Choose the lobby size at the expedition table
Bandai Namco's Duo guide says players are solo in the Roundtable Hold even when online; the expedition's matchmaking settings determine whether a run is a duo. The number-of-players control is where the invite password or community matchmaking option is configured.
| Goal | Setting to choose | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Play with one friend | Number of Players: 2 + shared password | Both players use the same platform family and password |
| Play with two friends | Number of Players: 3 + shared password | All three players are ready in the lobby |
| Find a duo partner | Number of Players: 2 + community matchmaking preference | Same target and current regulation |
| Solo run | Select Solo Player at expedition setup | Do not leave Multiplayer search active |
References: Bandai Namco: How to play Duo Expeditions · Bandai Namco: ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN official FAQ and wiki
Start only after the lobby is ready
Set the player count and matchmaking preference at the table before the expedition. If a friend fails to join, use the official platform-specific invite flow and the matchmaking checks rather than repeatedly changing settings mid-search.
- At Roundtable Hold, interact with the expedition table and choose the desired target.
- Open Matchmaking Setting and select Number of Players = 2 for a duo.
- Enter a shared multiplayer password for a friend, or choose the community matchmaking option described by the official guide.
- Check that the friend is in the same platform family; password matchmaking does not add cross-platform support.
- Confirm the other player has accepted and appears ready before launching.
- If the lobby fails, compare target, password casing, app/regulation and network settings with the matchmaking preflight guide.
References: Bandai Namco: How to play Duo Expeditions · Bandai Namco: ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN official FAQ and wiki · ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN Steam Community Discussions
Before you play
- Number of Players was set before departure.
- Target matches both players.
- Invite or community preference is selected.
- Friend accepted and lobby shows ready.
- No cross-platform assumption was made.
Frequently asked questions
Are players grouped automatically in Roundtable Hold?
No. Bandai Namco says players are solo in the hub; set the expedition matchmaking options at the table.
Does a multiplayer password mean a private run automatically?
It restricts matching to the same password, but confirm player count and lobby readiness as well.
Does the worksheet send a party invite?
No. It is an on-page planner only; invitations are managed by the game/platform.
Sources & revision notes
Editorial revision: November 7, 2026; not a gameplay test date. The reference notes identify source limits and version differences.
- Bandai Namco: How to play Duo Expeditions (Official)
The official walkthrough describes choosing Number of Players and setting a password or community matchmaking preference at the expedition interface. Menu prompts can vary by platform and updates; confirm them in the current game.
- Bandai Namco: ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN official FAQ and wiki (Official)
Bandai Namco documents cross-generation pairing within PlayStation and Xbox families but not cross-platform play between PlayStation, Xbox and PC. Its matchmaking checklist covers passwords, platform, expedition mode, target, game/regulation versions and network settings; recheck the live page after patches.
- ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN Steam Community Discussions (Community)
External player-authored PC/Steam discussions. Reports may not apply to PlayStation or Xbox; confirm platform family, title-screen regulation version, matchmaking settings and expedition target before comparing cases.
November 7, 2026: first publication, translated the official duo setup steps into a pre-launch checklist. No expedition was started.
How we research and correct guidesNo affiliate links or paid placement. Commercial disclosure.