Does Elden Ring Get Harder in Multiplayer? A Deep Dive into Co-op Difficulty

Yes, Elden Ring undeniably gets harder in multiplayer. While summoning friends might seem like a straightforward way to conquer challenging bosses and explore dangerous areas, the game mechanics are designed to compensate for the added firepower. Bosses gain increased health and damage output when you summon other players, meaning that strategies and teamwork become even more crucial than in solo play. This isn’t a simple case of “more players equals easier time.” It’s a recalibration of the game’s difficulty, demanding a different approach to overcome the obstacles in your path.

Understanding the Difficulty Scaling in Elden Ring’s Multiplayer

Elden Ring, like its Soulsborne predecessors, employs a dynamic difficulty scaling system for cooperative play. The core mechanic is that when you summon other players (phantoms) into your world, the bosses you face receive a significant buff:

• Increased Health Pools: Bosses have substantially more health when multiple players are present. This means fights will take longer, increasing the opportunities for mistakes and attrition.
• Higher Damage Output: Bosses also deal more damage per attack, potentially leading to one-shot kills, especially for lower-level players or those with less robust builds.
• Aggro Management: With multiple players, managing boss aggro becomes critical. Bosses may switch targets unpredictably, making it difficult to consistently apply damage or heal effectively.

This scaling is in place to prevent co-op from becoming trivial. Imagine facing Malenia, Blade of Miquella, with two other players, all simultaneously wailing on her with overpowered builds. Without scaling, she’d be defeated in seconds, robbing the encounter of its intended challenge and satisfaction.

However, it’s essential to note that “harder” doesn’t always mean “unbeatable” or “less fun.” Co-op introduces new tactical possibilities:

• Strategic Diversion: Players can strategically divert the boss’s attention, allowing teammates to heal, buff, or unleash powerful attacks.
• Specialized Roles: Different players can adopt different roles – a tank focusing on drawing aggro, a damage dealer maximizing DPS, and a support character providing healing and buffs.
• Build Synergy: Coordinating builds can create powerful synergies. For example, one player might inflict status effects like bleed or frostbite, while others capitalize on the vulnerability.

Ultimately, whether co-op makes Elden Ring “easier” or “harder” depends on the players’ skill, coordination, and build optimization. A poorly coordinated group with mismatched builds may struggle more than a solo player who understands the boss’s moveset. But a well-oiled co-op team can overcome challenges that would be insurmountable alone.

Navigating the Multiplayer Landscape: Tips and Strategies

To succeed in Elden Ring’s multiplayer, consider these tips:

• Communication is Key: Use voice chat or text chat to coordinate strategies, assign roles, and communicate enemy positions.
• Tailor Your Build: Adapt your build to complement your teammates. Consider incorporating buffs, heals, or status effects that enhance the group’s overall effectiveness.
• Manage Aggro Effectively: Learn to control the boss’s aggro to protect vulnerable teammates and create opportunities for damage.
• Explore Together: Don’t just focus on boss fights. Explore the world together, uncover secrets, and support each other through challenging areas.
• Be Patient: Co-op can be frustrating at times, especially when facing difficult bosses or dealing with connection issues. Maintain patience and a positive attitude.
• Consider Level Synchronization: Be mindful of the level differences between players. Elden Ring attempts to balance encounters, but significant disparities can still create imbalances.

The Joy of Shared Triumph

Despite the increased difficulty, many players find that Elden Ring’s multiplayer offers a uniquely rewarding experience. Sharing the triumphs and tribulations with friends can create lasting memories and deepen your appreciation for the game’s intricate world and challenging gameplay. The feeling of finally defeating a boss after numerous attempts, knowing that you and your friends overcame the odds together, is unparalleled.

Elden Ring, even at its most challenging, provides invaluable learning experiences and opportunities for growth. Consider how games like Elden Ring can be used in learning to teach patience, persistence, and collaboration, as explored by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Elden Ring Multiplayer FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Elden Ring multiplayer, designed to address common concerns and provide helpful insights:

1. Does summoning increase boss health in Elden Ring?

Yes, summoning players significantly increases boss health. The exact percentage varies, but expect a substantial boost.

2. Does summoning make bosses do more damage?

Yes, bosses hit harder when you summon help. Be prepared for increased damage output and potentially one-shot attacks.

3. Why am I so weak in co-op Elden Ring?

When summoned as a Golden Phantom, your character’s stats are slightly reduced, and you have fewer Flasks. This is to balance the encounter.

4. Is Elden Ring easier solo or co-op?

This depends on your skill level and the coordination of your co-op team. Co-op can be easier with a well-organized team, but harder with a poorly coordinated one.

5. How do I summon players in Elden Ring?

Use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy to reveal summon signs left by other players near summoning pools or boss doors.

6. What are the best builds for co-op in Elden Ring?

Builds that offer support, buffs, or status effects are excellent for co-op. Examples include faith builds with healing spells, or builds that inflict bleed or frostbite.

7. Can I summon players for every boss fight?

Yes, you can summon players for almost every boss fight in Elden Ring. However, some legacy dungeons restrict summoning in certain areas.

8. What is the max number of players I can summon?

You can summon up to two other players into your world for co-op.

9. Does leveling up make co-op easier?

Yes, leveling up increases your stats, making you more durable and dealing more damage. However, the game’s difficulty will still scale with the number of players.

10. What happens when I defeat a boss in co-op?

The summoned players receive a reward (usually runes and a Furlcalling Finger Remedy) and are returned to their own worlds.

11. Can I play the entire game in co-op?

While you can explore most of the world in co-op, the game is primarily designed for solo progression. You’ll need to resummon players each time you enter a new area or fight a boss.

12. How do I deal with invasions in co-op?

Invaders are more common in co-op. Be prepared to defend yourself, or summon a Hunter to assist you.

13. What are the best weapons for co-op in Elden Ring?

Weapons with good range, damage, and status effects are ideal for co-op. Examples include spears, greatswords, and katanas.

14. Does Elden Ring have cross-platform co-op?

No, Elden Ring does not support cross-platform co-op. You can only play with others on the same platform as you.

15. How do I avoid connection issues in Elden Ring co-op?

Ensure you have a stable internet connection, and try to play with players who are geographically close to you. Restarting your game or console can also sometimes resolve connection problems.

Ultimately, Elden Ring’s multiplayer offers a complex and rewarding experience. While it does increase the game’s difficulty through scaling, it also opens up new tactical possibilities and creates opportunities for unforgettable moments with friends. Whether you choose to brave the Lands Between alone or with a team, remember to embrace the challenge and savor the journey.