The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Elden Ring's Unwritten Rules

Highlights

Elden Ring's PvP multiplayer etiquette includes rules like avoiding healing during duels and showing respect through gestures.

In invasion multiplayer and PvE modes, players are free to utilize in-game mechanics that enhance the gameplay experience, allowing them to enjoy the game according to their personal preferences.

By defeating optional bosses in Elden Ring, players not only gain powerful rewards but also progress towards unlocking alternative endings, making these encounters highly worthwhile for those seeking a more robust gameplay experience.

As with any popular game, Elden Ring's community has developed a set of unwritten rules that players tend to abide by. These rules, which have emerged over time, are particularly relevant for those engaging in PvP. Even though players may not be consciously aware of them, they have likely encountered these rules while playing.

Considering the extensive scope of Elden Ring's upcoming expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, as well as future potential expansions, it is expected that the game's list of unwritten rules will continue to expand. However, the current set of rules is anticipated to remain valid indefinitely. This is largely due to the fact that these unwritten rules draw inspiration from the previous games in the genre developed by FromSoftware, which serve as the foundation for Elden Ring.

Elden Ring's Duel Multiplayer Etiquette

New players of Elden Ring who are unfamiliar with Dark Souls-like games should acquaint themselves with the game's PvP multiplayer etiquette in order to understand what to expect when encountering other players. In dueling multiplayer, the community has established specific guidelines that are typically respected by most players. These guidelines include refraining from using healing items such as the Crimson Flask or Flask of Wondrous Physick, showing respect through proper use of gestures, and avoiding the use of mods or cheats. While there is some debate about whether these rules apply to Elden Ring's Coliseum PvP game modes, they are crucial in duels.

Anything Goes in Elden Ring's Invasion Multiplayer and PvE

There are individuals within the community who have adopted the practice of gatekeeping the difficulty of Elden Ring by asserting that players should refrain from utilizing specific game elements that may result in an easier gameplay experience. These elements encompass Elden Ring's Spirit Summons, as well as the meta weapons and spells.

However, despite having these tools at the player's disposal, the game can still be significantly challenging. Therefore, players should not limit themselves and compromise their enjoyment of the game. In Elden Ring, besides duel multiplayer, players are free to pursue any gameplay style they prefer, without worrying about the judgments of other players. Ultimately, engaging in self-imposed challenges is a personal choice, and it is up to each individual player to decide whether they want to participate in them.

There Are No 'Optional' Bosses in Elden Ring

Elden Ring offers a bountiful array of optional bosses, providing players with the opportunity to obtain formidable rewards and engage in unforgettable battles. It is crucial not to overlook these encounters, as they are intricately intertwined with the significance of NPC side quests in Elden Ring. Certain optional bosses can only be faced once specific questlines have been advanced, adding an element of challenge to their pursuit. Successfully completing these quests and triumphing against their respective bosses may unlock alternative endings, allowing players to achieve even greater fulfillment in Elden Ring.

Elden Ring’s open-world design generally allows players to find alternative routes when they encounter difficulties, giving them the opportunity to explore and return better prepared. As a result, players may choose to confront optional bosses, as they offer valuable rewards and the chance to enhance their abilities. Furthermore, battling epic foes like Astel, Melania, Dragon Lord Placidusax, and other dragons adds an unforgettable experience to the game, at least once.

Leisurely Killing Turtles in Elden Ring is Forbidden

Players must uphold a crucial moral principle in Elden Ring, which forbids them from harming peaceful turtles encountered throughout the game. These turtles show no aggression towards players, even when provoked, and it is an unforgivable transgression to harm them. However, there are specific scenarios in which attacking turtles is permissible: during the puzzles at Oridys's Rise, Testu's Rise, and Chelona's Rise, where players must defeat three designated turtles to gain entry to each tower. While some players may have a tendency to kill traveling merchants in order to consolidate their shop inventories, it is universally recognized that killing turtles is an unequivocally evil act.

Elden Ring is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.