Sorry, No Friends Allowed: The Can’t See Friends Sign in Elden Ring Explained
Elden Ring is one of the most anticipated video games to come out in a long time. The game, from software developers FromSoftware and publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment, has fans excited for its immersive gameplay, gorgeous visuals, and dark fantasy setting. However, there’s one particular detail that has sparked a lot of curiosity among fans: the “Sorry, no friends allowed” sign in Elden Ring. In this article, we’ll explore what this sign means and why it may be important in the game.
What is the “Sorry, no friends allowed” sign in Elden Ring?
The “Sorry, no friends allowed” sign in Elden Ring is a message that appears to players who try to summon help from other players. If you’re not familiar with the Soulsborne genre of games that Elden Ring is building off of, summoning other players is a core mechanic where defeated players can leave a summon sign on the ground where others can use it to call them for aid in the form of phantoms. However, the sign in Elden Ring suggests that this mechanic may not be allowed in the game at all. The reason why this is so intriguing is the fact that the co-op mechanics have been a big part of FromSoftware’s modern works like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, making it interesting to see why it’s being snubbed in Elden Ring.
What could this sign mean for Elden Ring?
It’s possible that the “Sorry, no friends allowed” sign in Elden Ring is an indication of the game’s difficulty. FromSoftware is known for making games that are notoriously challenging, requiring players to use their wits and skill to progress. Without the possibility of help from others, Elden Ring could be even more challenging than previous games from the studio. FromSoftware has also stated in the past that the game will have “enhanced action,” which could mean they want to make sure the game is best experienced without comradery.
Another potential reason why the co-op mechanics might be disabled could be story-related. Elden Ring is being co-created with Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin, whose storytelling techniques are very much centered around singular character journeys that have few others to rely upon. Therefore, the game may be designed to put players in the shoes of a lone hero in a world of danger and isolation, rather than focus on the multiplayer aspect, leaving players alone against severe challenges.
Finally, the “Sorry, no friends allowed” sign could also be a nod to the pen-and-paper RPGs that influenced the genre. These kinds of games are often focused on individual experiences, where each player is meant to experience their own character’s story, actions, and choices, and introduce other roles as non-player characters, making these games more intimate but still rely on the giving and taking of decisions. It might be possible that FromSoftware simply wants to maintain the RPG essence, maintaining the immersive RPG experience they pioneered through Dark Souls.
Conclusion
While fans are still eagerly anticipating Elden Ring’s release, there has been much discussion about what the “Sorry, no friends allowed” sign means. We mentioned that it could be an indication of the game’s difficulty, a story element, or even a nod to the game’s tabletop game roots. Whatever the reason, it’s undoubtedly adding to the excitement around the game’s release – and when it arrives, it’s sure to be one of the most memorable gaming experiences of 2022.
FAQs
1. Can I still play Elden Ring with friends, just not through the co-op mechanics?
While the signs might seemingly discourage it, you should still theoretically be able to play with friends. It is still uncertain whether this will be through an absurdly challenging and complicated matchmaking system or something else.
2. What does “enhanced action” actually mean in Elden Ring?
The game’s developers haven’t shared exactly what “enhanced action” means yet, but it’s widely believed to mean faster, more fluid and more complex combat than before, with more variety in movesets, and perhaps even a customizable combat style as the game promises to have a huge arsenal of weapons and other equipment.
3. Will the co-op mechanics be added in a future update to Elden Ring?
As of now, there’s no official word on if we’ll see multiplayer elements in Elden Ring – if the game doesn’t ship with traditional co-op mechanics at launch, it’s unclear if it ever will.
4. Will Elden Ring have a deep lore like Dark Souls and Bloodborne?
Yes, the game’s co-creator George R.R. Martin has famously remarked that the game has an extensive history and lore to its world.
5. When will Elden Ring finally release?
Elden Ring will finally release on February 25th, 2022 – so just a few more months until players can experience the game for themselves.
