Elden Ring: Nightreign isn’t your average DLC or expansion. It’s FromSoftware experimenting with the formula that has defined modern action RPGs for years, delivering a roguelike spin on Elden Ring that both challenges your expectations and pushes the limits of the Soulslike genre. With randomized gear, overhauled multiplayer systems, and some of the most stunning boss battles yet, Nightreign stands out as a bold new direction for FromSoft fans while maintaining its punishing traditions. Here’s our deep dive into Elden Ring Nightreign — its triumphs, flaws, and everything in between.
What Sets Elden Ring Nightreign Apart from the Base Game?
Elden Ring Nightreign isn’t just “more Elden Ring.” It plays like a roguelike survival expedition where you must endure two full in-game days, culminating in brutal clashes with Nightlords — powerful, multi-phase bosses who test every aspect of your skill. While Elden Ring's open-world areas like Limgrave and the base game's sprawling landscapes are missing here, Nightreign replaces this with procedurally generated areas, randomized loot, and strategic planning tailored to each run.
Nightreign’s gameplay loop condenses the Souls game experience into bite-sized yet intense matches that feel fresh every time. The inclusion of permanent upgrades called Relics ensures progression between runs, keeping victories incremental and rewarding even if you fail. This roguelike spin redefines FromSoftware's approach, creating a new microcosm of challenges and compelling playstyles. Could this mode be a sign of where FromSoft might go with future titles?
Is the Combat Still the Heart of Nightreign?
Yes, but with twists. If you loved Elden Ring's methodical yet brutal boss fights, Nightreign kicks it up several notches. Nightlords are the ultimate test, with arenas designed to complement their devastating attack patterns. Yet these fights are more demanding than ever. Their overwhelming speed and punishing mechanics mean that even experienced players accustomed to battles against FromSoftware's legendary foes—like Bloodborne’s Ludwig or Dark Souls’ Ornstein—will find Nightreign challenging.
Combat is fast-paced, with many bosses relying on AoE (Area of Effect) attacks to dismantle groups, making strategic movement and teamwork essential. But here's the trick: these encounters aren’t just about staying alive — they're about adaptability. Weakness exploitation through status effects can turn the tide against enemies designed to tear through trios. When used correctly, effects like bleed or poison can open windows for devastating counterattacks.
How Do Status Effects Influence Fights?
Nightreign does something Soulsborne fans always wanted: it makes status effects purposeful. Instead of sticking to bleed-heavy builds like many did in Elden Ring’s base game, Nightreign introduces environmental clues and clear weaknesses for each Nightlord, giving you options. For instance, checking the Expeditions tab at Roundtable Hold tells you which bosses are susceptible to poison or frostbite, allowing you to prepare gear accordingly before the match begins.
Different areas of the randomized map also include marked status modifiers, reflecting the type of enemies and loot you'll encounter. You could argue that this adds a tactical advantage previously absent in FromSoft titles. Utilizing poison, frost, or even unconventional effects against Nightlords like the Gaping Jaw transforms battles from frustrating wars of attrition into measured chess matches. This innovation breathes new life into Soulslike mechanics.
Are Nightlords the Toughest Bosses in Soulsborne History?
Nightlords are the centerpiece of Elden Ring Nightreign, and they don't disappoint. Each Nightlord has two distinct phases, with increasingly intricate attacks and visuals that rival the bosses of Shadow of the Erdtree or Elden Ring’s original campaign. One mistake during your fight can mean devastating damage — a problem only compounded by their rapid movements and overwhelming attack patterns.
While they’re undoubtedly some of FromSoft’s most impressive creations, the sheer amount of health they boast dredges up one key criticism: sponginess. Many fights with Nightlords feel more like wars of attrition than technical battles. Even when exploiting weaknesses or playing co-op, coordinating strategies can stretch a single fight into an exhausting endeavor. So, while Nightlords are beautifully designed and fun to engage with, they might leave players wishing for more dynamic pacing.
How Does Multiplayer Work?
Nightreign’s multiplayer system feels like a major upgrade compared to the arcane summoning mechanics of Elden Ring and Dark Souls. Forming squads with friends — or even jumping into matchmaking — is simple and straightforward. Reviving teammates is also unique, requiring you to strike them to revive rather than pressing a button. This mechanic adds layers of strategy, as you must weigh the danger of taking time away from the fight to get a teammate back on their feet.
Unfortunately, matchmaking runs into hiccups. Network errors were frequent during the review period, and attempts to invite friends directly occasionally failed. While these bugs might be addressed post-launch, the lack of cross-platform play remains a disappointing limitation for what is otherwise a multiplayer-focused roguelike. On the bright side, the co-op experience still feels rewarding, particularly for building synergy among diverse playstyles.
Can You Play Solo, or Is Co-op Essential?
Nightreign attempts to cater to solo players, but it’s evident that FromSoftware designed this as a multiplayer game first and foremost. Playing alone drastically increases the difficulty, as you lose access to vital revives that come with co-op teammates. While the balance tweaks help make solo runs viable, the real magic of Nightreign shines brightest in three-player squads.
Does this mean solo players should steer clear? Not necessarily. The condensed rogue-like formula still works, but expect frustration and a steep learning curve due to the lack of in-game support for solo clutch attempts.
How Do Relics and Remembrances Improve Progression?
The introduction of Relics and Remembrances is one of Nightreign’s most exciting innovations. Relics act as permanent upgrades that carry over between runs, introducing flexibility and personalization to your playstyle. As you unlock better Relics through expeditions, you can tailor each Nightfarer to tackle specific Nightlords or explore different synergies across builds.
Remembrances, meanwhile, serve a narrative purpose while providing additional objectives within a run. These personal tales of Nightfarers add touching emotional depth to the roguelike experience — a stark departure from the ambiguous, unreliable narratives of past Soulslike NPCs. Their inclusion, paired with journal entries and expedition quests, makes Nightfarers memorable in a way that Soulsborne characters like Solaire were not.
How Does Loot Enhance Replayability?
Loot may be randomized in Nightreign, but its impact is undeniable. Instead of merely collecting items for stat boosts, Nightreign forces you to read item descriptions carefully, a classic FromSoft quirk, to identify gear that aligns with expedition goals. For example, if the next Nightlord is weak to frost, finding the right weapon or Relic to exploit that weakness becomes paramount.
Randomized loot combined with environmental changes — like Shifting Earth events that alter biomes each match — means repeat runs still feel unique. From a snowy mountain to rotten woods, these dynamic areas help keep the map fresh, mitigating the feeling of monotony.
Does Nightreign Live Up to FromSoftware's Legacy?
The core gameplay loop in Nightreign — a roguelike expedition infused with Soulslike combat and storytelling — solidifies its place among FromSoftware's innovative achievements. While the spongy bosses, lack of crossplay, and matchmaking bugs may detract from the experience, Nightreign is still undeniably inventive. Its mix of multiplayer-focused mechanics, concise game structure, and strategic depth ensures players will likely sink countless hours into night after night of expeditions.
Should You Play Elden Ring: Nightreign?
If you’re a fan of FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games, Elden Ring: Nightreign is a must-try. It serves as both a love letter to the genre and an experiment in evolving its established mechanics. While not perfect, moments of triumph — defeating a Nightlord or discovering a perfect Relic synergy — are more rewarding than anything else the studio has ever produced.
Key Takeaways from Elden Ring Nightreign Review:
- Unique Roguelike Formula: Nightreign condenses the Soulslike experience into short, replayable expeditions.
- Status Effects Matter: Exploiting Nightlord weaknesses adds strategy absent in past FromSoft games.
- Multiplayer Mechanics Shine: Reviving teammates and streamlined matchmaking enhance co-op gameplay.
- Boss Sponginess: Nightlords can feel overly tanky, making some fights drag.
- Relics and Remembrances: Personal progression and storytelling keep Nightreign engaging between runs.
- Matchmaking and Crossplay Concerns: Network stability and lack of crossplay are notable drawbacks.
- Solo Play Viability: While possible, Nightreign thrives in co-op groups.
- Dynamic Environments: Randomized maps and Shifting Earth events keep runs fresh and exciting.
Elden Ring Nightreign won’t be for everyone — especially those who prefer single-player experiences — but as a groundbreaking multiplayer game that builds upon FromSoftware’s legacy, it’s a welcome addition to the Soulslike catalog.
