Elden Ring: How to Play with Friends

Elden Ring, like other FromSoftware games, offers a unique multiplayer experience that blends seamlessly with its challenging world. While it doesn’t follow the typical party system found in most RPGs, it still allows players to summon friends into their world for co-op adventures. However, connecting with friends can be confusing due to the game’s intricate online mechanics. This guide covers everything you need to know to play Elden Ring with friends, including inviting friends, avoiding invasions, fixing summon sign issues, and troubleshooting item visibility.

If you're planning to jump into co-op adventures with your friends, having enough resources is essential—especially for summoning and upgrading your character efficiently. For PC players looking to speed up their progress, it's a great idea to buy Elden Ring runes PC to enhance your builds and enjoy a smoother multiplayer experience.

How to Invite Friends in Elden Ring

To play with friends in Elden Ring, you’ll need to use the game’s multiplayer items and settings. The most important tools are:

• Furlcalling Finger Remedy: This item reveals summon signs placed by other players in your world. You must use it before you can see a friend's sign.
• Tarnished’s Furled Finger: Your friend uses this to place their golden summon sign on the ground.
• Multiplayer Password: In the multiplayer settings, both you and your friend should set the same password. This helps filter summon signs, so you’ll mostly see your friend’s signs and not those of random players.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the in-game menu.
2. Navigate to the “Multiplayer” tab.
3. Choose “Settings” and set a Multiplayer Password (use something unique and agreed upon with your friend).
4. Have one player use the Furlcalling Finger Remedy, and the other place their Tarnished’s Furled Finger sign.
5. Wait a moment, and the sign should appear.

How to Play with Friends Without Being Invaded

To avoid PvP invasions while playing co-op, the best option is to use the Taunter's Tongue sparingly or not at all. Normally, once you summon another player for co-op, there is a chance for an enemy invader to enter your world. Unfortunately, Elden Ring does not allow you to completely turn off invasions while using co-op features. However, here are a few ways to minimize the risk:

• Stick to password-protected games. Invaders cannot target passworded matches directly, although random invaders may still appear if you’re co-oping.
• Use items like White Cipher Ring, which automatically summons a hunter to assist you when invaded.
• Limit your co-op to small windows of time, such as just before a boss fight, to reduce the chance of being invaded during long sessions.

Why Friends’ Summon Signs Are Not Appearing

This is a common problem and usually comes down to a few specific causes:

1. Level and Weapon Matchmaking: Elden Ring limits who can see summon signs based on character level and weapon upgrade level. If your levels are too far apart, signs may not appear.
2. Incorrect Password: Double-check that both players have the same multiplayer password set.
3. Network Issues: Make sure both players are online, have an active internet connection, and are using the same network region setting (default is “Worldwide”).
4. Wrong Area or Boss Defeated: If the area boss has already been defeated in the host's world, summon signs won't appear in that region.
5. Summon Range Calculator: Consider using an online summon range calculator to determine if your levels are compatible.

Can’t See Friend’s Summon Sign on PS5

PS5 users may experience summon sign issues due to specific console or network settings. If you're on PS5 and can’t see your friend’s summon sign, try the following:

• Ensure both players have PS Plus and online features enabled.
• Check NAT type in network settings. Type 2 is ideal; Type 3 may block some connections.
• Restart the game or system to refresh the session.
• Use a known summon location like outside a Site of Grace for better reliability.
• Verify you’re in the same game version (update to the latest patch).

Elden Ring Friend Can’t Summon Me

If your friend can’t summon you, the issue may lie with either player's setup. Here are some steps to troubleshoot:

• Both players should restart the game and reload at the same grace.
• Make sure the host hasn’t already summoned another co-op player (you can only summon a limited number).
• Recreate the Furlcalling Finger Remedy and place a fresh summon sign.
• Switch roles and have the other person try summoning instead.

Friend Can’t See Dropped Item in Elden Ring

Elden Ring allows item drops in multiplayer, but some restrictions apply:

• Unique and Key Elden Ring Items cannot be dropped.
• Upgraded Weapons can only be picked up if the receiving player is eligible based on their own upgrade level.
• Inventory Limits: If the receiver already has the maximum number of that item type (e.g., 99), they won’t see the item.
• Both players should ensure they are in co-op mode and not trying to drop items through signs or messages.

To ensure your friend can see the item:

1. Be in the same game instance.
2. Drop a normal (non-upgraded) item or consumable.
3. Have your friend approach the item directly and check their inventory capacity.

Playing Elden Ring with friends can be immensely rewarding, offering support through tough fights and shared exploration. While the system is more complex than typical multiplayer games, once you understand how it works, it becomes second nature. Make sure to use matching passwords, check your character and weapon levels, and troubleshoot with patience if signs or items don’t appear. With these tips, you’ll be adventuring across the Lands Between with your companions in no time.