Unbeknownst to a lot of gamers, Elden Ring and its online multiplayer aspect is an underrated gem and stands as a good example of how to implement multiplayer components in an RPG. Given how it’s a clever implementation, is Elden Ring cross-platform?
It’s only reasonable to expect such an online multiplayer system to be accessible to the gaming community as a whole rather than being segmented based on platforms. And that’s what we’re here to answer.
Is Elden Ring’s Cross-Platform?
Elden Ring, like its spiritual predecessors from the Soulsborne series, incorporates multiplayer features that enhance the gaming experience. But when it comes to crossplay or cross-platform gameplay, things get a bit more intricate.
Unfortunately, Elden Ring does not currently support traditional crossplay, meaning you can’t seamlessly join forces with friends on other platforms if you’re on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox. In essence, you can only embark on your Elden Ring adventures with fellow players who are on the same platform as yours.
There is Cross-gen Support, However
This limitation may disappoint some players who were hoping for a broader Elden Ring cross-platform experience. But there’s a silver lining amidst this restriction. Elden Ring offers cross-gen support, which means you can still team up with players on different console generations of the same family.
For instance, if you own a PlayStation 4, you can join forces with friends who have a PlayStation 5, and the same holds true for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S owners.
You and your friends would still be limited to the confines of your platform, but at least you get a somewhat wider multiplayer pool.
Cross-gen play serves as a compromise in lieu of full crossplay, allowing players within the same console family to unite.
While Elden Ring‘s cross-gen play doesn’t fully bridge the crossplay gap, it’s a small consolation for console players, ensuring they’re not confined to a limited, generational player base.
In a game world where cooperation can mean the difference between conquering daunting bosses like Malenia, Blade of Miquella or dying again for the 100th time, every opportunity to unite with fellow gamers is invaluable.
Multiplayer Dynamics in Elden Ring
Anyone who has had their fair share of Souls games will find Elden Ring‘s multiplayer familiar or even identical.
Players can summon one another through in-game signs, creating opportunities for cooperation, exploration, and even dueling. Invasions and crashing another player’s session to ruin their day in the most unprincipled way are also present. In a notable departure from Dark Souls‘ mechanics, Elden Ring simplifies the requirements for multiplayer.
While consumables are still necessary, you can still craft them easily within the game, eliminating the need for limiting resources like Humanity or Embers, as seen in Dark Souls. Thus, multiplayer is more accessible and more action-packed.
In essence, Elden Ring has streamlined the multiplayer experience, making it more accessible and user-friendly. Despite these improvements, the lack of full crossplay support remains a missed opportunity, limiting the potential player base and shared adventures across diverse gaming platforms.
Still, it’s somewhat understandable why Elden Ring’s cross-platform gameplay was never implemented. PC gamers might actually get an advantage due to their wider range of in-game controllers and inputs, as well as the framerate advantage at high resolution.
Cross-Progression in Elden Ring is a Consolation
While crossplay may be a no-go for Elden Ring’s multiplayer experience, cross-progression is where this game truly shines as a solace.
Elden Ring supports cross-progression on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Cross-progression allows you to seamlessly transfer your progress between different platforms, enabling you to switch from your PC to a console or vice versa while retaining all your hard-earned achievements and settings.
This is convenient for players who might transition to a new-generation console or decide to switch between platforms, which tends to happen when new generations of gaming hardware come into the picture.
Elden Ring‘s challenging gameplay makes save files particularly valuable, and cross-progression ensures that you can carry your journey forward without needing to start over.
The Future of Elden Ring’s Crossplay
Speculating about the future, it remains uncertain whether FromSoftware will introduce Elden Ring cross-platform gameplay.
We wouldn’t hold our breath because past experiences with FromSoftware’s titles, including the acclaimed Dark Souls games and Bloodborne, never received cross-platform support. This historical trend might dampen hopes for the eventual addition of Elden Ring cross-platform gameplay.
As of now, there has been no official mention or indication from the company, whether in press releases or through leaks, speculation, and rumors. Still, it’s essential to note that FromSoftware is actively developing an Elden Ring DLC, and while the inclusion of crossplay remains theoretical, there’s still a chance.
After all, the previous Soulsborne games aren’t open-world either, and Elden Ring is a canvas for FromSoftware to try out new stuff.