'Elden Ring’s' Multiplayer Will Be Very Different From The 'Souls' Games

The recently revealed “Elden Ring” gameplay trailer showcased many new and familiar mechanics that any “Souls” fan can recognize, from the heart-stopping boss fights to the iconic blue phantoms that serve as friendly fighters, which indicate that co-op will indeed be making a comeback.

However, game director Hidetaka Miyazaki explained that there will be some very large differences between how the multiplayer in “Elden Ring” works compared to that of their previous games. He told Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu that the multiplayer in “Elden Ring” will feature more intuitive systems and customizable options, Game Rant has learned.

“Elden Ring” reportedly features a new keywords system. Players will be able to use keywords as a sort of tag, which will then be used to match them with other people who have the same keywords linked to their game settings.

This system effectively creates a matchmaking system based on player preferences. Players who want to play co-op will be more likely to encounter other players who want to do the same.

However, it’s not entirely clear as to how “Elden Ring’s” multiplayer actually works. Should the game use the same co-op matchmaking system as “Dark Souls,” then players would be able to see the summon signs of players who share their keywords.

Miyazaki also confirmed that “Elden Ring” will have a larger emphasis on co-op than in previous games. Friendly players will be able to accompany the host player as they explore the world even after a boss is beaten, unlike in “Dark Souls” or “Bloodborne” where co-op partners were automatically disconnected after defeating (or dying to) a boss.

It’s not yet confirmed whether “Elden Ring” will have the traditional invasion-style PvP. The gameplay trailer showed friendly phantoms joining the fray but none of the hostile red phantoms as per “Dark Souls” tradition.

The keywords system can possibly act as a filter for players who want to focus on the PvE side of the game while giving PvP-oriented players a fair and balanced experience against opponents who are actually looking for fights.

“Elden Ring” is set to release in January 2022 for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC.