Elden Ring's vast, interconnected world is best experienced with others, but sometimes you need a little peace and quiet – or perhaps you're tackling a particularly challenging boss and don't want any interruptions. Whatever the reason, knowing how to go offline in Elden Ring is crucial for a smoother gameplay experience. This guide will walk you through the process on all platforms.
Understanding Elden Ring's Online Functionality
Before diving into how to go offline, it's important to understand how Elden Ring handles online interactions. The game uses a system where you're either fully online, interacting with other players' messages, summoning help, or invading others, or in a limited online state. Even in a limited online state, you'll still encounter some signs of other players.
Disconnecting from Elden Ring's Servers: Step-by-Step Guide
The method for disconnecting from Elden Ring's servers varies slightly depending on your platform:
PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4:
- Pause the game: Press the PlayStation button on your controller to pause Elden Ring.
- Access the System Menu: Navigate to the system menu using your controller.
- Go Offline: Select the option to go offline. This will disconnect your console from the internet. Your game will automatically reflect this change.
Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One:
- Pause the game: Press the Xbox button on your controller to pause Elden Ring.
- Open the Guide: Press the Xbox button again to open the Guide.
- Access the Profile & System: Navigate to the Profile & system section.
- Settings: Select Settings.
- Network Settings: Choose Network settings.
- Go Offline: Select the option to go offline. This will disconnect your console from the internet and disable online features within Elden Ring.
PC (Steam):
- Pause the game: If you have the pause functionality bound to a key, use that. Otherwise, you might need to manually exit to the main menu, depending on your in-game settings.
- Disconnect from the Internet: The easiest way is to disconnect your computer from the internet entirely. You can do this by unplugging your Ethernet cable or turning off your Wi-Fi. Steam will detect the loss of connection and will automatically be offline. Alternatively, you can temporarily disable your network adapter within Windows settings.
Important Considerations:
- Multiplayer Features: Once offline, features like summoning other players, leaving messages, or being invaded will be unavailable.
- Re-Connecting: To re-enable online features, simply reconnect your console or PC to the internet. Elden Ring will automatically detect this.
- Network Problems: If you experience issues with your online connection, try restarting your router or contacting your internet service provider.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you're having trouble going fully offline, even after following these steps, consider these troubleshooting points:
- Check your Network Settings: Ensure your console or PC is correctly configured to access the internet.
- Restart your Devices: Restart your console, PC, and router to resolve potential temporary glitches.
- Update Network Drivers: Outdated network drivers can cause connection issues. Update them through your device's settings.
- Check your Firewall: Ensure your firewall isn't blocking Elden Ring from accessing the internet. Temporarily disabling it can help determine if this is the cause.
By following these steps, you can easily control your online status in Elden Ring, allowing you to enjoy the game solo or with friends, at your own pace. Remember to always reconnect to reap the benefits of the vibrant multiplayer aspects of Elden Ring when you're ready!
