Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action RPG from FromSoftware, captivated players upon its 2022 release. The game’s challenging combat, intricate world design, and cryptic multiplayer elements quickly garnered a dedicated following. However, one question consistently arises: Does Elden Ring support cross-platform play? This guide will definitively answer that question and explore the nuances of Elden Ring’s multiplayer capabilities.
Exploring Multiplayer Options in Elden Ring
A tall statue towers over a foggy land in Elden Ring.
Elden Ring’s multiplayer features allow for cooperative exploration and player interaction through messages and summoning. However, unlike some modern titles, Elden Ring does not offer full cross-platform play. This means players on PlayStation consoles cannot join sessions with friends on Xbox, PC, or vice-versa. This limitation can be frustrating for those wishing to experience the Lands Between with friends on different platforms.
Cross-Gen Play: A Partial Solution
While full cross-platform play is absent, Elden Ring does support cross-generation play within the same console family. PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 users can seamlessly connect and play together, as can Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S users. This cross-gen functionality allows friends who haven’t upgraded their consoles to still enjoy cooperative gameplay. However, PC players remain isolated, unable to connect with console players.
The Future of Cross-Platform Play in Elden Ring
Unfortunately, there’s currently no official confirmation of cross-platform play being added to Elden Ring, even with the upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. While the expansion promises new content, including weapons, equipment, skills, magic, and challenging boss encounters, cross-platform functionality seems to be off the table for the foreseeable future.
Free Generation Upgrades: A Silver Lining
Although cross-platform play isn’t available, Elden Ring does offer free generation upgrades within console families. This means players who purchased the game on PlayStation 4 can upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version for free, and similarly, Xbox One owners can upgrade to the Xbox Series X|S version without additional cost. This allows players to experience the game with enhanced visuals and performance on newer hardware without repurchasing the title.
Conclusion: Navigating Elden Ring’s Multiplayer Landscape
While the lack of full cross-platform play may disappoint some, Elden Ring’s cross-gen support and free generation upgrades provide some flexibility for players within console families. As of now, exploring the Lands Between with friends requires being on the same platform or within the same console generation. Hopefully, FromSoftware will consider implementing full cross-platform play in the future to further enhance the Elden Ring experience for all players.
