Elden Ring may not be a multiplayer game in the traditional sense, but its massive (and I do mean massive) community is still intrinsically linked to your gameplay experience, even if you’re not actively playing with another player. Since the very first Dark Souls game, FromSoftware’s action-RPGs have utilized a system allowing players to leave little messages on the ground, which can then appear in the worlds of other players. This system serves as a means of sharing tips and advice, as well as just joking around. Here’s an explanation of how the message system in Elden Ring works.
How to Leave Messages in Elden Ring
In order to leave a message in the world, you need a special consumable called the Tarnished’s Wizened Finger. You can loot one off a corpse slumped on a wall in the tutorial area. It’s a reusable item, so don’t worry about using it up. When you want to write a message, select the Tarnished’s Wizened Finger either from your inventory or the multiplayer menu to bring up the message prompt.
You can’t just write whatever you want, because then every single message would be a dirty joke, and there’s already a lot of those as it is. Rather, you can assemble a message from a list of approved component words and phrases. For example, you can choose the template “Likely (blank),” then fill in that blank with a word or phrase like “decoy,” implying some manner of trap. If you’ve got something additional to say, you can opt for more complicated messages with multiple lines. You also have the ability to attach character gestures to your messages, which appear when someone reads your message. For example, you can attach a pointing gesture to clarify what your message is referring to.
When your message is all set, simply press the finish button, and your character will scrawl it on the ground, where it will appear as a small collection of white-glowing runes. When a message is placed on the ground, it will start appearing in that same spot in other players’ worlds, though their progress may affect whether or not they can see the message. For instance, if you leave a message in a boss’s arena after defeating them, it won’t appear to other players until they’ve also defeated that boss.
When reading a message, you can opt to either Appraise or Disparage it, depending on whether you found it helpful (or funny). Every time someone Appraises a message that you left, you’ll instantly receive an HP recovery equivalent to one Flask of Crimson Tears. You aren’t penalized for Disparaged messages, so don’t worry about that. If you’re curious about the numbers, you can check the status of any messages you’ve previously left from the message menu.
Elden Ring Messages
Now, for a little extra fun, here’s a quick list of some commonly-used messages you may encounter in the world, and their general intended meanings.
- “Precious item ahead”: There’s a valuable collectible or weapon nearby.
- “Hidden path ahead”: Placed in front of walls that can be attacked to reveal secret passages. These are usually lying, but it never hurts to check.
- “Trap ahead”: A warning of traps like ambushes or teleporter trap chests.
- “Liar ahead”: Usually placed in front of other messages that are misleading or incorrect.
- “You don’t have the right”: Usually placed in front of a door, gate, or roadblock that either doesn’t open at all or can’t be opened from that side.
- “Dog”: Used to point out various animals. Can refer to actual canine creatures like wolves, but also refers to things like turtles, dragons, giant lobsters, and more.
- “Sadness ahead”: Indicates an especially difficult enemy or boss encounter.
- “I want to go home…”: Usually found in lengthy dungeon areas, especially ones full of strong enemies.
- “No item”: A warning that a path that looks like it’d have something at the end of it is actually a dead end.
- “First off…”: A set of instructions, usually advising you to go do something before you continue in a particular direction.
- “Try fingers but hole”: A dirty joke, notable only because these are literally everywhere.
