Elden Ring: Nightreign marks FromSoftware’s most daring departure from its traditional Soulsborne formula, and the result is an ambitious, chaotic, and sometimes frustrating new chapter in the Elden Ring universe.
Released as a multiplayer-focused spin-off on PC, Nightreign blends classic Souls-style combat with a roguelike structure and co-op battle royale elements—creating something entirely unique, yet not always polished.
A Bold New Direction for Elden Ring Fans
While Elden Ring and its acclaimed DLC Shadow of the Erdtree stunned critics with immersive worlds and deep single-player exploration, Nightreign pivots sharply toward fast-paced multiplayer action.
In each run, up to three players are dropped into a shifting map to explore, fight enemies, and gear up for massive boss battles against “Nightlords.” As the death ring closes in—true battle royale style—the urgency and strategy intensify.
The twist? Progress is only meaningful if your entire squad survives. If one player falls and isn’t revived, you could lose levels, currency, and possibly the entire run. This punishing loop makes teamwork essential—but also adds significant frustration for solo players.
Three-Player Co-Op is the Core Experience
FromSoftware has balanced Nightreign for three-player teams, and that design choice defines the game. The eight character classes (with more to unlock) each offer different playstyles—from ranged sorcery to heavy melee—encouraging diverse builds and team synergy.
But while the ping system works for basic coordination, the lack of in-game voice chat or duo matchmaking can quickly become a barrier.
For those lucky enough to play with a static group of friends, Nightreign shines. Communication, planning, and class synergy make for deeply satisfying gameplay. Unfortunately, matchmaking with random players can result in poorly coordinated runs and abrupt endings—something many early PC players are already voicing online.
PC Performance and Technical Hiccups
While the gameplay innovation is notable, Elden Ring: Nightreign is not without technical flaws. PC players have reported frame rate drops during boss fights, network disconnects, and occasional session failures that result in lost progress.
While patches are likely on the way, these bugs have dampened the experience for many, especially those in critical moments of a run.
Still, the PC version benefits from beautiful high-resolution textures and smoother load times compared to console counterparts. Visuals remain a FromSoftware strength, with breathtaking landscapes and imaginative monster design bringing this alternate Elden Ring reality to life.
Review Verdict: Fun, Flawed, and Fiercely Addictive
According to Metacritic, Elden Ring: Nightreign currently holds a score of 78, significantly lower than the original game’s 96 and Shadow of the Erdtree’s 94. But that doesn’t tell the full story.
This is not a game meant for everyone—especially not those seeking a traditional single-player experience. Nightreign is a social experiment in co-op strategy and Soulslike intensity.
Its high replayability, thrilling boss fights, and class depth offer hours of enjoyment—but only if you have the right team and the patience for occasional setbacks.
Final Score: 7.5/10
Pros:
- Fresh take on the Elden Ring formula
- Satisfying co-op mechanics with friends
- Creative boss designs and engaging class system
- High replay value with dynamic map shifts
Cons:
- Poor solo experience and limited matchmaking
- Lack of in-game voice chat
- Technical issues on PC during high-load moments
Should You Play It?
If you’re a die-hard FromSoftware fan with a solid group of friends ready to dive into chaotic three-player action, Elden Ring: Nightreign could become your next obsession. But for solo players or those looking for another open-world RPG, this experiment may fall short of expectations.