by  John Uke
Last update: October 27, 2024

FromSoftware, the team behind Elden Ring, has a pretty unique take on multiplayer in their souls-like games, which can trip up a lot of players. But Elden Ring is an awesome hardcore action RPG, and it’s super fun to play with friends! If you’re confused about how to play multiplayer in Elden Ring, check out this article, where I break down all the details.

Is Elden Ring Multiplayer?

Yes, Elden Ring has multiplayer, but it works differently than most top multiplayer games. From Software calls it asynchronous multiplayer, and it’s present in almost all of its Souls games.

Because of this unusual approach, many users on Reddit have questions about how multiplayer works in Elden Ring and whether it is possible to play the game with friends from start to finish.

How Does It Work?

In Elden Ring, co-op is set up for three players: one Host of Fingers and two Phantoms. The main goal of Elden Ring online co-op is to team up and take down a boss at a specific spot. You can run through certain areas together, but once that boss is defeated, the Phantoms head back to their own worlds. If you want them back for the next fight, you’ll need to summon them again with a golden mark. 

Note:

The game also has PvP. Players can drop a red summon sign to challenge the host. Plus, there are special PvP spots called The Colosseums, where you can enjoy various PvP encounters.

How To Unlock Co-op Multiplayer In Elden Ring

Players can unlock co-op in Elden Ring after activating The Effigies of the Martyr statues. Then, they leave summoning signs, gold (co-op) or red (PvP), to summon other players for co-op activities.

How To Play Multiplayer In Elden Ring

Like everything else in this game, Elden Ring’s multiplayer is also very confusing. That’s why you’ll see a lot of messages on Reddit asking for a simple explanation of how to play with friends in Elden Ring.

So, here’s a quick rundown on how to team up with your buddies. 

First, grab the Tarnished’s Furled Finger from the Stranded Graveyard at the start of the game. Once you’ve got that, you’re almost set for co-op. There are just a few more steps to take, which I’ll explain below.

How To Join Friends In Elden Ring

To play together, you and your friends need to go to the  multiplayer settings in Elden Ring and set a password so that you can see each other. Next, you need to do the following:

1. Activate The Effigies of the Martyr in the location. They are usually located near the Site of Grace.
2. Two players (Phantoms) leave a summon sign using Tarnished’s Furled Finger.
3. The player who will act as the Host will see two summon signs. The Host and the Phantoms who left the summon sign must be in the same location.
4. Once the Host spots and accepts the signs, the Phantoms will get pulled into the Host’s world.
5. You’ll be able to explore the area together until either you die or take down the boss there.

Being Summoned By Randoms

If you don’t have friends who play Elden Ring or you just need help from anybody with the boss, you can summon and be summoned by randoms. The most important thing is to check that there is no multiplayer password. Then, this is what you need to do to enable multiplayer in Elden Ring.

1. At the desired location, activate Effigy of the Martyr.
2. Use Tarnished’s Furled Finger to leave a summoning sign or Small Golden Effigy.
3. Now, you just have to wait for someone to summon you. 

Discover All The Perks Of The Game With GameTree

Need a hand from other players to tackle levels in Elden Ring, or just want to chat about the game’s awesome story? Check out the GameTree app! It is a cool platform where gamers connect, chat, and team up. You can find someone to help you with Elden Ring levels and even make some great friends to explore tons of secrets in this game and other titles. With AI matchmaking, active communities, and easy messaging and voice chat, it’s a go-to spot for anyone looking to find gaming buddies.

Final Thoughts

Elden Ring is one of my favorite single-player PC games, but it’s also got a cooperative mode since multiplayer is really popular these days. The Elden Ring multiplayer is a bit tricky, though – you can’t just team up with your friends for the whole game. You have to summon them at certain spots whenever you want to play together. You can also take on bosses with random players or jump into PvP battles in special areas. I’ve broken down all the little details on Elden Ring multiplayer in this article so you can enjoy this fantasy adventure with your friends. Just remember to set a password so you can find each other!