Elden Ring appears to use a fairly distinct formula for when you can be invaded by other players. If I understand the Fextralife wiki page on PvP correctly, you can only be invaded by a player if:
- You're currently in a co-op session, and not already invaded (because the invader cap is normally 1).
- You're already being invaded, and you used a taunter's tongue to raise the invader cap to 2.
- You used a taunter's tongue to invite invaders even without co-op.
Naturally engaging in a duel also involves other players, but I'm less concerned about that scenario since I have to manually engage in it.
It's pretty clear to me that inviting another human player for co-op via a summon sign will open me up to invasion, but what's not clear for me is this: does summoning an NPC for co-op open me up to invaders? For example, if I summon Nepheli Loux for assistance, am I liable to be invaded by a player?
I ask this mainly prompted by the discovery of a new invader exploit on PC. I'd like to stay in online mode, but I want to know when I'm opening myself up to an exploit so that I can ensure my saves are backed up before someone messes with them.
2 Answers
As far as I know no.
But I've got no sources to prove it's true (though I've tested it if the invaders can join my world with the kind help of Nepheli at the Godrick's area, after 10 mins no invader invaded me - not sure if it's luck or connectivity issues). So, take my answer with grain of a salt.
Luckily, almost all of NPC signs are at right before the boss area, or even inside of the boss area, so quickly enter the boss area, so that the invaders can't invade you.
3No. Using NPC summons are fine and safe. NPC do not use net code, or turn on any flags for multiplayer.
