Elden Ring - PS4. Games does not start

Question

I finally found a game that I wouls like to play, but I can't, for reasons.
I own fairly old PS4 (not pro version) almost 6 years. It worked and still works just fine, but it does not for the Elden Ring.

I always buy games via PSN (I am a Plus Platinum Member), and I did the same with the Elden Ring. After waiting some time for it to install, and kind of being excited about the game, I got the nasty surprise:

CE-34224-5

I have tried many things that I was able to find on the internet, but nothing helped. Here are the things I have tried:

1. Quick Initialisation
2. Full Initialisation (took over 2 hours)
3. Reinstall Firmware in Safe Mode (Went well)
4. Changed the DNS settings to my internet connection (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4)
5. Used completely different Internet (Cell Phone Internet)
6. Rebuilt the Database (After every initialization)
7. Reinstalled the game after every Initialization
8. Contacted support (They told me to check the Firmware)
9. My PS account is set as primary and only one

I do not have any ideas left. Other games do work (the latest AAA titles, which are huge as well). Netflow works... everything else works, except the Elden Ring. Usually, I would just give up, but this game has George R. R. Martin's touch to it, and it is a masterpiece.

Answer 1

I have resolved a few issues with PS4 and PS5 by manually installing the System Software Update in Safe Mode. I have experienced System Update issues after it seemingly updated just fine and the system doesn't catch any discrepancy. Indeed, I have had to manually install updates several times before issues resolved. My update problems usually manifest, but are not limited to, the following: Cloud Streaming doesn't work, or it merely says the game isn't available anymore (when it is), not being summoned or invaded in any Souls game, Trophy update failures, generally anything that involves network access.

The reason I mention this is that in my experience, the system doesn't recognize it and therefore doesn't reinstall it or recommend it as an issue. It is usually not noticeable by myself either until I try something online or try to stream. Further, it almost always revolves around Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring.

I have had system update failures after a successful installation for merely removing a DVD I was watching from the system if the DVD was in the PlayStation during the update.

I would give this a shot if you have a spare USB around. It doesn't take much time and can be done from the same menu for rebuild database, reinitialize system, clear cache, etc.

Here's the official PS guide to manually updating the system software: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps4/system-software/

This may sound frivolous since you already reinitialized it and cleared cache, etc. but it may help.

Also, Elden Ring seems to turn off some people's PS's completely because of overheating issues. I have also heard this happening on PS4 so make sure you clean out the fans and keep it cool. I reviewed your question and I couldn't find the fine details about what's occurring that is preventing you from playing, if you still have problems I can try to help you further.