It looks like FromSoftware, and Bandai Namco Entertainment have one more Elden Ring surprise for us with this new addition to Hidetaka Miyazaki’s renowned fantasy universe. Announced during last night’s The Game Awards, Elden Ring: Nightreign is a standalone multiplayer co-op action survival game set to launch in 2025.
But how does the game work? If you have a few questions, we’ve got the answers… kinda. Just a heads up, this is not the Elden Ring you think it is. So temper those expectations if you’re looking for a story-driven adventure packed with esoteric Lands Between lore.
Here are three things you should know about Elden Ring: Nightreign and why it isn’t the Elden Ring you expected:
No Hidetaka Miyazaki and G.R.R. Martin
This is not a story expansion similar to the highly praised Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Nightreign is a standalone entry you can play without owning the base game. Think of it as akin to Spider-Man: Miles Morales or Far Cry: Blood Dragon.
Don’t expect any major shakeups to the lore and story, either. This is a spin-off, meaning Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin aren’t involved in its story. It exists in a completely parallel world to the Lands Between. In the canon lore, we have Limgrave, while in Nightreign, we have Limveld, a perilous and ever-changing map that demands strategy and adaptability. You can tell it is Limgrave because of the familiar assets.
So think of Nightreign as a “What if?” scenario for Elden Ring’s overarching mythos.
Focus on Co-Op Survival
You might be wondering: What is this game even about? From the trailers and an interview with the game director via IGN, it’s clear that Elden Ring: Nightreign is a full-fledged survival game with co-op elements.
If you’re familiar with the survival mechanics of Monster Hunter or Fortnite, Nightreign shares some similarities. However, with FromSoftware at the helm, this survival experience is uniquely punishing, featuring increasingly difficult bosses and enemies that constantly peril your character’s life.
Don’t worry; despite its co-op focus, you can still play the game solo and brave the lands of Limveld just as you did as a Tarnished. Taking on this solo challenge offers potentially greater rewards and gives you something to boast about to your friends.
Remember the shrinking map mechanic in Battle Royale games? Nightreign employs a similar system called the Night Tide. This phenomenon brings acid rain into play, meaning stepping outside the circle will damage you and your teammates. In that sense, it does resemble Fortnite.
Elden Ring: Roguelike!
Nightreign’s biggest twist isn’t that it’s a standalone Elden Ring. It’s the fact that it introduces a major roguelike element.
You can choose from eight unique Nightfarers with distinct abilities and ultimate powers. As of now, there’s no confirmation about character customization. Each of the eight characters in Nightreign has a unique model, so you’ll need to say goodbye to your favorite character loadouts.
The core gameplay loop involves surviving a three-day-and-night cycle, alone or with friends. True to FromSoftware’s style, each night culminates in increasingly powerful boss encounters that will push you to their limits. (See: Nameless King from Dark Souls III in the trailer.)
Limveld’s landscapes, enemies, and rewards shift with every playthrough, ensuring no two journeys are alike. Exploring more dangerous areas offers higher risks but also greater rewards, including powerful weapons and treasures. The dungeon rewards function similarly to Bungie’s Destiny weapons system.
And since this is a roguelike, defeat doesn’t mean it’s game over. You can earn relics that enhance your characters, allowing for deeper skill customization and improved strategies in future runs.
When you’ve made it to the third night, it’s time to face the Nightlord, the big baddie in Elden Ring: Nightreign. He is a seemingly invincible boss who will test your Elden Ring skills and patience. I can’t wait to see Elden Ring veterans attempt challenge runs with him.
As for its pricing, the game is not free-to-play. There seems to be no word about microtransactions or any extra paid content, so that's one bit of good news.
There’s not much info we know about the game yet.
But these little bits of information we got after its reveal trailer showed us that this is not what the Elden Ring game fans seek. However, this is a perfect opportunity to play with your friends if you're into the original's multiplayer mode. Or go solo.