Elden Ring fans have been waiting for news on FromSoftware's next game since it was first revealed at Xbox's E3 2019 press conference. Details on Elden Ring were few and far between since its initial reveal, but Summer Game Fest has given fans a brand new look at what is easily one of the most anticipated games in development. And along with that new look came some fresh details about what fans can expect from Elden Ring in terms of online gameplay.
Like the Dark Souls games before it, Elden Ring will have online co-op. It's been confirmed that Elden Ring players will be able to play "alone or online" with others, though the exact way the co-op will function is unclear at the time of this writing. It's possible that Elden Ring co-op will be like Dark Souls where it's a bit tricky to utilize, but it's also possible that it will be much simpler in the new game. Ultimately, fans will have to wait for more details to find out.
It sounds like Elden Ring multiplayer will be a bit more straightforward, with it being easier for players to play through the game with their friends. The Elden Ring gameplay trailer featured some footage that could've easily been co-op or even some PvP action, and it didn't seem quite as restricted as the features are in the Dark Souls games. But again, this is merely speculation at this time as more concrete details aren't available.
The note about Elden Ring's online co-op confirms that players will be able to explore the game world with their friends "on foot or on horseback." Elden Ring's horse riding gameplay was one of the first things shown in the gameplay trailer. It looked as though the player character were able to summon their horse, with the horse itself providing a variety of functions. Players will be able to fight enemies while on horseback, plus they can use the horse to travel across the game world faster.
Elden Ring's open field concept means it's essentially Dark Souls with much more open environments. This will require players to change up their usual strategies when it comes to Dark Souls games, and it will also change how exploration works. With Elden Ring being a much more open and larger game, it makes sense that the developers have added horses to the experience, and it's great that they will be available when playing in co-op as well.
More details on Elden Ring's co-op and how exactly it will work will have to wait. For now, fans can look forward to playing the game early next year.
Elden Ring launches January 21 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.