Elden Ring Nightreign is an especially intriguing project from a developer that is no stranger to intriguing projects. The cooperative roguelike aims to remix several core elements of the Elden Ring experience, looping in game mechanics, progression systems, and enemies from the base game and recontextualizing them in unexpected ways. On top of all this, Nightreign will be reincorporating bosses from previous FromSoftware games, making it a surprising crossover venture for the company.
In short, Elden Ring Nightreign is entering uncharted waters, which is a big part of what makes it so exciting. Though FromSoftware typically marches to the beat of its own drum, it isn't immune to market demands and audience expectations; perhaps more Nightreign-esque games could be in the developer's future, if Nightreign is especially successful. If this were to be the case, the natural assumption would be for FromSoftware to adapt the gameplay formula to its other IP, and with Dark Souls already crossing over with Elden Ring, and Sekiro being a bit too narrow in its scope, Bloodborne could be the best option for a Nightreign-style spin-off. This would be no simple task, however.
Elden Ring: Why You Should Start Over in 2025
FromSoftware fans should consider hopping back into The Lands Between for another brutally challenging jaunt ahead of Elden Ring Nightreign.
Theorizing About a 'Bloodborne Nightreign' Game
Bloodborne Has Far Less Build Variety Than Elden Ring
Although Nightreign has its own unique gear economy and upgrade system, its progression and gameplay systems stem from the Elden Ring base game. In other words, Nightreign's archetypes are inspired by actual builds that players could craft in Elden Ring of their own volition, cranking up the more definitive and powerful elements of each build category. For instance, the Recluse's elemental-based magic is more powerful than a typical sorcerer's, while the Duchess is swifter and more cunning than a standard rogue build—but both retain these original builds' spirits.
A game like Bloodborne poses some difficulties for this sort of adaptation. Contrary to popular belief, there is indeed some degree of build variety in Bloodborne, as players can choose to spec into different weapon types, lean more into firearm damage, or level up Arcane for access to the game's sparse selection of magical items. But at the end of the day, it's quite hard to roleplay as a dedicated tank or mage in Bloodborne, as the game heavily favors fast-paced, offense-focused gameplay. Having said that, there are certainly ways that a Bloodborne Nightreign could work. It would just require some of FromSoftware's signature ingenuity.
Unconventional Builds Could Be a Boon for a Bloodborne Version of Elden Ring Nightreign
Bloodborne may lack traditional RPG builds like mage and archer, but its quasi-Victorian, steampunk setting gives way to far more distinct combat archetypes that could be fleshed out for a Nightreign-esque spinoff. For example, this theoretical game could feature a firearms specialist that min-maxes gunplay and melee combat, dual-wielding pistols for maximum deadliness at a distance. A mad scientist character would be a perfect stand-in for Nightreign's Recluse character, using grotesque and unsettling implements like the Augur of Ebrietas in place of a wand or staff.
The thing is, Bloodborne's base game has all the ingredients for deeper build variety—FromSoftware just reduced the potentness of some of them for the final product. But even relatively small changes, like the option to dual-wield weapons or an alternative to the stringent Quicksilver Bullets mana system, would fling the doors to build variety wide open. An archetype-based cooperative game might actually be the best way to express such build variety, as there would be dedicated characters and playstyles fine-tuned around new mechanics.
Of course, it's impossible to say how likely this kind of Bloodborne spin-off is, or if it would even be worthwhile. No one really knows how Elden Ring Nightreign is going to turn out, after all, and there could be negative lore ramifications if Bloodborne were reprised as a multiplayer game. But nevertheless, there is potential in the concept, as it could allow Bloodborne's combat sandbox to expand.
Elden Ring Nightreign
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 80 /100 Critics Rec: 78%
- Released
- May 30, 2025
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software
WHERE TO PLAY
"ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is a standalone adventure within the ELDEN RING universe, crafted to offer players a new gaming experience by reimagining the game’s core design.
Join forces with other players to take on the creeping night and the dangers within featuring 3-player co-op.
Take command of uniquely skilled heroes, each possessing their own abilities and distinct flair.
While individually formidable, their skills create powerful synergies when they unite as a team.
Overcome a relentless environmental threat that sweeps through a land that changes between each game session and defeat the magnificent boss of that night!"
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Number of Players
- 1-3
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- May 30, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- May 30, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- May 30, 2025
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Soulslike, Roguelite
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
