Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action RPG from FromSoftware, immerses players in a stunningly designed world. Its multiplayer feature allows for cooperative gameplay through summoning. However, many players often encounter frustrating issues with summoning not functioning as intended. If you find yourself struggling to summon or be summoned, you’re not alone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore common reasons why summoning may not be working in Elden Ring, alongside actionable troubleshooting tips to enhance your multiplayer experience.
The Basics of Summoning in Elden Ring
To understand why summoning may not work, it’s essential to grasp the basics of the summoning system in Elden Ring. This feature not only adds depth to the gameplay experience but also allows players to join together against challenging foes.
What is Summoning?
Summoning in Elden Ring enables players to call upon allies or be called into the world of other players. This cooperative play is facilitated by the use of items known as summoning signs, which are written on the ground and can be activated by other players. Here’s what you need to know:
- Cooperative Gameplay: Players can team up to defeat a boss or navigate difficult areas.
- Summoning Items: Players use items like the Tainted Palestone and Furlcalling Finger Remedy to create or identify summoning signs.
- Cross-Play Capability: Elden Ring allows players from different platforms to summon each other, provided the platform restrictions are respected.
Understanding the Summoning Restrictions
Summoning in Elden Ring is subject to specific restrictions. Understanding these limitations can help clarify why you might be experiencing difficulty:
- Level Differences: Players need to be within a certain level range to summon one another effectively. Generally, summoning works if you are within 10-15 levels of the host player.
- Furlcalling Finger Remedy: Ensure that you are using the **Furlcalling Finger Remedy** correctly to reveal the summon signs. This item must be activated in the area where you wish to summon.
Common Issues with Summoning
While players often attempt to summon allies, various factors may lead to the feature not functioning correctly. Below are some of the most common issues that players encounter:
1. Network Connection Issues
One major reason for summoning failures is network connectivity. Elden Ring relies heavily on a stable internet connection. Here’s what you can do:
- Check Your Connection: Ensure your internet connection is stable and not experiencing significant lag.
- Restart Your Router: Sometimes, simply restarting your router can resolve connectivity issues.
- NAT Type Issues: If your Network Address Translation (NAT) type is strict, it can interfere with summoning. Aim for a Type 1 (Open) NAT for the best experience.
2. Game Version Discrepancies
Having different game versions can prevent summoning:
- Keep It Updated: Ensure that your game is updated to the latest version. Developers frequently release patches that fix bugs, including summoning issues.
3. In-Game Restrictions
Elden Ring has specific in-game conditions that can hinder summoning:
a. Current Progress in the Game
Players can only summon in specific locations and after certain milestones. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Location: Verify whether you are in a summoning-eligible area. Summoning is generally possible in major regions but may not work in certain zones.
- Defeated Bosses: If a boss has been defeated in your game instance, players cannot be summoned until a new game session is initiated.
b. Online Status
Ensure that your online status is appropriately set. Players attempting to summon while offline or in a solo mode will fail to utilize the summoning feature.
Practical Troubleshooting Steps
If you are experiencing issues with summoning, follow these practical troubleshooting steps to enhance your chances of success:
1. Refresh Your Game
Sometimes, simply restarting your game can clear glitches. Exit entirely and reopen the game for a fresh start.
2. Use the Right Items
Double-check that you are using the correct items:
- Tainted Palestone: If you are attempting to summon allies, place your Tainted Palestone or summon sign in strategic locations.
- Furlcalling Finger Remedy: Use this item diligently in the exact spot where you are trying to summon.
3. Adjust Your Network Settings
- Port Forwarding: If the NAT type is an issue, consider port forwarding to allow better connection pathways for the game.
- Use Wired Connection: For a more stable connection, consider switching to a wired Ethernet connection instead of relying on Wi-Fi.
4. Check for Server Issues
Occasionally, the problem may lie with Elden Ring’s servers. Check online forums or communities to see if other players are experiencing similar issues.
5. Engage with the Community
Utilize discussions in Elden Ring community forums or Reddit threads to gather insights and solutions from other players who have faced the same challenges.
Conclusion
Summoning in Elden Ring can be an exhilarating experience, enhancing both the gameplay depth and enjoyment. However, when summoning isn’t functioning, it can lead to frustration. By understanding the mechanics, restrictions, and conducting proper troubleshooting, players can resolve many common issues.
If you find that summoning is still not working after following these steps, consider reaching out to the game’s support team or exploring player-generated content to seek further solutions. The world of Elden Ring is vast, and with a little persistence, you’ll be able to summon allies and tackle the challenges that await you in the Lands Between. Dive in, keep these tips in mind, and enjoy your epic adventures!
Why can’t I summon other players in Elden Ring?
The inability to summon other players in Elden Ring can stem from several factors, including network settings and game-specific conditions. One common issue is the player’s internet connection. If your network is unstable or slow to respond, the summoning system may fail to communicate with the game’s servers effectively. Before attempting to summon, ensure that your connection is strong and try restarting your router.
Additionally, certain areas in the game may have restrictions on summoning due to lore or player progression. If you are in a boss fight or an area where summoning is disabled, you will be unable to use this feature. Check your surroundings and mission status to see if these factors are in play.
What settings should I check to fix summoning issues?
To address summoning issues in Elden Ring, you should check your game settings, particularly the network settings. Make sure that your NAT type is set to “Open” which allows for unrestricted connections. If your NAT type is strict or moderate, you may experience difficulties in connecting with other players. Consider looking up instructions on how to change your NAT settings based on your console or platform.
Besides network settings, ensure that you are using the correct password for summoning. The game allows players to set a unique passcode that others must enter to summon them. If you’ve set a password, confirm that it matches for both the summoner and the summoned player; otherwise, summoning will not occur.
Does being in the wrong game mode affect summoning?
Yes, being in the wrong game mode can significantly impact your ability to summon other players in Elden Ring. The game has specific modes that may restrict multiplayer features, such as single-player mode and certain instances where players are engaged with NPCs or enemies that prevent the summoning system from functioning correctly.
If you are in a boss fight, for instance, summoning may be unavailable until after you either defeat the boss or exit the area. Make sure you are in an area or situation where summoning is enabled. This ensures that you meet the necessary conditions to utilize the summoning feature.
What should I do if I see “summoning failed” messages?
If you encounter “summoning failed” messages, the first action you should take is to verify your internet connection again. Sometimes, temporary disruptions occur even with a previously stable connection. Restarting your game or even your console may help clear any temporary issues that are affecting connectivity between players.
If connection issues aren’t the cause, check to see if the servers are undergoing maintenance. This could interfere with multiplayer functionalities, including summoning. Keep an eye on official announcements from the developers or community forums for any updates regarding server status.
Are there any restrictions based on player progress?
Yes, player progress can introduce restrictions when it comes to summoning. For example, if you haven’t reached a specific point in the game or completed essential objectives, you may find yourself unable to summon or be summoned in certain areas. Typically, your progression through the game determines whether you can call other players for assistance.
Moreover, players can only summon those within a certain range of their own world level and boss encounters. If you are significantly ahead or behind another player in terms of progression, it may result in summoning issues, so it’s essential to ensure that your levels are compatible.
How can I improve my game’s multiplayer experience?
To enhance your multiplayer experience in Elden Ring, consider optimizing your internet connection as a top priority. A stable and fast internet connection is essential for timely data transfer during summoning sessions. Using a wired connection rather than Wi-Fi can typically yield better results. Additionally, ensuring that no other bandwidth-heavy applications are running simultaneously can minimize latency issues.
Furthermore, join community groups or forums where you can find other players looking for co-op experiences. Engaging with the community can also provide insights into current game events or server status that might affect summoning. By being more involved, you will likely find more opportunities to connect and collaborate with others in the game.