Elden Ring may mostly feature a similar PvP and invasion system to Dark Souls, which fans will already be largely familiar with, but there are some changes and nuances to the system that are worth noting. For new fans that are unfamiliar with these mechanics, the variety of in-game roles like Bloody Fingers and Recusants - not to mention bizarre item names like Festering Bloody Finger and Tarnished's Furled Finger - can make it all seem a lot more confusing than it actually is. Here's everything players need to know about how PvP multiplayer works in Elden Ring, and how to protect themselves when it comes to online invasions.
Demon's Souls started many of these systems back in 2009, which means for a lot of fans, there aren't many changes that need to be worried about. Newer fans coming to Elden Ring's somewhat more approachable open world, however, will find themselves interacting with a tried-and-true online methodology that has enraptured players through the Dark Souls games and Bloodborne, and has only made a few changes to be friendlier and more accommodating of the open-world mechanics - even if it's not any simpler at first blush.
Newer Elden Ring players who missed the Network Test will find themselves in a somewhat comfier position when it comes to invasions than Dark Souls players did in the past, and some of these changes give players more agency over how vulnerable they want to be. That said, invasions are still invasive - if you're playing online, there's no opting out entirely, even if the odds are better for Hosts this time around.
How Elden Ring's Invasion System Works
Elden Ring offers invasions largely in the style of Dark Souls - players who wish to antagonistically invade another player can do so using the Bloody Finger, which allows for a forceful invasion against another character currently playing online. So far, so Dark Souls.
But there is one major change to how Elden Ring's online multiplayer invasion system works compared to past games. Instead of giving invaders an even footing (which often proved not to be particularly even, since avid invaders often found ways to game the system and usually sported fearsome Dark Souls gear), Elden Ring instead only allows invaders to join games that have been opened to them. This can, of course, refer to any opt-in PvP elements where a player summons another one willingly, but it happens also if a player has summoned cooperative partners to help them. What this means is Elden Ring does not feature any solo invasions without using a particular item, which puts invaders on the back foot right from the start, as they will - at least by default - either be facing two or three opposing players, depending on how many the Host has summoned.
This is a huge change for newer players who may not have a handle on all of Elden Ring's systems and class differences, which will help them stay protected from Souls veterans who might otherwise prey on them. Those who are a little more adventurous and do want to engage in a more even (or uneven) playing field can do this willingly by using a Taunter's Tongue, which will allow them to potentially be encroached upon by invaders without having a co-op partner, or a combination of co-op partners and invaders. This will allow for a single player to potentially be invaded by three other players, or two have a two-vs-two situation with a summoned partner and two invaders.
How Elden Ring's PvP Systems Work
On the side of Elden Ring's PvP, invaders can be either summoned as opt-in PvP partners for the sport of it, or they can invade worlds where a player has already summoned a co-op partner. Forceful invasion is done using either a Bloody Finger or a Festering Bloody Finger, where the latter is a one-time consumable version of the former. Players will be matched using a combination of A Recusant Finger will allow this as well, but through a different story faction. Those who use either a Duelist's Furled Finger or a Small Red Effigy will be able to place a Summon Sign or send their Sign to a Summoning Pool for opt-in PvP duels. There is no mounted PvP combat in Elden Ring - indeed, Torrent can't be summoned for any player during online play at all.
Elden Ring's online invasions are complicated by the White Cipher Ring and the Blue Cipher Ring, which allow players to summon the help of Hunters and to answer the call of a summons for help, respectively. Those making use of the White Cipher Ring will automatically call in another player to aid them, leading invaders to face a three-vs-one situation - pretty rough odds for those looking to make a quick invasion for extra Runes. Ultimately, the goal of any invader is to kill the Host, and Hosts can escape from the situation by either defeating the invader or by making it to the boss arena of the area, which will send invaders packing without any further fanfare.
Like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, however, invading players in Elden Ring will at least have the world itself to help them in their quest to defeat the Host of Fingers. Invaders are not subject to aggro from the enemies of the invaded game world, which means all of those enemies (including some field bosses) are potential allies. Finding creative ways to engage the Host and their companions with more enemies is likely to be an important strategy for any invader, and knowledge of the open world will go a long way toward making that more viable. Invaders will also receive a Phantom Bloody Finger item, according to Bandai Namco, that will allow for movement around the map by allowing the invader to teleport to a spawn point close to the Host. This will be hugely helpful for Elden Ring invaders looking to quickly close the distance between they and their quarry, but can also be used to escape if the Host and their companions trap the invader in a bad situation.
Elden Ring's changes should make the invasion system of past FromSoftware titles far less punitive-feeling, and will allow interested players to engage with each other while leaving other players alone. This will be a potential boon for newer players, who will have not only the protection of an Elden Ring summoned co-op partner during invasions, but can use the White Cipher Ring to instantly summon another, leaving them with a lot more peace of mind about online play, and giving dedicated invaders a considerably greater challenge - and the motivation to live up to it.
Source: Bandai Namco
Elden Ring comes to PC on February 24, and PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on February 25.