The PC version of Elden Ring will not be released without an anti-cheat tool. Now we know that the action RPG will include Easy Anti Cheat at launch. This has raised concerns in the community, as a popular feature from the Dark Souls games might be at risk.
What is special about this? Previous games from FromSoftware that launched with multiplayer had little protection against cheaters and hackers. This caused considerable chaos in PvP and co-op.
Recently, however, a severe security vulnerability was discovered, which allowed hackers in Dark Souls 1-3 to gain control over other players’ PCs – through mere multiplayer sessions.
That and probably other issues seem to have prompted the makers of Elden Ring to take more action against cheaters. Therefore, Easy Anti Cheat is being employed, which is a widely used tool in numerous games. These include:
Elden Ring is now joining this circle. However, reactions from the community to this announcement are mixed.
Because Easy Anti Cheat could, in the worst case, mean the end of a popular feature of the Dark Souls series: modifications.
There are even mods that completely overhaul the game, including original stories, equipment, and spells. Such mods ensure that even the nearly 11-year-old Dark Souls 1 is still played on PC today.
Does Elden Ring’s new anti-cheat protection endanger mods?
How are the fans reacting: The first voices regarding this news range from joy to concern, showing a lot of variety. Most players agree that measures against cheaters are necessary and right.
However, with Easy Anti Cheat, there could be a huge hurdle for potential fan modifications that may not appear for Elden Ring. This is evident from numerous reactions in the game’s subreddit.
Why is this a problem? The anti-cheat tool has already shown in other games that it does not play well with modifications and quickly identifies them as threats.
Therefore, players are now fearing that modifications for Elden Ring may either be significantly complicated or could even be completely eliminated.
Is there a solution? There are indeed ways to potentially make modding at least partially feasible.
- For example, Microsoft Studio 343 Industries integrated Easy Anti Cheat for its Halo: Master Chief Collection as well.
- However, extensive modding tools still exist.
- To play the collection with modifications, there is the option to disable the tool.
- This, however, divides online players into two groups – those with the tool activated and those with it deactivated.
Perhaps FromSoftware will implement similar mechanics in Elden Ring to continue supporting modifications. But there is also the possibility that they wanted to restrict modding anyway. It is currently unknown how this will ultimately impact the situation.
When does Elden Ring release? The action RPG will be available on February 24 for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
If there are any updates regarding the situation with modifications before then, we will keep you informed as always. But what do you think about this?
Are you excited about Easy Anti Cheat? Or would you have preferred another way to protect against cheaters? Do you even use modifications in FromSoftware games?
If you are interested in more about the game: Recently, Game Director and FromSoftware Head Hidetaka Miyazaki spoke about the characters and the role of Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin in the game: Characters from the “Game of Thrones” author were great heroes until Elden Ring intentionally destroyed them
