5 Best VPNs for Elden Ring in 2023

Get ready for a mind-blowing role-playing adventure in the captivating world of Elden Ring—but wait, there are challenges ahead! Due to its popularity, the game’s servers can get overcrowded, causing high ping and unstable latency that slow your gameplay. Moreover, you might want to connect to different regions to play with friends or other gamers worldwide.

Not to worry! The solution to these hurdles is simple: use an Elden Ring VPN. A VPN will improve connections by reducing ping and keeping latency in check. Say goodbye to lag and enjoy smoother gameplay, giving you the advantage to conquer opponents. Plus, you’ll also be able to join game servers in different regions.

In this article, we share the top 5 VPNs for Elden Ring. You'll also find easy-to-understand reviews of each VPN's features and performance. Plus, we'll guide you step-by-step on setting up your VPN for an optimal Elden Ring experience. Finally, we’ll explain why you need a VPN and offer tips for fixing Elden Ring lagging, crashing, and connection error issues.

Best Elden Ring VPNs - Our Shortlist

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN for Elden Ring
2. NordVPN – Best VPN for Elden Ring with Strong Security
3. CyberGhost VPN – Gaming-Optimized Elden Ring VPN
4. Surfshark – Beginner-Friendly VPN That Works for Elden Ring
5. Private Internet Access – Customizable VPN with Unlimited Connections

How to Play Elden Ring with a VPN

To play Elden Ring with a VPN, it's essential to choose a reliable VPN provider that offers servers in Elden Ring–friendly regions. Once you've selected a suitable VPN, follow these steps to get started:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works with Elden Ring (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
3. Launch the VPN and log in using your credentials.
4. Connect to a VPN server close to a game server to get the best performance.
5. Download Elden Ring and log in to your account.
6. That’s it! Now you can enjoy seamless Elden Ring gameplay from anywhere.

By connecting to a VPN server close to Elden Ring servers, you establish a direct and efficient traffic route from your device to the game’s data center, resulting in minimized ping and controlled latency. 

The Best VPNs for Elden Ring

To select the best VPN for Elden Ring, stick to the criteria outlined in our best gaming VPN guide. For an optimum gaming experience in Elden Ring, having a large server network with many servers evenly distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania is crucial. This server coverage is essential for achieving low ping and stable latency. 

Furthermore, ensure that your chosen VPN offers fast speeds and reliable performance. When it comes to security, prioritize a kill switch, gaming-friendly protocols, and strong encryption.

The VPN should also support multiple devices connected simultaneously and work seamlessly with all Elden Ring platforms, including computers, game consoles, and routers. Lastly, choose an Elden Ring VPN that provides a generous money-back guarantee policy and round-the-clock customer support to ensure your satisfaction.

After thorough research and testing, these are the best VPNs for Elden Ring:

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN for Elden Ring

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Elden Ring because it has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, with a well-balanced distribution across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Its high-speed servers offer consistently low ping and stable latency, providing a competitive edge. 

With unmatched speed, ExpressVPN stands as the fastest Elden Ring VPN. Its user-friendly interface and dependable performance make it the ideal choice for a reliable VPN service.

The advanced kill switch feature disconnects your Internet if the VPN connection gets interrupted, maintaining your privacy and security. With its smart DNS feature, ExpressVPN bypasses geo-restrictions, granting you access to websites, games, streaming platforms, and more from around the world.

ExpressVPN utilizes AES-256-bit encryption to conceal your online activities, ensuring robust security against potential threats. You can manually choose from high-speed protocols like Lightway, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, or let the app automatically select a protocol based on your network settings.

ExpressVPN supports various devices and operating systems, such as PCs, PS4, PS5, Xbox, and routers, making it user-friendly for VPN beginners. Additionally, users can enjoy the convenience of up to 5 simultaneous connections.

Although it comes with a higher price, ExpressVPN offers a trusted 30-day money-back guarantee, providing you with confidence in your subscription choice. Finally, you can access 24/7 live chat support for any assistance you may require.

2. NordVPN – Best VPN for Elden Ring with Strong Security

NordVPN distinguishes itself as a security-first VPN with an extensive server network spanning more than 5,700 servers in 60 countries, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. It caters to Elden Ring players seeking a secure gaming environment. 

While prioritizing privacy and security, NordVPN delivers high-end protection for your IP address and data, ensuring no leaks and offering defense against DDoS attacks. Furthermore, they have incorporated malware protection to safeguard your gaming sessions against potential threats.

In terms of speed, NordVPN delivers medium-fast speeds—slower than ExpressVPN but still ideal for gaming with stable performance. This minimizes ping and keeps latency under control, ensuring uninterrupted and responsive gaming sessions. 

NordVPN offers top-notch security with AES 256-bit encryption, Double VPN, and its NordLynx protocol option (among a few others). This Elden Ring VPN’s network kill switch provides a reliable failsafe for connection disruptions, safeguarding your location.

Furthermore, NordVPN extends its support to various gaming devices, enabling smooth gameplay of Elden Ring on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox consoles. You can even set it up on your router to cover multiple devices simultaneously. You can have up to 6 simultaneous connections—one more than ExpressVPN.

In addition to its robust features, NordVPN provides exceptional customer support with a knowledgeable team available 24/7 to address any concerns you may have. Moreover, NordVPN offers a risk-free experience with its 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to request a full refund if you are not completely satisfied with the service.

3. CyberGhost VPN – Gaming-Optimized Elden Ring VPN

CyberGhost VPN stands out with its extensive global coverage, boasting 9,300+ servers in 90+ countries, including plenty in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. With reliable performance and robust data protection, this VPN ensures your privacy remains intact, making it ideal for various purposes, including gaming.

With reliable performance and decent speeds overall, CyberGhost handily lowers ping and stabilizes latency. There are even exclusive gaming-friendly servers available on Windows.

CyberGhost strengthens data security with a built-in NAT firewall on exit nodes and an always-on kill switch. It employs AES 256-bit encryption and secure tunneling protocols, including IKEv2, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec.

With CyberGhost, you can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. Moreover, the service supports many devices, so you can safely play Elden Ring on PS5, PS4, Xbox, and PC. Plus, it’s compatible with routers.

This Elden Ring VPN offers peace of mind with a 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans and a 14-day refund period on monthly plans. Furthermore, CyberGhost provides 24/7 live chat support for prompt assistance.

4. Surfshark – Beginner-Friendly VPN That Works for Elden Ring

Surfshark stands out as an excellent VPN choice for Elden Ring players. With a vast network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, it ensures an exceptional gaming experience. Moreover, this coverage offers plenty of options to change servers in Elden Ring, allowing players to connect to locations such as North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. 

One remarkable advantage of Surfshark is its blazing-fast speed—almost as fast as ExpressVPN! Along with reliable performance, this means the VPN can minimize high ping and control latency, guaranteeing a smooth and frustration-free Elden Ring gaming session.

Furthermore, Surfshark places a strong emphasis on online security, utilizing robust VPN protocols like WireGuard, a dedicated kill switch, and AES-256 encryption. This ensures comprehensive protection against data breaches and a secure gaming environment for Elden Ring enthusiasts.

Its compatibility with various gaming platforms makes Elden Ring accessible on any device. Surfshark is also compatible with routers, allowing for easy setup on popular gaming consoles like PS4, PS5, and Xbox. Another standout feature of this Elden Ring VPN is its unlimited simultaneous connections policy.

With 24/7 live chat assistance, Surfshark provides reliable customer support for your online adventures. Plus, it offers a risk-free 30-day money-back policy, giving you the confidence to elevate your Elden Ring gaming experience without financial worries.

5. Private Internet Access – Customizable VPN with Unlimited Connections

Private Internet Access (PIA) boasts an extensive network spanning thousands of servers in 84 countries, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. It has the largest server network of any VPN on the market.

While PIA's performance is stable, and it can definitely reduce ping and latency for smooth Elden Ring gameplay without lag, it is worth noting that it is the slowest VPN for Elden Ring on our list.

When it comes to security and privacy, PIA offers a kill switch feature that functions across all its apps. It also utilizes strong 128-bit and 256-bit AES encryption and supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2 protocols.

PIA is compatible with various devices such as PCs, PS4, PS5, and Xbox consoles. Furthermore, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can play with other people and you can all enjoy VPN protection. Ultimately, no matter how you play Elden Ring, PIA has got you covered.

To top it off, PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you the opportunity to try it out risk-free. In case of any inquiries or concerns, users can rely on PIA's round-the-clock live chat support for assistance.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Elden Ring?

You need a VPN for Elden Ring because it can significantly improve your gaming experience and provide added security against cyberattacks. Here are some more reasons why a gaming VPN is important:

• Minimize Ping and Reduce Lag – A stable and low-latency connection is crucial for playing Elden Ring. A VPN can optimize your data routing, resulting in reduced ping and smoother gameplay. With less lag, you'll gain a competitive edge in battles.
• Bypass IP Bans – If you get banned from Elden Ring, you can connect to a VPN server in a different location. With a new IP address, you can circumvent the IP block and regain access to the game.
• Conceal Your IP Address – A VPN masks your real IP address with one from its server network. This provides an extra layer of protection against potential DDoS attacks or doxxing attempts.
• Get Around Geo-Blocks – Certain countries or regions may impose restrictions on gaming content. With a VPN, you can connect to servers in other countries where Elden Ring is fully accessible. This also allows you to play with gamers in different regions than your own.
• Game Safely on Public WiFi – When playing Elden Ring on public WiFi networks, your data may be vulnerable to hackers and snoopers. A VPN encrypts your Internet traffic to safeguard your personal information, even on unsecured networks.
• Eliminate Bandwidth Throttling – ISPs may throttle your gaming traffic, leading to slower speeds and interrupted gameplay. A VPN can help you bypass these restrictions, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
• Avoid Overcrowded Servers – An Elden Ring VPN can help you connect to less-crowded servers, which will reduce lagging and enhance your overall gaming performance.
• Enjoy the Best Prices – Some game publishers or retailers may employ price discrimination based on your geographical location. By using a VPN to connect from a different location, you might be able to access better pricing options for Elden Ring.

Is Elden Ring Cross-Platform?

As of now, Elden Ring does not support cross-platform play. This means gamers on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC cannot play together. Elden Ring's multiplayer experience is limited to players within the same gaming platform.

It is worth mentioning that Elden Ring lacks cross-save functionality as well, meaning progress cannot be transferred between platforms. That said, Elden Ring does support cross-generation gameplay. This allows gamers using Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S to play together. Similarly, PS4 users can play Elden Ring with PS5 users.

The following table depicts the current cross-platform and cross-gen support across all Elden Ring consoles: 

Why is Elden Ring Lagging?

Elden Ring is lagging for several potential reasons that interfere with smooth performance, including overcrowded servers and inadequate system resources. Here are some more reasons for Elden Ring lag:

• Too Many Players on Servers – Overcrowded servers can lead to Elden Ring lag spikes and gameplay delays. Try using an Elden Ring VPN to connect to a different game server and see if the lag issues resolve.
• Weak Internet Connection – Elden Ring is laggy, often due to slow or unstable internet connections, resulting in frustrating gameplay and hindering the overall experience.
• Incompatible or Older Computer – If your computer lacks sufficient processing power and resources, especially in the graphics card department, it may struggle to handle the game's demands. This will result in decreased performance and lagging.
• Background Apps – Running multiple applications in the background (especially any with game overlay) while playing consumes system resources. This negatively impacts Elden Ring's performance.
• Conflicting Software – Certain software (such as antivirus programs) running on your device may interfere with Elden Ring, causing compatibility issues and contributing to lag. To fix Elden Ring lag, it's important to identify and address these potential conflicts.

Why Does Elden Ring Keep Crashing?

Elden Ring keeps crashing due to a combination of factors that can disrupt the game's stability and lead to unexpected crashes, including outdated graphics drivers and inadequate device resources. Other reasons for the game crashing include:

• Software Bugs – Coding errors and glitches within the game's software can cause Elden Ring crashing. Make sure your game is always updated to the latest version, as this will apply any fixes or patches.
• Hardware Issues – Problems with your computer's hardware, such as overheating or faulty components, can lead to Elden Ring crashes.
• Outdated Drivers – Running outdated graphics drivers or other system drivers may result in compatibility issues and crashes. Regular updates to graphics drivers should help stop Elden Ring from crashing.
• Insufficient System Resources – Playing Elden Ring on a device with inadequate RAM or processing power might lead to an Elden Ring crash when the game demands more resources than those available.
• Conflicting Software – Some applications running in the background may interfere with the game. Make sure any conflicting programs are closed, especially antivirus or firewall software.
• Internet Connection – A poor or unstable Internet connection can lead to crashing during online gameplay. 
• Incompatible Game Settings – If the game’s settings, particularly those related to graphics, are pushed too high for your device to handle, Elden Ring will likely crash. 

How to Fix the Connection Error on Elden Ring

To fix an Elden Ring connection error, you can try several solutions to get back into the game smoothly. Here are some options:

• Check Game Server Status – Elden Ring can sometimes have overloaded servers. Check if the game's servers are down, as this can trigger a connection error.
• Use a Capable VPN – Consider using a secure Elden Ring VPN to change your location and IP address. A reliable VPN can help bypass server overcrowding or other issues, potentially resolving the connection error.
• Ensure Stable Internet – A fast and stable internet connection is crucial for an optimal Elden Ring experience. Try restarting your router and, if needed, switch to a wired ethernet connection for better speeds.
• Update Graphics Drivers – Outdated graphics card drivers can cause connection errors. Ensure your drivers are up to date for smoother gameplay.
• Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily – Security measures like antivirus and firewall software might interfere with Elden Ring. Temporarily disable them and relaunch the game to see if it resolves the connection problem.

Final Thoughts

Are you experiencing problems while playing Elden Ring, such as high ping, latency issues, or difficulties connecting with players from different regions? What about doxxing or DDoS attacks? If so, you're not alone—these issues can be common in online gaming. To address these challenges, using a VPN for Elden Ring can be a helpful solution.

We highly recommend ExpressVPN as the best Elden Ring VPN. It boasts an extensive server network that reduces ping and latency while connecting you to game servers across various regions. With ExpressVPN's top-tier performance, you can enjoy smooth gameplay in Elden Ring, no matter where you play from.

Thank you for sticking with us until the end of our guide on choosing the best Elden Ring VPN. Leave a comment in the section below if you have anything to share or ask.