FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is far from done captivating the gaming world. In 2025, the Lands Between are expanding in ways both expected and surprising—with major updates, a standalone title, a console debut on Switch 2, and even a Hollywood adaptation in the works. Whether you’re a longtime Tarnished or just returning from a hiatus, here’s everything you need to know about the future of Elden Ring.
A Live-Action Elden Ring Movie Is in the Works
In one of the most surprising and ambitious moves yet, Bandai Namco has partnered with A24 to develop a live-action Elden Ring film. Acclaimed director Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation, 28 Days Later) is helming the project, promising a cerebral and visually arresting adaptation of the game’s mythic world.
George R.R. Martin—who co-created the game’s lore—is reportedly involved in shaping the film’s narrative. While plot details remain under wraps, early rumors suggest the film may focus on one of the Shardbearers or possibly follow a new Tarnished in the tradition of FromSoftware’s storytelling ethos. Expect haunting imagery, morally ambiguous characters, and a focus on the cycle of death and rebirth that defines the game’s universe.
June 2025 Update: Tarnished Edition Adds New Classes and Gear
A major free update is coming to Elden Ring on June 5, 2025, titled the Tarnished Edition patch. This update is designed to bridge new content from Shadow of the Erdtree with fresh builds for new players—and veterans alike.
New Starting Classes:
- Knight of Ides – Equipped with the Milady Light Greatsword, a powerful weapon originally found deep into Shadow of the Erdtree. This makes one of the best DLC weapons accessible from the beginning.
- Heavy Knight – Wields a devastating curved greatsword and dons armor clearly inspired by the fan-favorite Iron Tarkus from Dark Souls.
Other additions include:
- 4 new armor sets
- Expanded combat techniques
- 3 new customization options for Torrent, including a spectral mane, armor plating, and improved jumping controls
This update focuses on providing more diverse character builds and strengthening the replayability of the base game and DLC.
Elden Ring: Nightreign – A Brand-New Standalone Game
Launching May 30, 2025, Elden Ring: Nightreign is a bold experiment—a cooperative standalone game that reimagines the Elden Ring formula for tighter, more focused multiplayer sessions.
Key Features:
- Three-Player Co-op: Join a squad of up to three Tarnished to battle through three in-game days, where every decision affects your party’s survival.
- Procedurally Generated Map: Set in Limveld—a warped version of Limgrave—the game features ever-changing terrain, enemy placement, and environmental hazards.
- Shrinking Map Mechanic: Inspired by battle royale dynamics, the world closes in the longer you survive, increasing tension and forcing strategic movement.
- Eight Unique Classes: From Blood Scribe to Hallowed Ronin, each character offers radically different abilities and playstyles.
While not a direct sequel, Nightreign uses the Elden Ring universe as a foundation for a more action-heavy, roguelike-inspired experience. It will be available on PC, PlayStation 4/5, and Xbox One/Series X|S.
Patch 1.14 – Balance Tweaks and Final Boss Adjustments
Released in late 2024, Patch 1.14 addressed some of the most controversial aspects of Shadow of the Erdtree:
- Final Boss Rebalancing: The notorious final boss of the DLC—previously criticized for unfair damage spikes and erratic patterns—has been adjusted to make the fight more readable and fair, especially for melee-focused builds.
- PvP Damage Adjustments: Nerfs to popular but overpowered weapons like Rivers of Blood and Starscourge Greatsword brought more balance to online duels.
- Weapon Buffs: Attack speed was increased for several weapon classes including curved swords and halberds, encouraging a more aggressive playstyle.
These changes aim to refine the experience without removing the brutal charm FromSoftware games are known for.
Nintendo Switch 2: Tarnished Edition Confirmed
Yes, Elden Ring is finally going portable. The Tarnished Edition is officially coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in late 2025, offering:
- The full base game
- Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
- All major updates and new content
- Enhanced performance leveraging the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware, including faster loading and improved texture quality
While not quite at the level of PS5 or Xbox Series X, the Switch 2 version is expected to perform on par with the Steam Deck or PS4 Pro, making it a very playable mobile option for those eager to explore the Lands Between on the go.
Elden Ring’s post-launch evolution shows no signs of slowing down. With new ways to play, new stories to experience, and a film on the horizon, the game is transitioning from a genre-defining title into a full-blown multimedia franchise. For fans, it’s an exciting time to return to the fog-drenched fields of the Lands Between.
Game Cross-Platform Play Capabilities
Wondering if you can team up with friends across different gaming systems in Elden Ring? Many players have been asking about cross-platform capabilities in this popular action RPG. Unfortunately, Elden Ring does not support cross-platform play, meaning players on different platforms like PC, Xbox, and PlayStation cannot play together.
There is some limited crossplay available within the same console family. Players on PS4 can play with those on PS5, and Xbox One users can connect with Xbox Series S/X gamers. This cross-generational play offers some flexibility, but not the full cross-platform experience many gamers hoped for.
The upcoming expansion, Elden Ring: Nightreign, will follow the same pattern. FromSoftware has confirmed it will maintain cross-generational support but will not introduce cross-platform functionality. This news may disappoint players looking forward to joining friends across different gaming ecosystems.
Key Takeaways
- Elden Ring does not support cross-platform play between PC, Xbox, and PlayStation systems.
- The game only allows cross-generational play within the same console family (PS4 with PS5, Xbox One with Xbox Series X/S).
- Elden Ring: Nightreign expansion will continue this same limited crossplay approach with no plans for full cross-platform support.
Elden Ring’s multiplayer systems follow specific platform constraints that impact how players can connect with friends and strangers. These limitations affect co-op adventures, invasions, and all other online interactions across different gaming ecosystems.
Current State of Cross-Platform Features
Elden Ring does not support full cross-platform play between different console families or PC. The game only offers what’s often called “cross-generation” play, meaning players can connect within the same console family. PlayStation 4 users can play with PlayStation 5 players, and Xbox One gamers can join those on Xbox Series X|S.
This limitation has remained consistent since the game’s initial release. FromSoftware has not announced plans to implement broader crossplay in future updates. For many players hoping to join friends on different platforms, this remains a significant disappointment.
Players should note that character progress doesn’t transfer between platforms either. If you switch from PS4 to Xbox Series X, for example, you’ll need to start fresh.
Console and PC Compatibility
The platform restrictions create distinct player pools across the major gaming ecosystems. PC players can only connect with other PC players. PlayStation users (both PS4 and PS5) share a unified environment. Similarly, Xbox players across Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles can interact only with other Xbox users.
These boundaries exist despite Elden Ring being available on all major platforms. The game does utilize Smart Delivery on Xbox, ensuring players get the optimized version for their console, but this doesn’t extend to cross-platform multiplayer functionality.
When purchasing Elden Ring, players should consider which platform their friends use if multiplayer is a priority. Community size varies by platform, with PC and PlayStation typically having larger player populations.
Multiplayer and Co-op Integration
Elden Ring’s multiplayer system allows for cooperative play and invasions within platform families. Players can summon help for boss fights, explore the open world together, or engage in PvP combat. The upcoming Elden Ring: Nightreign DLC will maintain these same platform restrictions.
To engage in multiplayer, players use in-game items like the Furlcalling Finger Remedy to see summon signs. Co-op sessions support up to three players (one host and two cooperators). Password matchmaking allows friends to connect more easily, but only within the same platform family.
FromSoftware’s approach to multiplayer integration maintains their distinctive design philosophy where online interactions enhance the single-player experience. The limitation on cross-platform play follows similar restrictions in other FromSoftware titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne.
Gameplay Dynamics and Player Interaction
Elden Ring’s multiplayer components create unique interactions between players despite the lack of full crossplay functionality. The game’s summoning and invasion systems create distinctive gameplay experiences that build upon FromSoftware’s established multiplayer formula.
Impact of Crossplay on Gameplay Experience
The absence of crossplay in Elden Ring significantly shapes how players interact within its vast open world. Players on PlayStation 5 can only connect with others on the same platform, limiting the potential player pool. This platform isolation creates different community experiences across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC versions of the game.
Some areas might feel more populated on platforms with larger player bases. PlayStation users might find more summoning signs in popular areas, while PC players might experience different invasion frequencies.
The platform-specific ecosystems also influence difficulty. Boss fights that rely on cooperative play might be easier to tackle on platforms with more active communities. Players seeking PvP encounters might gravitate toward platforms known for their combat-focused player bases.
Summoning Signs and PVP Elements
Elden Ring’s multiplayer system centers around summoning signs and invasion mechanics inherited from Dark Souls. Players can leave golden summoning signs to offer help or use the Bloody Finger to invade others’ worlds.
Cooperative play allows up to four players to band together. One host can summon up to two friendly phantoms to assist with exploration or boss encounters. This system works smoothly within each platform’s ecosystem.
PvP interactions occur through invasions or dedicated duel areas. The Bloody Finger item lets players forcibly enter others’ worlds as hostile phantoms. These encounters add unpredictability to the gameplay experience.
The lack of crossplay means invasion pools remain platform-specific. This creates different PvP “metas” on each platform, with varying popular weapons and tactics.
Challenges and Bosses within a Shared World
Elden Ring’s challenging boss fights become transformative experiences when tackled cooperatively. Many of the game’s most difficult encounters, from Malenia to the Fire Giant, can be approached with allies.
When summoned, players adjust their strategies to complement each other. One might focus on drawing a boss’s attention while others attack from safer positions. This cooperative dynamic changes how players approach the game’s difficulty.
The shared world experience extends beyond boss fights. Players can assist each other in navigating treacherous areas like Caelid or the underground regions. Experienced players often place summoning signs near difficult sections to guide newcomers.
Messages left by other players provide crucial hints about hidden paths, illusory walls, and dangerous ambushes. These asynchronous interactions create a sense of community even without direct crossplay functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Elden Ring’s multiplayer features have specific limitations regarding cross-platform play. Players often wonder about compatibility between different gaming systems and whether they can join friends using other consoles.
Can players on Xbox Series X/S and PS5 engage in cross-platform gameplay for Elden Ring?
No, players on Xbox Series X/S cannot play with those on PS5. Elden Ring does not support cross-platform play between different console families. This limitation applies to both the base game and the upcoming Nightreign expansion.
Xbox users can only connect with other Xbox players, while PlayStation users can only interact with other PlayStation players.
Is there cross-platform support available between Xbox One and PS4 for Elden Ring?
No cross-platform support exists between Xbox One and PS4. Similar to the newer consoles, Elden Ring does not allow multiplayer functionality across different console ecosystems.
Players are restricted to multiplayer within their own console family, with no ability to join players on competing platforms.
Have the developers announced any plans to implement cross-platform features in Elden Ring?
FromSoftware has not announced any plans to add cross-platform functionality to Elden Ring. The developers have maintained silence on whether this feature might be implemented in future updates.
The upcoming Nightreign expansion will continue with the same multiplayer restrictions as the base game.
What is the current status of cross-platform functionality in Elden Ring?
Elden Ring currently offers cross-generation play but not cross-platform play. This means PS4 players can connect with PS5 players, and Xbox One players can play with Xbox Series X/S users.
However, the game does not support any multiplayer features between PlayStation and Xbox ecosystems or between consoles and PC.
How does the crossplay feature, if available, affect Elden Ring gameplay across different console generations?
Cross-generation play allows for broader matchmaking within the same console family. PS4 players can enjoy cooperative and competitive play with PS5 users, while Xbox One players can connect with Xbox Series X/S players.
This feature helps maintain an active player base across console generations, ensuring that users who haven’t upgraded can still enjoy multiplayer with friends who have newer hardware.
What reasons have been given for the absence of cross-platform play in Elden Ring?
FromSoftware has not provided specific reasons for the lack of cross-platform support. Industry analysts suggest technical challenges, platform policies, and potential performance disparities between systems may be contributing factors.
Different console ecosystems often have unique networking infrastructures, making cross-platform implementation complex and resource-intensive for developers.
