The excitement was palpable last week when FromSoftware announced a new game in the Elden Ring series, titled Elden Ring: Nightreign. However, there was also disappointment from some fans when it was revealed to be focused on co-op gameplay. For those who may have missed the announcement, Nightreign allows players to choose from eight preset characters and explore a parallel universe version of Elden Ring’s Limgrave map. Players must fight lesser enemies, level up quickly, and prepare for a boss battle at the end of each in-game day, which lasts 15 minutes.
The map is surrounded by dangerous weather that closes in as night falls, shrinking the playable area to a boss arena – a nod to the battle royale genre. Each round consists of three days, leading up to a battle with one of eight unlockable main antagonists. Players can use a currency called Murk to purchase cosmetics at the Roundtable fort and equip relics for permanent character upgrades.
Nightreign seems to be heavily influenced by how dedicated fans engage with Elden Ring, offering a speedrunner remix with seamless co-op mode and references to other games in the FromSoftware universe, such as Dark Souls 3’s Nameless King. The map features changing buildings and terrain hazards between visits, including surprises like volcanoes and invading field bosses, making it more replayable than it may seem at first glance.
While FromSoftware is known for its multiplayer games like the Souls series and Bloodborne, Nightreign marks the first time they have created a game where multiplayer is a menu option rather than a core feature. However, there are options for solo play, with the game scaling down enemy health pools and eliminating PvP invaders during solo sessions.
Unlike many modern games, Nightreign is not designed as a live service game that will receive regular DLC updates or expansions. According to game director Junya Ishizaki, players will get the complete experience without the need for additional purchases.
While solo play is supported, Nightreign is primarily focused on co-op gameplay, with a balance around three-player teams. Certain features that are common in FromSoftware games, like Spirit Ash items for summoning NPCs, are missing in Nightreign. The game also lacks the ability to leave messages for other players on the map, but players can collect treasure dropped by defeated opponents in asynchronous online play.
Despite the emphasis on co-op play, Nightreign can still be enjoyed solo, although it may present more challenges for lone players. The game’s director has hinted that this may be a one-time project and not the start of a series of multiplayer-focused games.
Overall, Nightreign offers a unique twist on the Elden Ring universe, catering to both co-op and solo players. Whether you choose to team up with friends or brave the challenges alone, Nightreign promises an engaging experience for fans of the Souls series and beyond.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates Nightreign’s release, it remains to be seen how this innovative take on the Elden Ring series will be received by fans and newcomers alike. With its blend of familiar mechanics and new gameplay elements, Nightreign has the potential to be a standout title in FromSoftware’s impressive lineup of games.
