How to Play Multiplayer in Elden Ring: A Guide to Summoning Chaos and Conquering Together

How to Play Multiplayer in Elden Ring: A Guide to Summoning Chaos and Conquering Together

Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action RPG by FromSoftware, is a game that thrives on its challenging gameplay, intricate world-building, and deep lore. While the single-player experience is undeniably captivating, the multiplayer aspect adds a whole new layer of excitement and strategy. Whether you’re looking to summon allies for a tough boss fight or invade another player’s world for some PvP action, Elden Ring’s multiplayer system is both rewarding and complex. In this guide, we’ll explore how to play multiplayer in Elden Ring, covering everything from summoning signs to invasions, and even some tips on how to make the most out of your cooperative or competitive experience.

Understanding the Basics of Multiplayer in Elden Ring

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand the basic mechanics of multiplayer in Elden Ring. The game offers two primary modes of multiplayer: cooperative play and competitive play. Cooperative play allows you to summon other players (or NPCs) to help you tackle difficult areas or bosses, while competitive play lets you invade other players’ worlds to engage in PvP combat.

Cooperative Play: Summoning Allies

Cooperative play in Elden Ring is facilitated through the use of summoning signs. These signs can be found scattered throughout the game world, usually near bonfires or before boss arenas. To summon another player, you’ll need to use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy, an item that reveals summoning signs in your vicinity. Once you’ve used the remedy, you’ll be able to see the summoning signs of other players who are looking to join your game.

  1. Using the Furlcalling Finger Remedy: This item can be crafted using Erdleaf Flowers, which are commonly found throughout the game world. Once you have the remedy, simply use it to reveal summoning signs. You can then interact with a sign to summon that player into your world.

  2. Setting a Password: If you’re looking 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 summoning signs, making it easier to coordinate with your group.

  3. Summoning NPCs: In addition to other players, you can also summon NPCs to aid you in certain areas or boss fights. These NPCs are usually tied to specific questlines, so be sure to explore the world thoroughly to unlock their summoning signs.

Competitive Play: Invasions and Duels

For those who enjoy a more competitive experience, Elden Ring offers the option to invade other players’ worlds. Invasions are a staple of FromSoftware games, and Elden Ring is no exception. Here’s how you can get started with invasions:

  1. Using the Bloody Finger: To invade another player’s world, you’ll need to use a Bloody Finger, an item that allows you to search for worlds to invade. Once you’ve used the Bloody Finger, the game will search for a suitable world, and if successful, you’ll be transported to that player’s world as an invader.

  2. The Duelist’s Furled Finger: If you’re more interested in fair one-on-one combat, you can use the Duelist’s Furled Finger to place a red summoning sign. Other players can then summon you for a duel, which is a more structured form of PvP combat.

  3. The Taunter’s Tongue: For those who want to increase their chances of being invaded, the Taunter’s Tongue is an item that allows you to open your world to more invaders. This can be a fun way to test your skills against multiple opponents, but be prepared for a challenging experience.

Tips for Successful Multiplayer in Elden Ring

Now that you understand the basics of multiplayer in Elden Ring, here are some tips to help you make the most out of your cooperative or competitive experience:

1. Communication is Key

While Elden Ring doesn’t have built-in voice chat, communication is still important, especially in cooperative play. If you’re playing with friends, consider using an external voice chat service like Discord to coordinate your strategies. Even if you’re playing with strangers, using the in-game gestures can help convey your intentions, such as pointing towards a hidden path or signaling that you’re ready to engage a boss.

2. Choose Your Build Wisely

Your character build can have a significant impact on your effectiveness in multiplayer. In cooperative play, having a balanced team composition can make a big difference. For example, having a tanky character to draw aggro, a ranged DPS to deal damage from a distance, and a healer to keep everyone alive can make boss fights much more manageable. In PvP, your build should be optimized for duels or invasions, depending on your preferred playstyle.

3. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

Elden Ring’s world is filled with environmental hazards, from traps to ambushes. When playing multiplayer, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re the host. Enemies can quickly overwhelm you if you’re not careful, and invaders can use the environment to their advantage. Always keep an eye out for potential threats and plan your movements accordingly.

4. Use the Environment to Your Advantage

In both cooperative and competitive play, the environment can be a powerful tool. In cooperative play, you can use the terrain to funnel enemies into choke points or set up ambushes. In PvP, you can use the environment to create distance between you and your opponent, or to lure them into traps. Be creative and think outside the box to gain the upper hand.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Elden Ring’s multiplayer system is designed to be flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies and playstyles. Try out different weapons, spells, and tactics to see what works best for you. You might discover a new favorite build or strategy that you hadn’t considered before.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I play multiplayer with friends in Elden Ring?

Yes, you can play multiplayer with friends in Elden Ring by setting a multiplayer password. This ensures that only players with the same password can see each other’s summoning signs, making it easier to coordinate with your group.

Q2: How do I summon other players in Elden Ring?

To summon other players, you’ll need to use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy, which reveals summoning signs in your vicinity. Once you’ve used the remedy, you can interact with a summoning sign to bring that player into your world.

Q3: Can I summon NPCs in Elden Ring?

Yes, you can summon NPCs to aid you in certain areas or boss fights. These NPCs are usually tied to specific questlines, so be sure to explore the world thoroughly to unlock their summoning signs.

Q4: How do I invade other players’ worlds in Elden Ring?

To invade another player’s world, you’ll need to use a Bloody Finger, an item that allows you to search for worlds to invade. Once you’ve used the Bloody Finger, the game will search for a suitable world, and if successful, you’ll be transported to that player’s world as an invader.

Q5: What is the Taunter’s Tongue used for?

The Taunter’s Tongue is an item that allows you to open your world to more invaders. This can be a fun way to test your skills against multiple opponents, but be prepared for a challenging experience.

Q6: Can I duel other players in Elden Ring?

Yes, you can duel other players by using the Duelist’s Furled Finger to place a red summoning sign. Other players can then summon you for a duel, which is a more structured form of PvP combat.

Q7: Is there voice chat in Elden Ring?

No, Elden Ring does not have built-in voice chat. However, you can use external voice chat services like Discord to communicate with your friends while playing.

Q8: What should I do if I’m struggling in multiplayer?

If you’re struggling in multiplayer, consider adjusting your build or strategy. Experiment with different weapons, spells, and tactics to find what works best for you. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from more experienced players or seek out guides and tutorials online.

Q9: Can I play multiplayer in Elden Ring without an internet connection?

No, Elden Ring’s multiplayer features require an internet connection. If you’re playing offline, you’ll only have access to the single-player experience.

Q10: Are there any rewards for playing multiplayer in Elden Ring?

Yes, there are rewards for playing multiplayer in Elden Ring. In cooperative play, you’ll earn runes and other items for successfully completing areas or defeating bosses. In PvP, you can earn unique items and runes by defeating other players.

Elden Ring’s multiplayer system is a rich and rewarding experience that adds depth to an already incredible game. Whether you’re summoning allies to tackle a tough boss or invading other players’ worlds for some PvP action, there’s always something new to discover. By understanding the basics, communicating effectively, and experimenting with different strategies, you can make the most out of your multiplayer experience in Elden Ring. So grab your Furlcalling Finger Remedy, summon your friends, and prepare to conquer the Lands Between together!