U4GM - 5 Questions About Elden Ring Covenants Answered
Covenants in Elden Ring—or more accurately, their spiritual successors—are subtle yet impactful systems that shape your multiplayer and PvP experience. While the game doesn’t feature covenants in the traditional Dark Souls sense, it introduces several factions and groups that function similarly. Based on my 300+ hour journey across the Lands Between, I’ve compiled five frequently asked questions about covenants and the mechanics behind them. If you’re new to the world or looking to optimize your build, read on—especially if you're planning to buy Elden Ring Items or farm cheap elden ring runes.
1. Does Elden Ring Have Covenants Like Dark Souls?
Technically, no. Elden Ring doesn’t include formal covenant systems like in the Dark Souls trilogy. However, the game introduces multiplayer factions like the Bloody Finger, Recusant, Hunter, and Blue Sentinel, which function similarly. These roles determine how players interact in PvP invasions or co-op.
In my first playthrough, I naturally gravitated toward the Recusants after exploring Volcano Manor, and I found it functionally close to joining a Dark Souls covenant. You receive specific PvP tasks and unique rewards for completing them.
2. How Do You Join a Faction or Group in Elden Ring?
Factions are joined by progressing certain questlines or interacting with specific NPCs. For instance:
Volcano Manor invites you to hunt down NPCs (similar to an invasion-based covenant).
Roundtable Hold NPCs like Diallos or Fia can involve you in deeper lore-linked roles.
White Mask Varre’s questline leads you to invade other players, aligning you with the Bloody Finger invaders.
When I followed Varre’s quest, it unlocked my ability to invade—making PvP much more dynamic. If you want to fast-track your build and participate competitively, many players choose to buy Elden Ring Items to skip the grind.
3. Do Factions Affect PvP Rewards or Gameplay Progression?
Yes. Participating in faction-style activities (like invasions or defending allies) rewards you with unique items or rune arcs. Volcano Manor missions, for example, grant you powerful weapons and armor pieces. Some rewards, such as the Taker's Cameo, can be game-changing for life-steal builds.
When I focused on PvP for a while, I realized that without efficient rune farming or item acquisition, progress felt slow. That’s when sourcing cheap elden ring runes from reputable services became helpful—especially during late-game or New Game+ cycles.
4. Can You Switch Between PvP Roles?
Absolutely. One of Elden Ring’s strengths is flexibility. You can freely switch roles using items like the Festering Bloody Finger (for invasions) or the Blue Cipher Ring (to defend others). There's no long-term commitment, so you can explore all styles without penalty.
I often alternated between being an invader and a defender depending on the mood or challenge I wanted. This freedom encourages experimentation—just make sure your gear is up to par. I turned to U4GM a couple of times to supplement my loadout without having to grind endlessly.
5. Are These Systems Worth Exploring in PvE-Only Runs?
Yes, and here’s why: many faction-related questlines open up areas, items, and lore that deepen the story—even if you never set foot in PvP. Volcano Manor, for example, is a treasure trove of storytelling and loot. Some of the best weapons in the game are tied to these missions.
In my experience, even if you’re doing a PvE-only run, engaging with these groups gives you access to powerful gear and rune rewards that will make late-game bosses far more manageable. If you're stuck, it’s wise to buy Elden Ring Items to bridge the gap.
While Elden Ring may not call them “covenants,” the spirit of those systems lives on through its multiplayer mechanics, faction quests, and lore. Whether you're a seasoned invader or a lore-loving explorer, these systems add value and depth to the game.
For players like me who value time and efficiency, services like U4GM and the availability of cheap elden ring runes can make a real difference in optimizing the experience without compromising fun. Remember—your path in the Lands Between is your own, but with the right tools and knowledge, it becomes all the more epic.