Why Can’t I Join My Friend in Elden Ring? 5 Possible Reasons and Solutions
Elden Ring is the latest offering from the famous game developer FromSoftware, famous for creating challenging and immersive games such as Dark Souls and Bloodborne. One of the most exciting features of Elden Ring is the ability to play with friends in cooperative play, allowing players to team up and defeat challenging bosses. However, sometimes players may not be able to join their friends, despite their best efforts. In this article, we explore five possible reasons why you may not be able to join your friend in Elden Ring and provide solutions for each scenario.
Reason 1: Incompatible Platforms
One of the most common reasons why you may not be able to join your friend in Elden Ring is due to incompatible platforms. Elden Ring is available on multiple platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that you and your friend are playing on the same platform. If you’re playing on a different platform, you won’t be able to join forces, leaving you frustrated and confused.
Solution: Check Your Platforms
Ensure that you and your friend are playing Elden Ring on the same platform. For example, if you’re playing on the Xbox Series X/S, ensure that your friend is doing the same. You can also check your platform by simply looking at your Elden Ring game cover or online store where you purchased the game.
Reason 2: Not Being in the Same Location
Another reason why you may not be able to join your friend in Elden Ring is if you and your friend are not in the same location. Elden Ring’s online multiplayer feature requires an internet connection to connect players. Therefore, if you’re in a different location, you may not be able to join forces.
Solution: Check Your Internet Connection
Ensure that you and your friend have a stable internet connection to avoid connection issues. If your internet connection is unstable, you may experience lag and disconnections. Additionally, ensure that your NAT type is open, and both of you have the same regional settings. If you’re still experiencing connection issues, you can restart your network devices or contact your internet service provider.
Reason 3: Different Game Progression
Elden Ring is a game that requires progression, which means the game’s content and difficulty change as you progress. However, if you or your friend is at a different stage in the game, you may not be able to join forces. This is because cooperative play requires players to be at the same game progression.
Solution: Check Your Game Progress
Ensure that both you and your friend are at the same game progression. You can do this by checking the symbols beside your name, which represent your Elden Ring progression. If you or your friend has a different symbol, it means you’re at a different stage in the game. To solve this, try to synchronize your game progress by playing the game together or starting a new game.
Reason 4: Game Settings
Sometimes, your Elden Ring game settings may prevent you from joining your friend. For example, if your game is set to offline mode, you won’t be able to join your friends online. Also, if you have password-protected your game, your friend won’t be able to join unless they have the password.
Solution: Check Your Game Settings
Ensure that your game settings allow online multiplayer, and you have not password-protected your game. You can check your Elden Ring settings by going to the game settings menu and verifying that online multiplayer is ON.
Reason 5: Temporary Server Maintenance
One of the less common reasons why you may not be able to join your friend is if the server is temporarily down for maintenance. Like all online games, Elden Ring has servers that require periodic maintenance to ensure a smooth gaming experience. Temporary server maintenance may affect your ability to connect with your friend.
Solution: Wait Till Server Maintenance Is Done
If you’re experiencing connection issues, it’s possible that the servers are under maintenance. The best solution in this case is to wait until the maintenance has been completed before trying again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Elden Ring’s multiplayer feature is a great way to explore the game’s world and defeat challenging bosses with friends. However, it’s essential to ensure that you and your friend are playing on compatible platforms, have a stable internet connection, and are at the same game progression. As always, ensure that your game settings allow online multiplayer and wait for server maintenance to be completed. By following these solutions, you should be able to join your friend in Elden Ring and enjoy a cooperative playing experience.
FAQs
1. Are there any limitations on cooperative play in Elden Ring?
Yes, there are several limitations, including being at the same game progression, playing on compatible platforms, and having an internet connection.
2. Can you join a friend’s game if they are at a different progression level?
No, cooperative play requires players to be at the same game progression.
3. Can you play Elden Ring offline?
Yes, you can play Elden Ring offline, but this disables the game’s multiplayer features.
4. Can you cross-play Elden Ring on different platforms?
No, cross-play is not available in Elden Ring.
5. How do you ensure a stable internet connection for Elden Ring?
Ensure that your internet connection is stable and that your NAT type is open. Additionally, ensure that both you and your friend have the same regional settings.