Many players of the action RPGElden Ringhave encountered the frustrating message Can’t use Taunter’s Tongue when trying to activate one of the game’s multiplayer items. The Taunter’s Tongue is a unique tool that allows a player to invite invaders into their world, creating a thrilling and unpredictable experience for those who enjoy player-versus-player (PvP) combat. However, there are specific conditions and restrictions tied to its use, and understanding how this item functions is essential for anyone hoping to make the most of Elden Ring’s online system.
What Is the Taunter’s Tongue?
The Taunter’s Tongue is a multiplayer item found inElden Ringthat encourages invasions by other players. When activated, it lowers the invasion cooldown and allows a host to be invaded even if they do not have a summoned cooperator present. In simpler terms, it makes your world more open to PvP encounters, effectively turning you into bait for invaders seeking combat challenges.
This item is particularly useful for players who enjoy dueling or testing their builds against others. Normally, players can only be invaded when they have summoned a co-op partner using the Furlcalling Finger Remedy. The Taunter’s Tongue bypasses this requirement, making it easier for solo players to invite invaders.
Where to Find the Taunter’s Tongue
To obtain the Taunter’s Tongue, players must meet the mysterious character Mad Tongue Alberich, located in the Roundtable Hold. He invades the player’s world after they unlock the balcony area of the Hold. Once defeated, he drops the Taunter’s Tongue, allowing players to use it freely afterward. No special stats or attributes are required to activate it, but certain gameplay conditions must still be met.
Why You Can’t Use the Taunter’s Tongue
Many players encounter the problem where the item appears grayed out or displays the message Can’t use Taunter’s Tongue. This happens due to several possible reasons related to game mechanics or online settings. Understanding these restrictions can help you troubleshoot the issue and get the item working properly.
1. Playing Offline Mode
The most common reason you can’t use the Taunter’s Tongue is that your game is in offline mode. Since the item relies entirely on the online multiplayer system, it will not function without an active internet connection. To fix this, check your network settings and ensure that Play Online mode is enabled from the game’s main menu before loading your save file.
2. Not Connected to Elden Ring’s Servers
Even if your console or PC is connected to the internet, you must also be successfully connected to theElden Ringmultiplayer servers. Server maintenance, downtime, or connection errors can temporarily disable multiplayer items like the Taunter’s Tongue. You can usually tell if the servers are unavailable if messages and player ghosts stop appearing in the world.
3. Playing in Certain Restricted Areas
Some areas of the game do not allow multiplayer interactions, including invasions and summons. If you try to use the Taunter’s Tongue in such zones, you will receive the Can’t use message. These areas include specific quest-related dungeons, isolated legacy dungeons, or boss rooms that haven’t been cleared yet. Try stepping outside or returning to an open-world area before activating it.
4. No Access to Multiplayer Features
In certain cases, if your account or console settings restrict online play such as parental controls or subscription status the item won’t work. For example, on PlayStation, you need an active PlayStation Plus membership to use multiplayer features. Similarly, Xbox players must have Xbox Live Gold, and PC players must ensure that their Steam or network settings allow online play.
5. Already in an Invasion or Co-op Session
If you are currently invaded, invading another world, or engaged in co-op play, you cannot activate the Taunter’s Tongue. The item only works when you are the host of your world and not currently involved in another online session. Once the invasion or co-op session ends, you can reactivate it again.
How to Properly Use the Taunter’s Tongue
When you’ve confirmed that your connection and location allow multiplayer, using the Taunter’s Tongue is simple. Open your inventory or quick item bar, select the item, and use it. Once activated, a message will appear stating that you are inviting invaders. You’ll remain in this state until you rest at a Site of Grace or leave the area.
Keep in mind that while the item increases the frequency of invasions, it also raises the challenge. Invaders can be powerful players, and using this tool means you’re willingly accepting the risk of being attacked. However, this is also what makes it exciting it introduces an element of unpredictability that many players love.
Recommended Locations for PvP
If you’re specifically looking for frequent invasions, consider activating the Taunter’s Tongue in popular PvP zones such as
- First Step Site of Grace (near the game’s starting area)
- Academy Gate Town in Liurnia of the Lakes
- Altus Plateau checkpoints
- Colosseum areas where players gather for duels
These areas tend to attract a large number of online players, making invasions more likely to happen quickly.
Understanding the Mechanics of Invasions
When the Taunter’s Tongue is active, your world becomes open to other players who use invasion items like the Bloody Finger or Recusant Finger. Unlike traditional invasions that require a co-op partner, this method allows solo hosts to participate in PvP. However, to keep things balanced, the system can summon up to two invaders simultaneously, and the host may receive help from one hunter summoned through the Blue Cipher Ring system.
This mechanic ensures a dynamic PvP experience where players must stay alert and strategic. Using the Taunter’s Tongue transforms exploration into an unpredictable challenge, merging the single-player and multiplayer aspects ofElden Ringseamlessly.
Troubleshooting Persistent Issues
If you still can’t use the Taunter’s Tongue after checking the conditions above, try these additional troubleshooting steps
- Restart the game and reconnect to the online servers.
- Rest at a Site of Grace to refresh your session.
- Ensure your NAT type allows multiplayer connections (for consoles).
- Disable VPNs or firewalls that might block the game’s network access.
- Verify that your copy of the game is updated to the latest version.
Performing these actions often resolves connection-based issues that prevent item usage.
Tips for Effective PvP Play
Using the Taunter’s Tongue effectively requires preparation. Since invaders may appear unexpectedly, it’s wise to plan ahead. Choose open areas with enough space to maneuver, equip healing flasks strategically, and keep your build balanced between offense and defense. Remember that invaders often come prepared for PvP, so learning how to anticipate their moves can make the difference between victory and defeat.
You can also experiment with different weapons and talismans to adapt to various fighting styles. Using items that increase poise, stamina recovery, or bleed resistance can be especially helpful. Practicing dodge timing and spacing will give you a significant advantage over most invaders.
The Philosophy Behind the Taunter’s Tongue
In many ways, the Taunter’s Tongue captures the spirit ofElden Ringitself risk and reward intertwined. It encourages players to embrace the unpredictable nature of the game’s world, testing not only their combat skills but also their composure. By inviting chaos into their journey, players experience the thrill of combat that mirrors the game’s core theme of perseverance and courage in the face of danger.
Receiving the message Can’t use Taunter’s Tongue can be frustrating, but the solution usually lies in adjusting online or gameplay settings. Once you understand how the item works and the conditions under which it can be used, you can fully enjoy one ofElden Ring’smost engaging multiplayer features. Whether you’re seeking duels, invasions, or simply the excitement of unpredictable encounters, mastering the Taunter’s Tongue adds a new dimension to your adventure across the Lands Between.