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.
But one major critique, shared by just about everyone who is familiar with the game, is its lack of duo matchmaking. Players can either experience Elden Ring Nightreign by themselves or as a team of three, but not with a single teammate. This questionable decision has frustrated audiences, especially since Nightreign lacks crossplay, making it even harder to find two friends to play with. Since so much of Nightreign revolves around coordination and teamwork, particularly during pre-boss progression segments, the fact that so many players must resort to being randomly matched with at least one other player poses a problem. While FromSoftware has plans to introduce a duos mode down the line, it's certainly not here now. Maybe, despite everything players have said thus far, this is for the best.
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 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.
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
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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
