Description
Elden Ring: Nightreign is a new standalone entry in the Elden Ring franchise developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco. Unlike the original open-world title, Nightreign is a class-based cooperative roguelike that reimagines the Lands Between with new regions, lore, and gameplay structure. It focuses on team-based exploration, session-based progression, and randomized world elements while maintaining the signature challenge and atmosphere of Elden Ring.
Release Information
- Platform: PlayStation 5 (also on PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC)
- Release Date: May 30, 2025
- Mode: Online co-op (up to 3 players) or solo
- Engine: Same engine as Elden Ring, updated for improved performance and effects
Story and Setting
The game is set in Limveld, a corrupted and unstable offshoot of the Lands Between, where the divine cycle has collapsed. Night reigns permanently, and players take on the role of Nightfarers, champions called upon to recover fractured relics of the old order. Limveld is procedurally altered between sessions, offering new layouts, enemy spawns, and boss placements each time you enter.
The world is filled with decaying architecture, cursed shrines, and moonlit ruins—each hiding deep secrets and powerful foes. Lore is delivered through fragmented memories, dream echoes, and interactive environments, following the traditional FromSoftware narrative style.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
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Session-Based Progression:
Each playthrough lasts three in-game nights. On the final night, a powerful “Aspect” boss must be defeated to complete the session. -
Cooperative Emphasis:
Play with up to two others. Revive downed teammates, coordinate builds, and share limited-use campfires for upgrades. -
Randomized World Layout:
Level design, item locations, enemies, and weather patterns are procedurally generated per run. -
Persistent Meta-Progression:
Players retain legacy gear, passive traits, and unlocked class upgrades between runs. -
Risk-Reward System:
Increased difficulty and elite monsters offer higher drop rates and permanent artifacts.
Playable Classes – The Nightfarers
- Wylder: Agile melee specialist with fast evasion and dual-wield weapons.
- Guardian: Shield-based tank with area control skills and taunts.
- Duchess: Assassin archetype with burst damage and stealth mechanics.
- Recluse: Caster with slow spells, healing zones, and debuff magic.
- Ironeye: Ranged fighter with enhanced item find and bow abilities.
- Raider: Berserker that gains strength the lower their health drops.
- Executor: Timed parry expert who counters with massive single-target damage.
- Revenant: Necromancer-style summoner that raises temporary allies from fallen enemies.
Each class has its own progression tree, perks, relics, and cosmetic armor sets.
Visuals and Audio
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Graphics:
QHD textures, ray-traced lighting, dynamic fog and shadow detail, running at 60fps on PS5. -
Soundtrack:
Fully orchestrated score with ambient tracks that evolve with each night phase. -
Voice Acting:
Fully voiced NPCs with branching interaction paths and voiceover in multiple languages.
System Features
PS5-Specific Enhancements:
- Adaptive trigger support for parries and ranged attacks
- Haptic feedback for boss encounters and spellcasting
- Ultra-fast loading via SSD
- Game Help integration for select boss strategies
Limitations and Notes
- No split-screen or offline multiplayer at launch
- No cross-play at launch (PS4 can play with PS5, Xbox One with Series X|S)
- Ranked leaderboards coming in post-launch update
- New content and classes planned via seasonal updates