Elden Ringcarries over the invasion/summoning based multiplayer mechanics found in other FromSoftware games likeDark Souls. The game’smultiplayer and PvP work by using in-game itemswhich allow players to invade other players' worlds, or see summon signs for other players and NPCs who can help with boss fights or difficult areas. The trade-off to using these items is that players are left open to being invaded by enemy players who will receive rewards for killing them. Although not everyone is using this mechanic the way it’s meant to be used.
Invasions can be a common occurrence inElden Ring, to the dismay of players that just want to play co-op with a friend, or get some help with a boss. Some players, however, can go through the whole game and never get invaded. It is an aspect of the game new players are often reluctant to dive into until they feel sufficiently equipped, but once they do, there is a whole community of players devoted to PvP and invasions.
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But not every invader is looking to harm the host player. Many players useElden Ring’s PvP mode to be funny or strangeand some even look to help a random person playing the game. This is what Reddit user TheCriticalGamer encountered when they were exploring a dungeon in co-op. As they knew they were open to invasions, the pair were able to set a trap for the invading player, but the invader didn’t spring the trap, instead they just repeatedly emoted until the host players decided to investigate. What followed was some uncharacteristically helpful directions through the dungeon.
The host player took to Reddit to write a thank you to the helpful invader asElden Ringhas no way for invaders and hosts to interact after an invasion is over. The host player says they were left dumbfounded by the random helpful act from such an unlikely source and that the invader now lives “rent-free in my head.”
The comments under the post have many FromSoftware series fans mentioning the “purple gang” fromDark Souls 3and how they are alive and well in this invader’s out of character actions. The purple gang is in reference to the Mound-Makerscovenant that players could join inDark Souls 3, as doing so would turn that player’s summon sign a distinctive purple color. Purple summons were able to either co-operatively help host players or engage in PvP, meaning they could never fully be trusted. Players quickly came to enjoy the chaotic and unpredictable nature of this covenant.
Elden Ringhas done away withDark Souls’ covenant systemwhich could limit players actions when they are summoned into another player’s world. InElden Ringplayers are either enemies or co-op helpers, but this cannot stop players from choosing to be a non-hostile and helpful invader if they wish, that is if they can survive long enough to gain the trust of the host player.
Elden Ringis available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
