Sequels are hard to pull off, especially when it comes with a history of successful releases. An Elden Ring Nightreign review is in order, considering the game just arrived on the market. The experimental rogue-lite game is an amalgamation of a couple of different genres and categories of gaming, bringing a dash of a multiplayer experience that’s quite uniquely designed. The co-op survival action game is set in a parallel Elden Ring universe but it brings a few unexpected changes with it.
The standalone reimagines Elden Ring’s core design, offering a 3-player co-op experience and giving gamers a chance to become heroes and define their gaming style on their own. Mastering the synergies of the characters is no simple task, and it does get very cumbersome once in a while. There have been mixed reviews so far, with the solo experience getting the most negative attention, but there’s still something to love about the Soulsborne format.
Elden Ring Nightreign Review—There’s Some Good and Some Bad
Elden Ring Nightreign was released on May 30, 2025, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game combines Soulslike combat with roguelike and battle royale elements, introducing a three-player co-op expedition across a three-day-and-night cycle.
Nightreign Gameplay Review—What Does the Actual Content Include?
Players get to select one of the eight available Nightfarers who come with their own unique skill sets and abilities. After donning these personas, players get to explore randomized map elements, gather loot, and defeat big bosses, all leading up to the fight against one of the eight Nightlords. The map of Limveld continues to shrink with a cycle back to the end of the day, so the game is not designed for someone who wants to indulge in leisurely exploration.
Each time you sit down to play a round, you can expect to remain seated for a while because each cycle is time-bound and requires you to commit to the entire run-through. This is a fun system for those who really like to focus on and get some gaming hours in without having to commit to an entire storyline that takes days to unfold. For those who prefer to progress forward rather than loop back to the same starting point every time they sit down to play, this is not the game for you.
Of course, there are multiple randomized elements and a range of characters to experiment with so it’s not the same game with every replay, but it does take on a more Fortnite/Call of Duty battle royale approach to repeated run-throughs of content.
Elden Ring Nightreign Is Not As Enjoyable for Solo Players
If you prefer going solo and don’t enjoy multiplayer experiences, then you can take on the game all on your own, but it is far more punishing. With very limited room for reviving yourself in-game, it can prove to be highly brutal and strenuous trying to push through and survive the night all on your own.
Most Elden Ring Nightreign reviews are in agreement that the solo experience is poorly balanced and none recommend letting it define how you feel about the game. Most bosses are designed for team comps that can best the beasts, and they heavily recommend you head in with three-player teams. The game is at its compelling best through co-op play.
Where to Play Elden Ring Nightreign?
One of the most favorable aspects we have to mention in this Elden Ring Nightreign is that the game is priced at a sweet $40, putting it within reach for a wider range of gamers. There is an Elden Ring Nightreign Deluxe Edition available as well, priced at $55. The more expensive edition involves some additional digital content such as the artbook and soundtrack, and you also get access to the DLC when it eventually becomes available.
The game was released on May 30, 2025, and is available on PS5, Xbox X|S, and PC. It is important to note that the game does not support crossplay, so if you want to hop on with your buddies, you have to ensure you use the same platform to play with them.
Should you Play Elden Ring Nightreign?
As is apparent from the many early Elden Ring Nightreign reviews, the game is fast-paced but it requires at least 45 minutes of continuous gaming to get through each round. The title doesn’t focus on lore or world-building the way you would expect an Elden Ring game to, so you have to adjust your expectations accordingly.
Unless you want to really challenge yourself with a solo approach to the game, you also have to be prepared for a multiplayer experience that might leave you extremely frustrated with your teammates. However, if none of these factors dilute your interest in the new standalone game, then you should give Elden Ring Nightreign a shot.
The Elden Ring sequel content is a tad bit repetitive if you get down to the nitty-gritty details of the cycling maps and recurring bosses, but that does not mean it’s boring. You can expect to stay on the edge of your seat with each playthrough, which is the best part about games like this one.
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