While the Volcano Manor is home to a number of enemies, it also offers a safe haven in its main first floor chambers. Weapons and attacks are deactivated in those rooms, meaning that even without the threat of an invader’s pursuit, players can seek respite in those walls. The mechanics of invasion in Elden Ring differ slightly from its predecessor series, Dark Souls, in that a host must invite an invader or at least have a summon present. This means that the favor is usually tipped toward the host, if only a little.
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The change in balance does not make the threat of an invader any less daunting, however, and sometimes players may wish to have a secret escape plan up their sleeve. This is exactly what Reddit user Jolly_Old_Lautrec had as shown in their video titled “I’m going with Rya, YOU CAN’T STOP ME!” The clip shows the player approaching Rya and starting a dialogue, before turning the camera to see the invader approach. The invader immediately casts Hoarfrost Stomp, a powerful Ash Of War that covers the floor in a carpet of ice crystals. The attack would usually be a good starting attack to deal some frost damage and slow one’s opponent.
However, Jolly_Old_Lautrec simply takes this as a cue to leave. Taking the hand of Rya, the player enters an animation state also granting them invincibility. The invader angrily stamps their feet as they try in vain to stop the host from leaving the battle. Moments later, the player emerges in the warm welcome of the Volcano Manor, effectively banishing the invader back to their own game in the process. The whole exchange plays out more like a typical heated argument, rather than an impressive fight in Elden Ring. Reddit users commented to quote potential in-game texts for this situation, such as “Maiden acquired. Mission failed. Returning to your world.” This of course is playing on Elden Ring’s maidenless memes.
While it seems as though Jolly_Old_Lautrec was using this as a chance to flee a battle, it is worth noting that the Reddit user’s namesake is that of an infamous Dark Souls invader and all around villain. Lautrec caused many players a lot of grief by killing the Fire Keeper at Firelink Shrine, before showing up in a fight with two unnamed friends. Remembering also that one way to get invaded is to invite them, it could be that Jolly_Old_Lautrec planned this humiliation all along. Especially seeing as Jolly_Old_Lautrec has already used a clever trick to defeat an Elden Ring invader. When Lautrec is a player’s inspiration, this simple bait and switch is on the lower end of evil.
Elden Ring is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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