How to Multiplayer in Elden Ring: Why Invading Someone's World Feels Like Stealing Their Lunch Money

Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action RPG from FromSoftware, has taken the gaming world by storm. Its vast open world, intricate lore, and challenging gameplay have captivated millions of players. One of the most intriguing aspects of Elden Ring is its multiplayer component, which allows players to team up with friends or invade other players’ worlds for some PvP action. But how exactly does multiplayer work in Elden Ring? And why does invading someone else’s world feel like stealing their lunch money? Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding the Basics of Multiplayer in Elden Ring

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of multiplayer, it’s essential to understand the basic mechanics. Elden Ring’s multiplayer is not your typical co-op experience. Instead, it’s a unique blend of cooperative and competitive gameplay that can be both rewarding and frustrating.

Co-op Play: Summoning Allies

Cooperative play in Elden Ring allows you to summon other players (or NPCs) to help you tackle challenging bosses or explore dangerous areas. To summon a friend, you’ll need to use a specific item called the “Furlcalling Finger Remedy.” This item reveals summon signs placed by other players in your world. Once you find a summon sign, you can interact with it to bring that player into your game.

However, co-op play is not without its limitations. For instance, you can only summon players within a certain level range, and you can’t summon more than two allies at a time. Additionally, summoning a player will open your world to invasions, which brings us to the next point.

Invasions: The Art of Stealing Lunch Money

Invasions are the PvP aspect of Elden Ring’s multiplayer. When you invade another player’s world, you’re essentially entering their game as an enemy with the goal of defeating them. Invasions can happen at any time, and they add an extra layer of tension and unpredictability to the game.

But why does invading someone’s world feel like stealing their lunch money? Well, for starters, invasions are often unexpected. You could be minding your own business, exploring a new area, and suddenly find yourself under attack by another player. It’s a bit like having your lunch money stolen when you least expect it.

Moreover, invasions can be incredibly frustrating for the host. Not only do they have to deal with the game’s already challenging enemies, but they also have to fend off an invader who is likely more experienced in PvP combat. It’s a double whammy that can leave players feeling helpless and, in some cases, downright angry.

The Role of Covenants and Factions

Covenants and factions play a significant role in Elden Ring’s multiplayer. These are groups or organizations that players can join to gain specific benefits or engage in particular types of multiplayer activities.

For example, the “Blue Sentinels” covenant is dedicated to protecting other players from invaders. If you join this covenant, you may be summoned to help a player who is being invaded. On the other hand, the “Brotherhood of Blood” covenant is all about invading other players’ worlds and causing chaos.

Joining a covenant can add a new layer of depth to your multiplayer experience. It gives you a sense of purpose and can make your interactions with other players more meaningful. Plus, it’s always fun to have a group of like-minded players to team up with or compete against.

Tips for Successful Multiplayer in Elden Ring

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at some tips to help you succeed in Elden Ring’s multiplayer.

1. Communication is Key

If you’re playing co-op, communication is essential. Make sure you and your allies are on the same page when it comes to strategy and objectives. Use gestures or voice chat to coordinate your actions and avoid unnecessary deaths.

2. Know Your Role

In co-op play, it’s crucial to know your role. If you’re a tank, focus on drawing aggro and protecting your allies. If you’re a damage dealer, prioritize taking down enemies quickly. And if you’re a support player, make sure you’re healing and buffing your team as needed.

3. Be Prepared for Invasions

Invasions can happen at any time, so it’s essential to be prepared. Keep an eye on your surroundings, and don’t let your guard down. If you’re invaded, try to stay calm and assess the situation. Sometimes, the best strategy is to retreat and regroup rather than engaging the invader head-on.

4. Use the Environment to Your Advantage

The world of Elden Ring is vast and filled with environmental hazards. Use these to your advantage in both co-op and PvP. Lure enemies into traps, use high ground to gain a tactical advantage, and exploit narrow passages to funnel enemies into a kill zone.

5. Experiment with Different Builds

Elden Ring offers a wide variety of weapons, spells, and abilities, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different builds. Try out different combinations to find what works best for you in both PvE and PvP. You might discover a build that’s incredibly effective in multiplayer that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

6. Learn from Your Mistakes

Multiplayer in Elden Ring can be challenging, and you’re bound to make mistakes. The key is to learn from them. If you die during an invasion or a co-op session, take a moment to reflect on what went wrong and how you can improve. Over time, you’ll become a more skilled and confident player.

The Social Aspect of Multiplayer

One of the most underrated aspects of Elden Ring’s multiplayer is the social element. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or engaging in PvP, multiplayer offers a unique opportunity to connect with other players.

Building Friendships

Co-op play is an excellent way to build friendships and strengthen bonds with other players. Working together to overcome challenges can create a sense of camaraderie that’s hard to replicate in single-player games. Plus, it’s always fun to share your victories and defeats with others.

The Thrill of Competition

On the flip side, PvP offers a different kind of social experience. The thrill of competition can be incredibly exhilarating, especially when you come out on top. Even if you lose, there’s a certain satisfaction in knowing that you gave it your all and learned something in the process.

The Elden Ring Community

Finally, multiplayer in Elden Ring is a gateway to the larger Elden Ring community. Whether you’re discussing strategies on forums, sharing clips of your best moments on social media, or participating in community events, multiplayer connects you to a vibrant and passionate group of players.

Conclusion

Multiplayer in Elden Ring is a complex and multifaceted experience that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re teaming up with friends for some co-op action or invading other players’ worlds for some PvP thrills, there’s no shortage of ways to engage with the game’s multiplayer component.

And while invading someone’s world may feel like stealing their lunch money, it’s all part of the unique charm and challenge that Elden Ring has to offer. So, grab your Furlcalling Finger Remedy, summon some allies, and dive into the world of Elden Ring multiplayer. Just be prepared for anything—because in Elden Ring, anything can happen.

Q&A

Q: Can I play Elden Ring multiplayer with friends? A: Yes, you can play co-op with friends by using the Furlcalling Finger Remedy to summon them into your world.

Q: How do I invade another player’s world? A: To invade another player’s world, you’ll need to use an item called the “Bloody Finger.” This will allow you to enter another player’s game as an invader.

Q: Can I be invaded while playing solo? A: No, you can only be invaded if you have summoned another player into your world or if you use a specific item to open your world to invasions.

Q: Are there any rewards for invading other players? A: Yes, successfully invading and defeating another player can earn you Runes, which are used for leveling up and purchasing items.

Q: Can I communicate with other players in multiplayer? A: While there is no built-in voice chat, you can communicate with other players using gestures and pre-set messages. Some players also use external voice chat programs for better coordination.