Elden Ring Nightreign has a lot going for it, but it hasn't been universally lauded like so many of FromSoftware's other games. Some of the most common criticisms of the game stem from issues with meta progression, an over-reliance on obfuscated team-play elements, and general matchmaking and performance issues. Hopefully, these problems and others will be alleviated through Elden Ring Nightreign's post-launch patches.

Unfortunately, Nightreign's solo play is currently far from viable. It's technically possible to complete a run without teammates, but the punishing nature of the roguelike gameplay loop coupled with enemies' tendency to one-shot the player make it more frustrating than fun.

elden ring nightreign dark souls nostalgia
Elden Ring Nightreign Could’ve Kicked Open the Door to Nostalgia, But Only Left It a Crack Open

Elden Ring Nightreign caused a lot of discussion when its Dark Souls content was revealed, but its inclusion flies in the face of industry trends.

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Regardless of Whether Elden Ring Nightreign Gets a Duos Mode, Trios Is the Best Way To Play

In Nightreign, Two People Make a Debate, Three People Make a Decision

The teamwork elements of Elden Ring Nightreign are always important, but they play the most significant role during pre-boss progression. Before encountering the final boss of an in-game day, players are encouraged to explore Limveld's points of interest, taking on mini-bosses, earning runes for upgrades, finding perks, and gathering ever more powerful equipment. By being as efficient as possible, players can maximize their character growth, thereby being better prepared for the Nightlord at the very end of the run.

Coordination and communication are essential for this efficiency. If one player wants to go south, and another wants to go north, for instance, they will be at an impasse. From this point, one of two things will happen: one player can relent and go along with the other's choice, or both parties can stick to their guns, splitting up and ultimately being worse off in the process. Nightreign players are more likely to die while alone, and even if they survive, it will take them longer to complete a given challenge on their own, cutting into the all-important efficiency of a run. If the former outcome occurs, there's a chance it won't be before a good bit of floundering and dilly-dallying, further reducing the time spent on valuable, rewarding in-run tasks.

But with a third player, this tricky crossroads can be avoided. Consider this: Player A places a tag on some ruins in the southern portion of Limveld, while Player B puts a tag on a church in the northern region. Both players have their reasons for marking the locations they have, and neither is willing to compromise. But if a third party, Player C, enters the equation, they can place a tag on either the southern ruins or the northern church, thereby establishing a majority. In this case, the balance becomes two against one, making it likely that the outlying player will relent and go along with the crowd. In scenarios where players rely solely on the map for communication rather than voice chat, Player C becomes an invaluable diplomatic tool, and can help cut down on unnecessary hemming and hawing.

Elden Ring Nightreign Tag Page Cover Art
9 /10

Elden Ring Nightreign
Action RPG
Soulslike
Roguelite
Systems
PlayStation-1 Xbox-1 PC-1
Top Critic Avg: 80 /100 Critics Rec: 77%
Released
May 30, 2025
Developer(s)
From Software
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL

"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