How to Do Multiplayer in Elden Ring: A Guide to Summoning Chaos and Brewing Tea with Invaders

Elden Ring, the sprawling open-world masterpiece by FromSoftware, has captivated players with its intricate lore, challenging combat, and breathtaking landscapes. But beyond the solo journey lies a vibrant multiplayer experience that can either enhance your adventure or turn it into a chaotic battleground. Whether you’re summoning allies to tackle a formidable boss or fending off invaders in your world, multiplayer in Elden Ring is a unique blend of cooperation and competition. In this guide, we’ll explore how to dive into the multiplayer madness, from summoning friends to brewing tea with unexpected guests.

Understanding the Basics of Multiplayer in Elden Ring

Before you can summon your first ally or invade another player’s world, it’s essential to understand the core mechanics of multiplayer in Elden Ring. The game offers several multiplayer options, each with its own rules and quirks:

1. Cooperative Play (Summoning): This allows you to bring other players into your world to help you tackle challenging areas or bosses. To summon a player, you’ll need to use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy, which reveals summon signs placed by other players.

2. Invasions: Invasions are the dark side of multiplayer, where hostile players enter your world to hunt you down. This can happen randomly or through specific items like the Bloody Finger.

3. Dueling: For those who prefer a more structured form of PvP, dueling allows players to engage in one-on-one combat. This is often done through summon signs placed in designated areas.

4. Messages and Ghosts: While not direct multiplayer, leaving messages and seeing the ghostly apparitions of other players adds a layer of community interaction to the game.

How to Summon Allies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Summoning allies is one of the most rewarding aspects of Elden Ring’s multiplayer. Here’s how to do it:

1. Obtain a Furlcalling Finger Remedy: This item is crafted using Erdleaf Flowers, which are found throughout the world. Alternatively, you can purchase them from merchants.

2. Activate the Furlcalling Finger Remedy: Use the item to reveal summon signs on the ground. These signs are placed by other players looking to join your world.

3. Choose a Summon Sign: Look for gold summon signs, which indicate cooperative players. Red signs, on the other hand, are for duels.

4. Summon the Player: Interact with the summon sign to bring the player into your world. Keep in mind that you can only summon players who are within your level range.

5. Embark on Your Adventure: Once summoned, your ally will help you fight enemies, explore areas, and take down bosses. Communication is key, so consider using gestures or voice chat if available.

The Art of Invasions: How to Be the Unwanted Guest

Invasions are a hallmark of FromSoftware games, and Elden Ring is no exception. Here’s how to become the bane of another player’s existence:

1. Obtain an Invasion Item: To invade another player’s world, you’ll need an item like the Bloody Finger or Recusant Finger. These can be obtained through quests or purchased from specific NPCs.

2. Activate the Item: Use the item to search for a world to invade. The game will match you with a player who is within your level range and has a similar weapon upgrade level.

3. Enter the Host’s World: Once you’ve found a target, you’ll be transported to their world. Your goal is to defeat the host player, but be prepared for resistance from them and any summoned allies.

4. Use the Environment to Your Advantage: Invasions are not just about brute force. Use the terrain, enemies, and traps to outsmart your opponents.

5. Reap the Rewards: Successfully defeating the host will reward you with Runes and other items. However, failure means you’ll be sent back to your world empty-handed.

Dueling: The Gentleman’s Way to PvP

For players who prefer a more honorable form of combat, dueling is the way to go. Here’s how to engage in one-on-one battles:

1. Find a Dueling Spot: Popular dueling locations include the Main Academy Gate in Liurnia and the First Step site of grace in Limgrave.

2. Place or Interact with a Red Summon Sign: Use the Duelist’s Furled Finger to place a red summon sign, or interact with one to challenge another player.

3. Fight with Honor: Duels are typically governed by unwritten rules, such as no healing during the fight. Respect these customs to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience.

4. Learn from Each Battle: Win or lose, every duel is an opportunity to improve your skills and learn new strategies.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering Multiplayer

1. Level and Weapon Matchmaking: Be mindful of your character’s level and weapon upgrade level, as these factors determine who you can summon or invade.

2. Use Password Matchmaking: If you want to play with specific friends, set a multiplayer password in the game’s settings. This will ensure you only see summon signs from players using the same password.

3. Experiment with Builds: Multiplayer is a great way to test out different builds and strategies. Don’t be afraid to try something new.

4. Stay Vigilant: Whether you’re summoning allies or exploring your world, always be on the lookout for invaders. They can appear at any time.

5. Have Fun: Multiplayer in Elden Ring is meant to be enjoyed. Whether you’re cooperating with friends or engaging in PvP, remember to have fun and embrace the chaos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I play multiplayer with friends on different platforms?
A: Unfortunately, Elden Ring does not support cross-platform play. You can only play with friends on the same platform.

Q: How many players can I summon at once?
A: You can summon up to two cooperative players at a time. However, this also increases the likelihood of being invaded.

Q: What happens if I die during an invasion?
A: If you die as an invader, you’ll be sent back to your world without losing any Runes. However, you will lose any progress made during the invasion.

Q: Can I disable invasions?
A: Invasions cannot be completely disabled, but playing offline or avoiding certain items can reduce the chances of being invaded.

Q: Are there any rewards for successful invasions?
A: Yes, successfully defeating a host player as an invader will reward you with Runes and sometimes unique items.

Multiplayer in Elden Ring is a dynamic and ever-changing experience that adds depth to an already rich game. Whether you’re summoning allies for a tough boss fight, invading another player’s world, or engaging in honorable duels, there’s always something new to discover. So grab your Furlcalling Finger Remedy, sharpen your blades, and dive into the chaos of Elden Ring’s multiplayer!