Elden Ring’s multiplayer beta reveals concerning PvP mechanics and backstab issues from Dark Souls
Beta Test Revelations: Community Concerns Emerge
Following the November 2021 network test, Elden Ring’s multiplayer features have sparked significant discussion among the Souls community regarding potential design shortcomings.
The Elden Ring closed network test launched on November 12, 2021, providing players their inaugural hands-on experience with both cooperative and competitive multiplayer systems. As expected from a FromSoftware title, the multiplayer integrates seamlessly into the core campaign experience rather than existing as a separate mode.
Host players maintain full exploration capabilities while gaining access to summoning mechanics for cooperative assistance during challenging encounters. Competitive players can initiate duels using specific in-game items, creating structured PvP opportunities within the open world.
However, the primary PvP engagement comes through the invasion system, mirroring mechanics from Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. This enables aggressive players to forcibly enter another player’s game session without invitation, creating unpredictable and often frustrating encounters.
Network test participants have extensively documented their experiences across community platforms, with many expressing concerns about the multiplayer’s current state. While foundational systems from previous titles transition effectively, combat mechanics specifically raise balance questions that could impact long-term engagement.
The Backstab Controversy: Legacy Mechanics Return
Community apprehension centers significantly around the return of Dark Souls’ notoriously powerful backstab technique, potentially creating single-move victory scenarios for skilled practitioners. Additional concerns highlight defensive capabilities, where blocking may provide excessive protection, enabling simplistic block-and-backstab strategies to dominate encounters.
As one Reddit contributor elaborated, “The original backstab mechanic served as punishment for positional carelessness during combat, adding strategic depth by forcing constant awareness of defensive positioning and calculated attack timing.”
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The commenter further explained the Elden Ring beta implementation issues: “Current backstab mechanics appear overly sensitive to target movement, failing to register even during spellcasting animations from stationary positions. Additionally, unintentional backstab grab activation creates unnecessary vulnerability windows during normal combat rotations.”
Pro Tip: When facing backstab-focused opponents, maintain constant circular movement and incorporate quick backstep attacks to break positioning attempts. Consider equipping weapons with wide sweeping attacks that cover rear angles.
PvP Meta Concerns: Strategic Limitations
These mechanical issues potentially transform PvP engagements into repetitive circling matches where participants prioritize positioning over varied combat approaches. This dynamic risks homogenizing player builds as participants gravitate toward optimized defensive strategies rather than exploring the game’s diverse combat options.
Technical imperfections and limited melee combo systems may further incentivize this tactical approach as players seek reliable advantages. Those experimenting with alternative playstyles may encounter significant disadvantages in competitive scenarios, potentially limiting build diversity at higher skill levels.
Common Mistake: Many players excessively rely on shield turtling, creating predictable patterns that skilled opponents can exploit with guard-break techniques. Instead, practice timed parries and situational awareness to maintain offensive pressure.
Advanced Strategy: Master the art of baiting backstab attempts by intentionally presenting openings, then quickly pivoting with delayed attack animations to punish aggressive positioning.
Constructive Feedback: Path to Improvement
Fortunately, community criticism maintains constructive quality, focusing on providing actionable feedback for FromSoftware rather than simple complaint. This measured approach aligns perfectly with beta testing objectives, identifying issues while acknowledging the development process.
The passionate Souls community remembers the technical challenges that accompanied Dark Souls 1 and 2 launches, creating strong motivation to avoid similar issues with Elden Ring. This collective experience generates invaluable development insights as FromSoftware refines multiplayer systems before the official release.
FromSoftware titles typically experience some technical roughness at launch, making thorough beta testing and community feedback crucial for minimizing post-release problems. The current constructive dialogue suggests positive potential for addressing identified issues before the February 2022 launch.
Elden Ring launches February 25, 2022, across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC platforms. Initial hands-on impressions from various media outlets provide additional context about the overall gameplay experience beyond multiplayer components.
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