FromSoftware is no stranger to challenging worlds, and Elden Ring Nightreign takes a bold new approach. This standalone spin-off blends roguelike mechanics with cooperative gameplay, introducing a new way to experience Elden Ring Nightreign’s combat and exploration.
Set in Limveld, a parallel world to The Lands Between, Nightreign drops three players into a shifting battlefield where survival depends on strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking. Each run lasts three in-game days, with a shrinking storm forcing you toward tougher battles. The goal? Level up, find better gear, and overcome increasingly difficult bosses before facing the final test on the third night.
Recently, I had the chance to play the Elden Ring Nightreign network test and got an early look at its fast-paced action and co-op gameplay for myself. The game’s streamlined leveling system, randomized map layouts, and emphasis on mobility make it feel different from traditional Soulslike gameplay while still keeping the weighty combat and skill-based encounters FromSoftware is known for.
With its unique structure and fresh take on Elden Ring’s world, Nightreign stands apart as more than just an expansion. The network test gave me a glimpse of its fast-paced co-op gameplay, and I came away with plenty of thoughts. Let’s take a closer look at what Elden Ring Nightreign offers in this network test.
Elden Ring Nightreign details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS4 and Xbox One
Developer(s): FromSoftware, Inc.
Publisher(s): Bandai Namco Entertainment
Genre: Roguelike, Action role-playing, Adventure, Survival
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
How Nightreign changes the Elden Ring formula
Elden Ring Nightreign wastes no time throwing you into its fast-paced setup. Unlike the slow, deliberate exploration of Elden Ring, Nightreign pushes you forward with a three-day cycle where survival means staying ahead of an ever-closing storm. Each day offers a chance to gather gear, defeat enemies, and level up before a powerful boss encounter forces a test of strength.
One of the first things I noticed was how different movement feels. Sprinting no longer drains your stamina, and fall damage is completely gone. At one point, I jumped from a high ledge, expecting to brace for impact, only to land safely and keep running. Spirit Springs launch you high into the air, making movement faster and more fluid. I was surprised that Torrent, the horse from Elden Ring, wasn’t in the game, but after spending time in Limveld, I barely missed it.
Combat, leveling, and progression
Combat still carries the weighty feel of Elden Ring but at a much faster pace. Enemies hit hard, and dodging is still important. Nightreign shifts away from Elden Ring’s slower, methodical combat, encouraging you to stay aggressive, keep moving, and attack quickly. One moment, I was cutting through weaker enemies, collecting runes and loot, then a stronger enemy caught me off guard. With my teammates busy elsewhere, I had to dodge carefully and switch weapons fast to survive. The sudden change kept me reacting instead of planning, forcing me to adjust on the fly.
Leveling is also streamlined. Instead of manually assigning stats, each class follows a pre-set progression path. At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this change, but it kept the action moving. After a few quick upgrades at a Site of Grace, I was ready to dive back into the fight. Weapons and gear influence your approach, with each piece granting passive bonuses just by equipping it. I found a spear that increased my status effect buildup, even though I never used it in combat. The ability to build out your character based on loot rather than strict stat investment adds an interesting roguelike twist.
The three-day setup creates a natural sense of urgency. I often found myself trying to decide whether to keep looting for better gear or rush toward the boss before time ran out. One run, my squad took too long looking for upgrades. By the time we reached the night boss, we were underleveled. We barely made it through, reviving each other over and over, and started day two already struggling to keep up.
Nightreign retains its Soulslike roots while reshaping them into a faster-paced, cooperative experience. The challenge remains, now shared, with each run feeling like a unique adventure.
Multiplayer and team dynamics
Elden Ring Nightreign is built around three-player co-op, making teamwork just as important as skill. Each class has unique abilities that work well together, making teamwork essential for success. Whether it’s the Guardian shielding allies, the Recluse casting supportive magic, or the Duchess amplifying damage, every role adds something to the fight.
During the Elden Ring Nightreign network test I played several runs with different teams, and the experience changed depending on how well we worked together. In one session, my team communicated well, splitting up to cover more ground before regrouping for tougher fights. We shared loot strategically, making sure the right player got the right weapon. Another time, we barely talked at all, and it showed—one player rushed ahead, another stayed behind, and we were overwhelmed by enemies before even reaching the first boss.
The revival system changes how fights play out. Instead of traditional Soulslike resurrection, teammates bring you back by attacking your downed body. The more times you fall, the longer the revival takes. During one boss fight, I went down three times in a row, forcing my teammates to fight while chipping away at my revival timer. It was a frantic back-and-forth, dodging attacks just to get me back on my feet before the boss could wipe us out.
Nightreign rewards smart teamwork as much as strong builds. Taking on enemies alone is risky, but coordinating attacks makes encounters more manageable. One of my best moments was when my team staggered a boss with a mix of heavy attacks and magic. The window to strike was short, but we took full advantage, chaining together our strongest attacks before it recovered. Nightreign’s mix of teamwork and unpredictability makes every run feel different.
Progression and customization
Elden Ring Nightreign takes a different approach to character progression. Instead of manually assigning stat points, each class follows a predetermined leveling path. At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this change, but after a few runs, I saw its benefits. Leveling is fast—one quick button press at a Site of Grace, and I was instantly stronger. This kept the focus on action rather than stat management, which felt like a good fit for the game’s faster pace.
Weapons, gear, and relics
Weapons and gear also work differently from Elden Ring. Instead of being locked to specific builds, weapons provide passive bonuses even when not equipped. In one run, I picked up a greatsword that increased poise, even though I never used it. The bonus still applied, letting me take hits without staggering as often. This system encouraged me to collect weapons for their effects rather than just their movesets, adding an interesting layer of strategy to every decision.
Relics offer permanent upgrades that carry over between runs, providing slight boosts for future attempts. After a few runs, I unlocked a relic that increased my starting health. It wasn’t a huge change, but the extra survivability made a difference. Another relic boosted my stamina regeneration, letting me attack and dodge more often. The more I played, the more I felt my character evolving, even if each run started fresh.
Choosing upgrades mid-run also plays a big role in how a build comes together. At one point, I stacked bleed-based weapons, hoping to create a combo that would melt through tougher enemies. Then, I found an amulet that increased status effect buildup, and suddenly, my attacks were triggering bleed in just a few hits. Seeing my build come together through luck and smart choices made each run feel different.
The balance between temporary and permanent upgrades keeps Nightreign’s setup interesting. Each run starts from scratch, but relics provide just enough progress to make future attempts feel rewarding. Even after a tough loss, I was eager to jump back in, knowing that each run made my character more powerful and better equipped for the next challenge.
Elden Ring Nightreign offers a faster, more cooperative experience full of surprises
After spending time with Elden Ring Nightreign during the network test, I’m genuinely excited about what the full game will bring. Its fast-paced co-op action and streamlined progression offer a new take on Elden Ring’s familiar mechanics. While it keeps the tough challenges and combat fans love, it reworks them into a more dynamic, team-based experience.
The mix of roguelike mechanics, character progression, and tough boss fights keeps things exciting and makes you want to come back again and again. The three-day cycle adds a sense of urgency, while focusing on teamwork, making each run feel different. Even after a tough loss, you’re still motivated to level up and improve, which makes the game feel rewarding.
With its May 30, 2025 release date fast approaching, Elden Ring Nightreign is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of the Soulslike genre, offering a faster, more cooperative experience full of surprises. I can’t wait to see how it evolves in the full game.
Elden Ring Nightreign is available to pre-order today at Best Buy for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or Xbox One. When you pre-order you’ll get a bonus Gesture – “It’s Raining!” that can be used in-game. The pre-order bonus is in limited quantities, while supplies last. No rainchecks. Internet connection required for download.
Are you excited for Elden Ring Nightreign? What aspect of the game are you most looking forward to? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
