In FromSoftware's critically acclaimed masterpiece Elden Ring, multiplayer engagement takes on several unique forms to test a player's combat readiness. Among the most popular mechanics is player-versus-player invasion, which allows intrepid Tarnished to enter another player's world as an uninvited adversary. To initiate this competitive sequence early in the journey, adventurers must rely on a specific consumable tool known as the Festering Bloody Finger.
The Purpose of the Festering Bloody Finger
This macabre item serves as the primary consumable gateway for online multiplayer invasions across the Lands Between. When activated from your inventory menu, it attempts to locate an active host within a similar level range and matching weapon upgrade tier. Successfully bridging this connection teleports you into their world as a red-tinted phantom tasked with hunting down the host.
Unlike permanent invasion tools found later in the narrative, each attempt consumes one unit from your inventory stash. This limited nature requires players to plan their competitive runs carefully before burning through their available supplies. It offers an excellent training ground for newcomers wanting to understand the chaotic dynamics of facing real human opponents.
Where to Find and Purchase the Item
Acquiring your first set of consumables involves meeting an enigmatic non-player character named White-Mask Varre at the beginning of your journey. After moving from his initial location at the First Step, he relocates to the Rose Church found in the marshy wetlands of Liurnia of the Lakes. Speaking with him there yields a small bundle of these fingers as a gift to encourage your descent into the multiplayer landscape.
If you manage to exhaust this initial supply, several nomadic merchants scattered across Limgrave and Liurnia sell additional quantities for a modest amount of Runes. Certain enemies associated with blood loss or nomadic camps also drop them occasionally upon defeat. Keeping a healthy stock ensures you can jump into multiplayer matching whenever the desire for combat arises.
Progressing White-Mask Varre Questline
Beyond standard player matchmaking, these consumable fingers serve as a critical milestone for an important side quest. Varre requires you to attempt at least three world invasions using the items he provided to prove your dedication to his mysterious master. Winning these matches is completely optional, as simply participating in the invasion sequence satisfies his dark requirements.
For those playing completely offline or lacking an active internet connection, the developers added a dedicated solution in a later game update. Travel to the Writheblood Ruins located in the Altus Plateau to find a unique red invasion sign on the floor. Defeating the NPC master Magnus the Beast at this location successfully advances Varre's request without requiring online matchmaking.
Transitioning to Permanent Invasion Tools
While relying on consumable versions works perfectly well during the early chapters, veteran duelists eventually seek a more sustainable method. Completing Varre's full chain of requests eventually rewards you with the permanent Bloody Finger, which grants unlimited matching attempts without ever depleting. Alternatively, exploring Mount Gelmir opens up the Recusant variant from the Volcano Manor faction.
Both permanent options completely eliminate the need to forage or purchase extra consumables from regional merchants. However, the initial Festering tool remains a foundational piece of design that introduces players to the thrill of the hunt. It shapes the early competitive landscape and provides a safe environment to test unique build synergies against unexpected strategies.
