Elden ring 180 day penalty

What is the elden ring 180 day penalty?

The "elden ring 180 day penalty," often referred to as a soft ban, is a restriction imposed by FromSoftware on players who are suspected of violating the game's terms of service. This usually involves modifying game files, cheating, or engaging in other activities that provide an unfair advantage or disrupt the online experience for other players. The penalty typically lasts for 180 days, hence the name.

Causes of the 180 day penalty

Several actions can trigger the 180 day penalty in Elden Ring:

• Modifying Game Files: Altering game files for any reason, including cosmetic changes, can be detected by the anti-cheat system.
• Using Cheats or Hacks: Employing any form of cheating, such as using trainers, item duplication glitches, or altering character stats beyond legitimate limits, will almost certainly result in a ban.
• Inconsistent Save Data: If the game detects discrepancies in your save data that are indicative of tampering, you may be flagged. For example, having an impossible amount of runes or items early in the game.
• Exploiting Glitches: While FromSoftware is generally lenient towards accidental glitch discoveries, actively exploiting known glitches for personal gain, especially in multiplayer, can lead to a penalty. An example would be constantly using a glitch to endlessly farm runes, disrupting server load and other players' experiences.
• Tampering with Multiplayer: Intentionally disrupting other players' experiences in online play, such as using exploits to grief or unfairly dominate invasions, can also trigger the penalty.

Effects of the 180 day penalty

The 180 day penalty significantly restricts your online experience in Elden Ring:

• Restricted Multiplayer: You will only be able to play with other players who have also been penalized. This drastically reduces the pool of available players for summoning, invasions, and cooperative play.
• Limited Matchmaking: The game's matchmaking system will prioritize pairing you with other penalized players, effectively isolating you from the general player base.
• No Official Online Features: You might lose access to leaderboards, online events, and other features that rely on interacting with the broader Elden Ring community.
• No access to messaging with normal players: Your messages in the game world will only be visible to other penalized players.

How to avoid the 180 day penalty

The best way to avoid the 180 day penalty is to play the game legitimately and avoid any actions that could be construed as cheating or exploiting the game's mechanics. Here are some tips:

• Play Fairly: Avoid using cheats, hacks, or any third-party software that modifies the game's code.
• Do Not Tamper with Save Data: Do not attempt to edit your save files or use save editors.
• Report Bugs: If you encounter a glitch or bug, report it to FromSoftware instead of exploiting it.
• Respect Other Players: Play fair and be respectful in multiplayer interactions. Avoid griefing or intentionally disrupting other players' experiences.
• Use Official Channels: If you need assistance or have questions about the game, use official FromSoftware support channels.

What to do if you receive the penalty

If you believe you have been wrongly penalized, you can try contacting FromSoftware's support team. However, keep in mind that they are unlikely to lift the penalty unless you can provide compelling evidence that you did not violate the terms of service. It's crucial to be honest and transparent in your communication with them.

Be prepared to wait out the 180 days. During this time, you can still play the game offline or start a new character while adhering to the rules to avoid another penalty.

Remember that while some penalties may seem harsh, they are in place to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.