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Unraveling Elden Ring’s ‘Can’t See Friends’ Sign: Easter Egg or Something More?
If you’re one of the millions of gamers eagerly anticipating the release of Elden Ring, the upcoming action role-playing video game from FromSoftware and Bandai Namco, you may have noticed a mysterious message that appears when you try to summon your friends for co-op play. The message reads: “Can’t see friends. Failed to retrieve latest multiplayer session information. Returning to title screen.”
While this may seem like a minor annoyance or a technical glitch, some players have speculated that the ‘Can’t see friends’ sign is actually a hidden Easter egg or a clue to the game’s lore. In this article, we’ll explore the various theories and interpretations surrounding this enigmatic message and try to shed some light on what it could mean for Elden Ring fans.
Elden Ring, for those who are not familiar, is a collaborative project between Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of the Soulsborne series, and George R. R. Martin, the author of A Song of Ice and Fire. The game takes place in a vast world called The Lands Between, where players assume the roles of customizable characters called Tarnished who traverse various kingdoms, fight formidable enemies, and collect powerful spirits called Shards.
At its core, Elden Ring is a single-player game, but it also supports online play for up to four players in co-op or PvP modes. Players can use a system called the Summoning Sign to invite others to their world or answer other players’ invitations. However, some players have reported that the summoning system is not always reliable, and the ‘Can’t see friends’ message can appear even when they have followed all the instructions correctly.
One theory about the ‘Can’t see friends’ sign is that it’s a deliberate design choice meant to reinforce the theme of solitude and isolation in Elden Ring’s world. As we know from the trailers and interviews, Elden Ring is a game about the loss and recovery of grace, a mystical force that powers both the Tarnished and their foes. The Tarnished are former champions who have lost their grace and become cursed, wandering aimlessly until they find a new purpose or die. By making it difficult or impossible for players to summon allies, FromSoftware may be encouraging them to experience the game’s challenges alone and appreciate the fleeting moments of connection they can establish.
Another theory about the ‘Can’t see friends’ sign is that it’s a reference to the game’s lore, which is still largely unknown. Some fans have suggested that the message is a coded message or a prophecy of some kind, foreshadowing events or locations that will be revealed later in the game. For example, the word ‘friends’ could refer to other Tarnished who are trying to help the player, or it could have a more esoteric meaning, such as a group of powerful entities or a faction with a hidden agenda. By teasing players with the ‘Can’t see friends’ sign, FromSoftware may be enticing them to investigate and speculate, adding to the game’s mystique and replayability.
Of course, another possibility is that the ‘Can’t see friends’ sign is simply a technical issue that will be fixed in the final version of the game. As with any software, bugs and glitches are to be expected, especially in a game as complex and ambitious as Elden Ring. While it’s fun to speculate about hidden meanings and Easter eggs, it’s also important to acknowledge that sometimes a bug is just a bug and that the developers are working hard to make the game as enjoyable and accessible as possible.
In conclusion, Elden Ring’s ‘Can’t see friends’ sign is a captivating mystery that has generated a lot of buzz and excitement among fans. Whether it’s a deliberate design choice, a reference to the game’s lore, or a technical glitch, the message has inspired players to engage with the game’s mechanics and themes in new and creative ways. As we approach the game’s release date on February 25, 2022, we can look forward to unraveling more of Elden Ring’s secrets and sharing our discoveries with our friends – if we can see them, that is.
FAQs:
1. Is Elden Ring a multiplayer game?
Elden Ring is primarily a single-player game, but it also supports online play for up to four players in co-op or PvP modes.
2. What is the ‘Can’t see friends’ sign in Elden Ring?
The ‘Can’t see friends’ sign is a message that appears when players try to summon their friends for co-op play in Elden Ring. It may indicate a technical issue or a hidden Easter egg.
3. What is the lore of Elden Ring?
The lore of Elden Ring is still largely unknown, but it involves a world called The Lands Between, a mystical force called grace, and characters called Tarnished who must fight and collect Shards to regain their power.
4. Who developed Elden Ring?
Elden Ring is a collaborative project between Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of the Soulsborne series, and George R. R. Martin, the author of A Song of Ice and Fire.
5. When will Elden Ring be released?
Elden Ring will be released on February 25, 2022, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.