If you’ve been exploring The Lands Between and noticed those ghostly red bloodstains aren’t appearing, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into why Elden Ring’s bloodstains might not be working and what you can do about it.
Understanding Bloodstains in Elden Ring
Bloodstains are one of those brilliant features that make FromSoftware games unique – they show you how other players met their demise, serving as both warnings and, let’s be honest, occasional entertainment. When working properly, these crimson markers let you tap into the shared experience of fellow Tarnished, showing their final moments before death.
Common Causes for Bloodstain Issues
Server Connection Problems
The most frequent culprit is server connectivity. Just like those messages and player phantoms you see, bloodstains require a stable connection to Elden Ring’s servers. If you’re playing offline or experiencing network hiccups, those red marks won’t appear.
Game Version Mismatches
Sometimes after an update, you might find yourself on a different version than the servers. This can cause various online features, including bloodstains, to stop working until you update your game.
How to Fix Bloodstain Issues
Here’s what you can try to get those bloodstains showing up again:
1. Check your internet connection – try resetting your router if needed
2. Verify you’re playing in online mode (check the Network settings in-game)
3. Restart the game completely
4. Make sure your game is fully updated
5. If you’re on Steam, verify your game files
When to Wait It Out
Sometimes, bloodstain issues are actually server-side problems that affect everyone. During peak playing times or right after major updates, you might notice temporary disruptions. In these cases, the best solution is simply patience – the feature usually returns to normal within a few hours.
The Technical Side
What’s fascinating about bloodstains is how they work behind the scenes. They’re essentially small packets of data being constantly exchanged between your game and FromSoftware’s servers. When you see a bloodstain, you’re actually downloading a brief replay of another player’s death that happened in roughly the same spot where you’re standing.
Remember, while bloodstains are a cool feature, they’re not essential to complete the game. If you’re having persistent issues, you can still enjoy your journey through The Lands Between – just be a bit more cautious without those helpful warning signs from your fellow Tarnished!
Keep an eye on official Elden Ring social media channels and community forums – if there’s a widespread issue, that’s where you’ll find confirmation and updates about fixes in progress.
