Elden Ring Co-Op Guide: How to Play with Friends in the Lands Between
In Elden Ring, the thrill of exploration and intense boss battles are unforgettable experiences—but they can be even more enjoyable with a friend by your side. While FromSoftware’s approach to multiplayer isn’t as straightforward as most modern co-op games, it offers a deep and rewarding system for those willing to engage with its unique mechanics.
This guide will walk you through how to play with friends in Elden Ring, covering the core mechanics, item requirements, restrictions, and useful tips to make your co-op sessions smoother.
Understanding Elden Ring's Co-Op System
Before jumping into multiplayer, it’s important to understand that Elden Ring doesn’t offer a traditional party system. Instead, co-op revolves around summoning players into your world or joining theirs using a variety of in-game items. The system is rooted in FromSoftware’s Soulsborne legacy, designed to balance challenge and cooperation.
Essential Items for Co-Op
To play with friends in Elden Ring, you’ll need to acquire and understand a few key items:
Furlcalling Finger Remedy: This consumable reveals summon signs left by other players. You’ll need this to see your friend’s sign and invite them into your world. It can be crafted with Erdleaf Flowers once you get the Crafting Kit from the Church of Elleh.
Tarnished’s Furled Finger: Allows a player to place a gold summon sign on the ground. Your friend must use this to be summoned into your game.
Small Golden Effigy: Sends your summon sign to nearby summoning pools. This is useful for general co-op but less essential for direct friend-to-friend play.
How to Connect with Friends Step-by-Step
Set a Multiplayer PasswordOpen the menu and navigate to the “Multiplayer” tab. Set a Multiplayer Password that you and your friend will both use. This filters summon signs so you’ll only see signs from players using the same password.
Place a Summon SignThe friend who wishes to be summoned should use the Tarnished’s Furled Finger to place a gold summon sign on the ground, ideally near a Site of Grace or a boss door.
Use Furlcalling Finger RemedyThe host should use the Furlcalling Finger Remedy to reveal the gold summon sign and interact with it to summon their friend.
Play Co-OpOnce summoned, you’ll be able to explore the area together, defeat enemies, and even tackle bosses. The session ends when the boss is defeated, the summoned player dies, or the host exits the area.
Important Co-Op Restrictions
While playing with friends in Elden Ring is exciting, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:
Level Syncing: Although there’s no hard level cap for co-op, summon signs may not appear if player levels or weapon upgrade levels are too far apart. Try to stay within 10-20 levels of each other.
Area Boss Restrictions: Once the area boss is defeated, summoning in that region is disabled. If you want to keep playing together, you’ll need to move to a different region or reverse roles.
PvP Invasions: Co-op opens your world to potential PvP invasions. If you're summoned or hosting, be prepared for an enemy invader to challenge you.
Best Practices for Smooth Co-Op Sessions
Coordinate Locations: Agree on specific Sites of Grace or landmarks for easier summoning.
Use the Same Region Settings: Ensure both players are on the same network settings in the multiplayer options.
Stock Up on Remedies: Keep a supply of Furlcalling Finger Remedies ready, especially if you're summoning repeatedly.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to play with friends in Elden Ring takes a little effort, but once you understand the system, it becomes a powerful way to enjoy the Lands Between with allies. Whether you're exploring hidden catacombs, farming runes, or taking on terrifying bosses, co-op can make every moment more memorable—and more survivable.
So gear up, set your password, and let the summoning begin. The journey is tough, but with a friend at your side, it's also deeply rewarding.