As “Elden Ring” players return for the much-anticipated “Shadow of the Erdtree” update, it’s once again time to discuss one of the epic RPG’s most insidious enemies: input lag. Because “Elden Ring” is an online game with multiplayer capabilities, the strength and speed of your internet and Wi-Fi connections are a factor in how well you can perform.
In a game like “Elden Ring,” where combat relies so heavily on timing your attacks, counters, guards, and parries, even the most minor degree of lag can have life-ending consequences. If you suffer from lag when playing “Elden Ring” online, your network connection might be the culprit. Follow our guide below to alleviate any lag problems you encounter in “The Lands Between.”
What Is Lag?
Lag is the delay between user input and the expected result. When video games are concerned, this means there is a delay between the time when you press a button and when your on-screen character carries out that action. The more fast-paced the game is, the more lag can mess with a fun gaming experience.
In the online gaming world, the best way to reduce lag is to reduce your ping time. Ping time measures how long it takes the information to leave your machine, bounce off the game server, and head back to your machine — usually measured in milliseconds. The higher the ping time is, the higher the lag will be.
Performance issues can also happen within your own device. In the case of “Elden Ring,” this mostly impacts players on a PC, where individual performance settings may have to be tailored to the PC’s capabilities. Turning down graphics settings may help your game run faster and avoid “stuttering.”
Can You Lag in “Elden Ring”? Does Lag Happen in Single-Player Mode?
“Elden Ring” is designed to be played online, which means that the quality of your connection matters.
Lag caused by internet connection issues is possible in “Elden Ring” multiplayer; this includes player-vs.-player (PvP) multiplayer as well as player-vs.-environment (PvE) multiplayer. Lag is evident when your device is not the host; this means that the action is technically happening on your ally’s machine, and your device has to communicate over the internet to find out what’s happening.
What about campaign mode in “Elden Ring”? Can you lag while battling in one of the game’s legacy dungeons or against one of its bosses?
Well, for starters, you can play campaign mode offline, which will certainly eliminate online lag. In offline mode, you won’t be able to use certain features, like the in-game message system.
Will using online mode to use those messaging features — but not to play in PvP or PvE mode — open you up to the risk of lag? According to our research, the answer is no. Single-player mode does not have online lag in “Elden Ring,” even if you’re playing in online mode. The internet connection is used for messages and other features; however, all of those nasty boss moves and tricky dungeons remain local to your device — it’s as if you’re playing in online mode.
Single-player mode may, however, appear to lag if your device is struggling to run the game. If you’re playing on a PC and believe that you’re lagging, update your drivers and consider tweaking the game’s settings; this will make things easier on your hardware.
How to Tell If You’re Lagging in “Elden Ring”
“Elden Ring” is not an easy game. It’s always tempting to blame a tough loss on lag. But is your game really lagging? Here’s what to look for:
- You’re missing simple parries. Anyone who’s played a significant amount of “Elden Ring” knows that this skill takes time to master. Once you’ve mastered it, it becomes second nature. However, because of how important it is to time your controller inputs correctly, lag can turn a well-timed parry into a regrettable PvP death.
- Status effects spike unusually. If you’ve been playing “Elden Ring” since its release in February, you already know that the bleed effect can catch you off guard. If you use weapons like Eleonora’s Poleblade or Rivers of Blood, then you actively count on how quickly the bleed status effect builds; this is because your style of play revolves around making enemies hemorrhage as quickly as possible. Look for the buildup of these statuses. Are they mounting as they should or do they appear to spike unexpectedly (as if your device is “catching up” to reality)?
- Projectiles stop and go. The Oracle Envoy enemies you find in Leyndell can be a pain to deal with; however, it’s an even bigger pain when a PvP invader ruins your day with their Envoy’s Horn and Oracular Bubble. Normally, these bubbles are pretty easy to dodge; though if you’re dealing with a subpar connection, they can freeze one moment and be right upon you when your frame rate stabilizes.
How to Fix Lag in “Elden Ring” Online
So you’re dealing with lag in “Elden Ring” — what can you do about it? Here are some basic tips for improving your lag.
Power Cycle Your Router and Modem
Start with the obvious: Try turning your router and modem off, then turning them back on again. Consider doing the same with your gaming device.
Move Your Router
The closer your router is to your gaming device, the stronger the Wi-Fi signal will be. Move your router to a better spot and see if that helps.
Swap Wi-Fi for a Wired Connection
Wired connections are always faster than wireless ones. If you use an Ethernet cable for your gaming device instead of a Wi-Fi connection, you’ll likely find that you get improved performance.
Reduce Traffic on Your Network
If you’re trying to play “Elden Ring” at the same time your network is performing a bandwidth-intensive activity like streaming a movie, you could be creating a traffic jam on your network; that will slow everyone down. Focus on one activity at a time, and you’ll get better performance.
Upgrade Your Router
Your internet is only as fast as your router. If you’re trying to use Wi-Fi, make sure that your wireless router is capable of creating a local network that makes full use of the internet speeds you’re paying for.
Consider a Wi-Fi repeater or mesh network. A Wi-Fi repeater takes your original Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcasts it from a second point in your home; this helps get rid of “blind spots.” Believe it or not, using a Wi-Fi repeater is one of the easiest ways to work around a slow wireless connection.
Upgrade Your Internet Plan
It’s not always your router’s fault — sometimes, your internet connection just isn’t fast enough in the first place. The best internet for gaming is high-speed fiber internet, so check the options in your area and see if you can get the speeds you need.