Not again 😭

It's a familiar sting, isn't it? You gear up, you prepare for an epic duel in the Lands Between, maybe you’ve even got your Flask of Crimson Tears +12 fully upgraded and ready for anything, only for your opponent to vanish at the first sign of trouble. I swear, sometimes it feels like I'm stuck on a loop. Just yesterday, I was in a fantastic arena fight, really feeling the flow, connecting some great attacks, and then – poof! The message 'Bro gave up' flashed across the screen. It totally failed to meet my expectations for a proper challenge, and honestly, it takes so much out of the fun when you're left staring at an empty arena. I've been trying to find consistent, respectful PvP matches, and it feels like every session is a series of 'third attempts' to get a decent fight. You go in with a fresh mindset, hoping this time will be different, hoping you'll find someone who truly wants to fight to the bitter end. But more often than not, the moment they realize they might lose, or if your build is just a little too strong, they're gone. It's exasperating when you’ve put so much effort into optimizing your character, learning move sets, and practicing your timing, only for the challenge to evaporate before it even truly begins. It makes you wonder what the point is sometimes. This behavior, where players just quit out, really does feel like the same old 'song' I've been hearing since last 'July'. Maybe it's because certain patches shifted the meta, or perhaps summer brings out a different kind of player, but the prevalence of early disconnections seems to have ramped up. You queue up, hoping for that intense, back-and-forth battle that Elden Ring PvP can deliver, only to be met with disconnections that leave you feeling deflated. It’s certainly a blow when you're looking for that genuine thrill of combat, and instead, your expectations for a good fight are repeatedly dashed. So, what do we do about it as dedicated Tarnished? I’ve found a few things help alleviate the frustration. Firstly, try not to let it get to you too much. It’s just a game, and some players prioritize their win/loss record over having a good, honorable fight. Their loss, not yours, if they can't handle the heat! Secondly, sometimes switching up your build, trying a different weapon, or even changing the arena you queue for can lead to surprisingly different experiences. I've heard some areas or specific times of day can yield more honorable opponents, perhaps when the more competitive players are online. Experimenting with different approaches keeps things fresh for you, even if your opponents don't stick around. And lastly, connecting with communities that emphasize fair play can be a game-changer. There are numerous discords, subreddits, and forums dedicated to finding respectful duelists who adhere to unspoken PvP etiquette. These communities often organize fight clubs or private duels where the risk of players bailing is significantly lower. It might take a few 'third attempts' to find your perfect PvP group, but don't give up on the hunt for those truly epic battles. Your fully charged Flask of Crimson Tears +12 deserves a proper workout, not just to be sitting idle while bros give up on the very spirit of competition!