations: It’s important to note that cooperative play has some limitations. For instance, you can only summon a certain number of players at a time, and some areas of the game may restrict multiplayer activity. Additionally, summoned players will be sent back to their own world once the area boss is defeated.

Competitive Play

Competitive play, on the other hand, pits players against each other in a battle for supremacy. This mode is accessed through the use of “Duelist’s Furled Finger” and “Bloody Finger” items, which allow you to invade other players’ worlds or be invaded yourself.

Invasions: Invasions occur when a player uses a Bloody Finger to enter another player’s world with the intent to kill them. This can happen at any time, adding an element of unpredictability to the game. If you’re the one being invaded, you’ll need to defend yourself or call upon allies to help.
Dueling: For a more structured form of PvP, you can use the Duelist’s Furled Finger to place a summon sign that other players can interact with to challenge you to a duel. This is a more honorable form of combat, often taking place in designated areas where players can test their skills against each other.
Covenants: Elden Ring features various covenants that players can join, each with its own set of rules and rewards related to multiplayer. For example, some covenants may encourage cooperative play, while others focus on invasions and PvP combat.

Strategies for Successful Multiplayer

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s delve into some strategies that can help you succeed in Elden Ring’s multiplayer modes.

Cooperative Play Strategies

Communication is Key: While Elden Ring doesn’t have built-in voice chat, communication is still crucial when playing cooperatively. Use gestures and the in-game messaging system to coordinate with your allies. For example, pointing in a specific direction can indicate where you want to go next, while a simple “Hello” gesture can help establish a friendly atmosphere.
Balance Your Team: When summoning allies, consider the balance of your team. Having a mix of melee fighters, ranged attackers, and support characters can make your group more versatile and better equipped to handle different challenges.
Know Your Role: In cooperative play, it’s important to understand your role within the team. If you’re a tank, focus on drawing aggro from enemies and protecting your allies. If you’re a healer or support character, prioritize keeping your team alive and buffing their abilities.
Plan Your Approach: Before engaging a boss or a tough enemy, take a moment to discuss your strategy with your team. Decide who will take the lead, who will provide support, and how you’ll handle any unexpected situations that may arise.

Competitive Play Strategies

Know Your Build: In PvP, your build is everything. Make sure you have a well-rounded character with a mix of offensive and defensive capabilities. Experiment with different weapons, spells, and armor to find a setup that suits your playstyle.
Study Your Opponent: When facing another player, take the time to study their movements and attack patterns. Look for openings and weaknesses that you can exploit. For example, if your opponent relies heavily on a specific attack, try to anticipate it and counter accordingly.
Use the Environment: The environment can be a powerful tool in PvP. Use obstacles and terrain to your advantage, whether it’s hiding behind cover to avoid attacks or luring your opponent into a trap.
Stay Calm Under Pressure: PvP can be intense, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Stay calm and focused, and don’t let your emotions dictate your actions. Remember, the goal is to outsmart and outmaneuver your opponent, not to panic and make mistakes.

The Absurdity of Multiplayer

While Elden Ring’s multiplayer modes are designed to be challenging and rewarding, they can also be a source of unexpected hilarity and absurdity. Here are a few examples of the strange and wonderful moments that can occur when playing with others:

The Fashion Souls Phenomenon: In Elden Ring, fashion is just as important as function. Players often spend hours crafting the perfect look for their characters, leading to some truly bizarre and creative outfits. It’s not uncommon to see a heavily armored knight wielding a giant hammer, only to be paired with a player dressed as a jester with a tiny dagger.
The Accidental Betrayal: Sometimes, in the heat of battle, things don’t go as planned. You might accidentally hit an ally with a powerful spell, or misjudge a jump and fall to your death. These moments of unintended betrayal can lead to laughter and camaraderie, even in the face of defeat.
The Unexpected Ally: In the world of Elden Ring, not all enemies are created equal. Sometimes, you’ll encounter an NPC or a creature that seems hostile at first, only to realize that they’re actually on your side. These unexpected allies can turn the tide of battle and create memorable moments of teamwork.
The Glitch That Changed Everything: Like any complex game, Elden Ring is not without its glitches. Occasionally, you’ll encounter a bug that completely changes the way you play. Whether it’s a weapon that suddenly becomes overpowered or a boss that gets stuck in a loop, these glitches can lead to some truly bizarre and unforgettable experiences.

Conclusion

Elden Ring’s multiplayer modes offer a rich and varied experience that can be both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re teaming up with friends to take down a powerful boss or testing your skills against other players in PvP combat, there’s always something new to discover. By understanding the mechanics, employing effective strategies, and embracing the occasional absurdity, you can make the most of your multiplayer adventures in the Lands Between.

Q: Can I play Elden Ring multiplayer with friends on different platforms? A: Unfortunately, Elden Ring does not support cross-platform play. You can only play with friends who are on the same platform as you (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, or PC).

Q: How do I get more Furlcalling Finger Remedies? A: Furlcalling Finger Remedies can be crafted using Erdleaf Flowers, which are found throughout the game world. You can also purchase them from certain merchants or find them as loot.

Q: What happens if I die in multiplayer? A: If you die in multiplayer, you will be sent back to your own world. Any progress you made in the host’s world will be lost, but you will retain any items or experience you gained during the session.

Q: Can I be invaded while playing solo? A: Yes, you can be invaded while playing solo if you have used a Furlcalling Finger Remedy or if you are in an area where invasions are common. However, you can avoid invasions by playing in offline mode or by not using multiplayer items.

Q: Are there any rewards for participating in multiplayer? A: Yes, participating in multiplayer can earn you various rewards, including Runes, items, and covenant-specific rewards. These rewards can help you progress faster and unlock new abilities or equipment.

Q: Can I use mods in multiplayer? A: Using mods in multiplayer is generally discouraged, as it can lead to unfair advantages or even bans from the game. It’s best to play multiplayer without mods to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone.