Are your friends hiding from you in Elden Ring? Unlock the mystery behind the ‘can’t see friends sign’
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Unlocking the Mystery of the ‘Can’t See Friends Sign’ in Elden Ring
Elden Ring, the upcoming action role-playing video game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, has been generating a lot of buzz among gamers and critics alike. Set in a vast and mythical world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R. R. Martin, Elden Ring promises to offer a rich and challenging experience for players who love dark fantasy, deep lore, and intense combat. However, some players have reported a strange issue that is causing them to feel isolated and frustrated: they can’t see their friends in the game.
If you’re one of those players who are wondering why your friends are hiding from you or why you can’t join their sessions, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and there’s a logical explanation for the ‘can’t see friends sign’ that appears when you try to connect with them. In this article, we’ll explore the possible causes of this issue, the solutions that may work for you, and the implications for the multiplayer aspect of Elden Ring.
Cause #1: Network Settings
The first cause of the ‘can’t see friends sign’ in Elden Ring is related to your network settings. If your game client or your friend’s game client has a strict or moderate NAT type, it may prevent you from seeing each other in the game’s matchmaking system. NAT (Network Address Translation) is a method used by routers to translate private IP addresses to public IP addresses and vice versa. If your NAT type is restrictive, it means that your router is blocking some ports or protocols that are needed for online gaming. To check your NAT type on your console or PC, go to the network settings and look for NAT or Network Status. If it says strict or moderate, you may need to tweak your router settings or use a VPN to bypass the restrictions.
Solution #1: Port Forwarding
The first solution to the NAT type problem is to do port forwarding on your router. Port forwarding means that you’re opening specific ports that are used by Elden Ring to communicate with other players. To do this, you need to access your router’s web interface (usually by typing the default gateway IP address in your browser), go to the port forwarding section, and add the following ports: 27014-27050 TCP, 3478 UDP, 4379 UDP, and 4380 UDP. You may also need to enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) if it’s not already on. Once you’ve done this, restart your router and your console or PC, and try to connect again with your friend. If the ‘can’t see friends sign’ is still there, try the next solution.
Solution #2: VPN
The second solution to the NAT type problem is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that supports port forwarding. A VPN is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a secure tunnel to a remote server that changes your IP address and location. By using a VPN, you can bypass the NAT restrictions imposed by your router and connect to other players with ease. However, not all VPNs support port forwarding, and not all VPNs are optimized for gaming. Some VPNs may slow down your connection, introduce latency, or cause compatibility issues with Elden Ring. Therefore, you should choose a VPN that has a good reputation for gaming, offers fast and stable servers, and has a refund policy or a free trial period that allows you to test it before committing to a subscription.
Cause #2: Server Issues
The second cause of the ‘can’t see friends sign’ in Elden Ring is related to the game servers. If the servers are overloaded, down, or undergoing maintenance, you may not be able to see your friends or join their sessions. This is a common issue that affects many online games, especially during peak hours or after a new update or release. Even if your network settings are fine, you still need to rely on the game servers to facilitate the matchmaking, the PvP (Player versus Player) battles, and the co-op (Cooperative) missions. Therefore, you should always check the official Elden Ring Twitter account or website for any server status updates, outage reports, or patch notes.
Solution #3: Wait or Switch Regions
The third solution to the server issue is to wait or switch regions. If the servers are busy or down, you may need to be patient and try again later. Sometimes, the servers can recover by themselves, or the developers may deploy a hotfix or a patch to address the issues. If you can’t wait or if your friends are playing on a different server, you may try to switch regions manually. Elden Ring has several regions or servers that are divided by geography and language, such as North America, Europe, Asia, and Japan. By changing your region settings, you can access different servers and increase your chances of finding players or joining sessions. However, be aware that changing your region may affect your gameplay experience, your ping (the time it takes for your data to reach the server and back), and your language preferences.
Conclusion: Be Patient and Experiment
In conclusion, the ‘can’t see friends sign’ in Elden Ring may seem like a daunting problem at first, but with some patience and experimentation, you can overcome it and enjoy the full potential of the multiplayer aspect of the game. By understanding the possible causes of the issue, such as network settings and server issues, and the available solutions, such as port forwarding, VPN, waiting, and switching regions, you can increase your chances of playing with your friends, forming alliances, and conquering the challenges that await you in the world of Elden Ring. Remember to communicate with your friends, check the official channels for updates, and have fun while exploring the mysteries of this epic adventure.
FAQs:
1. Can I play Elden Ring with my friends?
Yes, you can play Elden Ring with your friends by joining their sessions or inviting them to yours. However, if you encounter the ‘can’t see friends sign’ issue, you may need to check your network settings or server status and try the solutions that are described in this article.
2. Why can’t I see my friends in Elden Ring?
You may not be able to see your friends in Elden Ring due to network settings, server issues, or NAT restrictions. To fix this issue, you may need to do port forwarding, use a VPN, wait for the servers to recover, or switch regions.
3. What is NAT type?
NAT type is a setting that determines how your router handles incoming and outgoing traffic from your console or PC. There are three types of NAT: strict, moderate, and open. Strict NAT means that your router is blocking some ports and protocols that are needed for online gaming. Moderate NAT means that some ports and protocols are partially blocked or filtered. Open NAT means that all ports and protocols are open and accessible.
4. Should I use a free VPN for Elden Ring?
While there are some free VPNs that may work for Elden Ring, such as ProtonVPN or Windscribe, you should be cautious about using them for gaming. Free VPNs often have limitations, such as data caps, slow speeds, or intrusive ads. Moreover, free VPNs may not be as secure or reliable as paid VPNs, as they may log your data or share it with third parties.
5. Can I change my region in Elden Ring?
Yes, you can change your region in Elden Ring by going to the settings menu and selecting the region that you want to play in. Changing your region may affect your online experience, such as your language settings or your matchmaking preferences. Therefore, you should choose the region that is closest to your location and offers the best connectivity and compatibility.
