ELDEN RING supports multiplayer across generations within the same platform family, but not between different manufacturers. PlayStation 4 connects with PlayStation 5, Xbox One connects with Xbox Series X|S, and PC players must use the Steam version with other PC players on Steam.
That means a PC player cannot join a PlayStation or Xbox session, and an Xbox player cannot join a PlayStation session. FromSoftware lists ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 in a separate FAQ section: its online multiplayer is limited to other Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.
Which platforms are compatible?
FromSoftware’s official FAQ confirms cross-generation multiplayer for the 2 console families, while keeping PlayStation, Xbox and PC networks separate.
| Player group | Compatibility | What to remember |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 | Yes | Both PlayStation generations can play together in multiplayer. |
| Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S | Yes | Both Xbox generations can play together in multiplayer. |
| PC via Steam | Yes | Only with other PC players via Steam. |
| PC and PlayStation, PC and Xbox, PlayStation and Xbox | No | Crossplay between different manufacturers is not supported. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 with Nintendo Switch 2 | Yes | This applies to ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, according to the FAQ’s dedicated section. |
The Steam product page lists Windows as a platform and includes multiplayer, online PvP and online co-op. It also states that one player can cooperate with up to 2 other Tarnished. That co-op limit does not change the platform compatibility rules.
How to invite a friend in co-op
First, confirm that both players are in the same platform group and that the game is using the version required for online play. Bandai Namco’s official notes for App Ver. 1.17 and Regulation Ver. 1.17, published on August 27, 2026, state that this update is required for online play on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Steam.
Next, meet approximately in the same area. The official multiplayer guide gives the example of standing near the same Site of Grace. This proximity requirement helps the sign appear, but it cannot overcome an incompatible platform.
- Check the platform and version. Keep the group within PlayStation, Xbox or PC via Steam, then make sure everyone is using App Ver. 1.17 and Regulation Ver. 1.17 for online play.
- Move to the same area. Meet approximately near the same Site of Grace or another nearby location.
- Set the same password if necessary. Both players must enter exactly the same password. It is case-sensitive and makes signs and invitations from players using that password appear.
- Place the gold sign. The player joining the session uses the Tarnished Furled Finger to place a sign.
- Summon the friend. The host uses a Furled Finger Remedy, then interacts with the gold sign when it appears.
The practical result to verify is simple: the intended player’s sign should appear in the chosen area once the platform, version, proximity and password conditions are aligned.
If you are looking for any available partner nearby instead of a specific friend, use a Furled Finger Remedy near a summoning pool to see other players’ signs. This is the useful alternative for open matchmaking; it does not replace a password when the goal is to find one particular person.
A password narrows the visible signs and invitations to players using the same password, but it does not block random invasions when the host summons a co-op ally. The group should account for that remaining risk during the session.
Restrictions during a co-op session
Once the session begins, the host cannot use Torrent. Fast travel is also blocked until every guest has left, so it is worth choosing the area and route before summoning.
The session can end if the host or an invited player dies, a guest is dismissed, the Internet connection is interrupted, or a boss or mini-boss is defeated. After the host or guest dies, the returning guest must place a new sign before being summoned again.
Moving a PS4 save to PS5
Playing together across PlayStation generations does not mean that one save can be used simultaneously on both versions. The official procedure covers transferring a PlayStation 4 save to PlayStation 5.
- Migrate the PlayStation 4 save.
- Launch the PlayStation 5 version of ELDEN RING.
- Select “CONVERT SAVE DATA”.
- Confirm with “YES”.
The conversion overwrites the existing PS5 save, which is then lost. An official statement also says that save data can be transferred between PS4 and PS5 but cannot be used simultaneously on both versions. Before confirming, decide which save should remain your reference.
For co-op, the order is therefore: identify the platform family, bring the game to the required version, meet in the same area, then use the gold sign and—when needed—the exact same password. If the group combines PC, PlayStation and Xbox, no invitation setting can create a shared session.
Also see the elden ring crossplay page.
