Like FromSoftware’s many RPGs before it, Elden Ring relies heavily on its community in key ways to create an experience beyond what’s built into the game. One of the ways FromSoftware does this is through its player vs. player features. Elden Ring features systems for players to fight each other, but little in the way of organization. That’s why the Elden Ring community is starting a conversation about where to hold PvP duels.
From Software games allow players to invite randomized invaders into their game, but it’s an uncertain process. That’s because players are spread out across many ranges of progression within the in-game world, something that’s true in Elden Ring, too. The community establishing specific locations for players wanting to PvP, a place they can gather and invite opponents into with the knowledge that they all want to duel, is a now-proven way of creating a semi-organized PvP environment.
While historically these PvP locations have grown organically within each FromSoftware game, perhaps by From Software’s design, the Elden Ring community is taking a more proactive approach to the situation. Players are finishing the game and are excited to do more PvP, so they want to build a scene to support that. With that in mind, the location of Elden Ring’s Main Academy Gate point of grace is a clear early favorite. It offers an open, circular space that’s optimal for dueling and is accessible early in the game.
There are criticisms of the Main Academy Gate location, of course. There’s a nearby path of escape and some wolves that can be agro’d by griefers and cowards. It’s not a particularly aesthetically pleasing dueling site. Then there’s the fact that it requires a key to access, a detail that could prevent new and unfamiliar players from accessing it until they’re more experienced. That could be seen as a boon by the From Software community, however.
Other locations thrown out include the lava bridge at Volcano Manor, the Raya Lucaria staircase with the rolling boulder, and the first evergaol which is near to where all players first spawn. There are other locations thrown out from Elden Ring’s endgame, but for an early and accessible PvP site these are the most popular ideas.
As noted, what’s popular on Elden Ring’s subreddit may not end up popular in-game. Players will go to PvP locations where they have the most fun. These locations sprout up organically because that’s what FromSoftware’s multiplayer design fosters. There’s no need to do anything more than go to a location where you want to duel, prep the invasion, and wait for a target. Expect to see some Main Academy Gate screenshots covered in glowing stones going forward, though.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
