The whole Soulslike pause button debate is a bit silly. You aren't better at the game because you have to stay glued to the screen, even if the doorbell rings. It's annoying being in the throes of a difficult boss fight, on the cusp of winning, only for something in the real world to interrupt you without being able to press the escape key like you can in pretty much every other single-player game ever made. Sure, there are invasions and other online mechanics to consider, but you can pause Elden Ring by opening the 'menu explanation' tutorial so… the functionality exists.
