Here's a detailed guide on how messages and bloodstains work in Elden Ring, which enhances the otherwise solitary experience by adding community and interaction. Players can share information, warn others, and learn from their mistakes via these features, just as they did in previous Souls games.
Co-op Play in Elden Ring
Summoning Players:
Use the Tarnished's Furled Finger to place a gold summon sign on the ground, which allows other players to summon you into their world for co-op play.
Small Golden Effigy sends your summon sign to multiple summoning pools near your location, making it easier for others to summon you from various Effigy of the Martyr statues.
Joining a Game:
Use Furlcalling Finger Remedy to reveal summon signs. These signs can be gold for co-op or red for PvP.
•Password System: Set a multiplayer password in the game settings to ensure you connect with friends or specific players, making summon signs only visible to those with the same password.
•Co-op Objectives: Typically, co-op is focused on helping the host defeat the area boss. Once the boss is defeated, or if the host dies, the co-op session ends.
Advanced Tips for Co-op: 
•Communication: Use in-game messages or voice chat if possible to coordinate strategies.
•Role Division: Decide on roles like tank, DPS, or support before engaging in tough fights.
•Revival: If playing with multiple cooperators, consider strategies where one player can stay back to revive others safely.
PvP in Elden Ring
•Matchmaking: Elden Ring uses a level and weapon upgrade matchmaking system to ensure fairness. However, with the right items, you can still encounter a broader range of player levels.
•Post-Shadow of the Erdtree: With new content, expect new strategies, items, and perhaps changes to existing mechanics that could shift both co-op and PvP meta.
Invasions:
Use a Festering Bloody Finger to invade another player's world. Your goal is to defeat the host.
•Taunter's Tongue: This item can be used by hosts to invite invaders, even if they already have co-op partners, making for a more challenging scenario.
Duels:
Use Duelist's Furled Finger for a consensual PvP duel where the objective isn't necessarily to kill the host but to engage in honorable combat.
PvP Build Tips:
•Bleed and Poison: Builds focusing on status effects can be very effective as they pressure opponents to engage or heal, disrupting their strategy.
•Hybrid Scaling: While focusing on one damage stat is generally advised, certain hybrid builds can work at high levels, especially with new weapons or abilities introduced in updates or DLC like Shadow of the Erdtree.
•Defense: Don't neglect Vigor and Endurance. High HP and the ability wear heavy armor while maintaining a medium roll can be crucial.
Advanced PvP Tactics: 
•Spells and Ashes of War: Utilize varied Ashes of War for unpredictability. Spells can also provide ranged pressure or area denial.
•Environmental Awareness: Use the terrain to your advantage, like narrow corridors for funneling opponents or high ground for strategic retreats.
•Counter Builds: Learn to switch loadouts or tactics based on what your opponent is using. Being adaptable can turn the tide of battle.
Conclusion
Elden Ring's messages and bloodstains enhance gameplay and the atmosphere. Communication, sharing insights, and learning from others' mistakes and successes deepen the game world. These features make Elden Ring feel like a community effort, creating a sense of connection in an unforgiving and harsh world.
