ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN Review

When Elden Ring first took the gaming world by storm, it combined FromSoftware’s trademark punishing combat with George R.R. Martin’s intricate world-building, creating an experience as immersive as it was brutal. Now, FromSoftware and Bandai Namco return with Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone adventure aiming to reinvent the original’s formula. Gone are the lonely nights spent repeatedly dying to seemingly impossible bosses—now, you get to share that misery (or triumph) with two friends. Misery does love company, after all.

Nightreign reimagines the core gameplay of the original Elden Ring universe by leaning heavily into cooperative multiplayer mechanics. Promising unique hero characters, dynamically shifting landscapes, and encounters that vary each session, FromSoftware has boldly reshaped their proven formula. The game offers the tantalizing prospect of teamwork-driven tactics, strategic synergy between hero abilities, and the collective satisfaction of toppling towering bosses. Or, more realistically, the chance to collectively despair at how your friends never seem quite as competent as you imagined.

While FromSoftware veterans might initially balk at the emphasis on cooperation—after all, their games famously demand intense personal struggle—Nightreign challenges those expectations. Each of the selectable heroes comes with a unique set of skills, encouraging collaboration and tactical experimentation. It’s less “every Tarnished for themselves” and more “all for one, one for all,” albeit with plenty of dying along the way. The shift might be polarizing for hardcore fans, but there’s no denying it adds a refreshing new dimension to the notoriously punishing Soulsborne formula.

But can a cooperative experience retain the gritty charm and intense difficulty beloved by FromSoftware enthusiasts? Does Nightreign genuinely expand upon its predecessor’s rich universe, or is it merely a side-step into trendy multiplayer territory? Grab two friends (preferably skilled ones), steel your nerves, and join us as we brave the creeping night to uncover whether Elden Ring Nightreign can truly deliver cooperative Soulsborne bliss—or if your friendships will crumble faster than your health bar during boss fights.

Setting and Story

Stepping into the world of Elden Ring Nightreign, players immediately feel both familiar and unsettled—a clever design choice by FromSoftware. This standalone adventure takes place within the larger Elden Ring universe but introduces a unique spin: a land perpetually shrouded in a creeping, malevolent night. It’s a strikingly atmospheric setting, echoing the haunting beauty and mystery that fans of the original game have come to love. Gone are the golden skies and sprawling landscapes; instead, players are plunged into a darkened world that shifts unpredictably between sessions, emphasizing exploration and adaptability.

The narrative, while subtler than traditional story-driven games, follows FromSoftware’s hallmark style of cryptic environmental storytelling. Each hero character possesses their own distinct lore and motivations, gradually unveiled through interactions, item descriptions, and haunting environmental clues. These pieces form an intricate tapestry of hints, inviting dedicated players to piece together the larger story behind Nightreign’s endless night. While some players might long for a clearer narrative thread, veterans of FromSoftware titles will find this enigmatic storytelling deeply rewarding.

Central to the game’s premise is the persistent threat known simply as “the night”—an oppressive, dynamic force reshaping the game world with each new session. This mysterious, ever-shifting darkness creates an atmosphere thick with dread and tension, transforming familiar landscapes into new challenges overnight. It’s a compelling narrative mechanic, driving home the constant danger your heroes face, while subtly reinforcing themes of survival, teamwork, and resilience. Every session thus becomes a fresh tale of heroism—or tragic failure—waiting to unfold.

Bosses serve as dramatic narrative climaxes, each encounter beautifully integrating with the game’s underlying lore. These grand foes aren’t merely difficult gameplay hurdles; they’re living, breathing story elements that reveal more about the corrupted land and your heroes’ place within it. FromSoftware excels at making boss battles feel narratively significant, imbuing each victory (or crushing defeat) with emotional weight. Ultimately, while Nightreign may lack a traditional linear narrative, its environmental storytelling, shifting landscapes, and atmospheric depth craft a uniquely engaging backdrop for your heroic struggles.

Gameplay and Mechanics

In traditional FromSoftware fashion, Elden Ring Nightreign offers tight, punishing, and highly rewarding combat mechanics—but this time with a refreshing twist. Rather than the lonely battles of previous titles, gameplay here is explicitly designed for cooperative play. Three distinct heroes, each armed with unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, demand players coordinate strategies and leverage synergies to survive. It’s a welcome shift from the usual solitary Soulsborne grind, turning every encounter into a tactical puzzle solved only through teamwork—and a healthy dose of shared suffering.

The hero characters themselves are thoughtfully designed to complement one another. Whether you prefer the sturdy defender who absorbs damage, the nimble assassin who excels at hit-and-run tactics, or the mystical support hero capable of buffing allies and controlling crowds, each choice significantly impacts your group’s dynamics. Experimenting with different team compositions keeps gameplay fresh, challenging players to adapt and rethink strategies when facing new threats. It’s immensely satisfying to witness carefully executed plans come together, though often equally entertaining when they collapse spectacularly.

Dynamic environmental mechanics play a significant role in Nightreign. The creeping night constantly reshapes the landscape, ensuring no two sessions feel identical. Players must continuously adapt to shifting hazards, enemy placements, and terrain changes, forcing strategic flexibility and quick thinking. FromSoftware’s emphasis on adaptation and improvisation shines here, making exploration and combat consistently engaging, unpredictable, and tense. Few things are more exhilarating—or nerve-wracking—than entering an area you thought familiar, only to find it radically transformed overnight.

Combat encounters remain impressively challenging, featuring a diverse array of enemies that test reflexes, coordination, and patience. Boss fights, as expected, represent gameplay highlights, showcasing FromSoftware’s mastery of creating unforgettable adversaries. Each boss demands precise teamwork, skillful use of abilities, and impeccable timing. Victory feels genuinely triumphant, while defeat—though frequent—never feels unfair. Instead, it motivates players to refine strategies, improve teamwork, and dive back into the fight with renewed determination. In essence, Elden Ring Nightreign cleverly maintains the beloved, brutal difficulty of FromSoftware’s legacy while offering exciting new cooperative possibilities.

Multiplayer and Replayability

Multiplayer is unquestionably the beating heart of Elden Ring Nightreign, marking a notable departure from FromSoftware’s typically solitary experiences. Designed specifically for three-player cooperative play, the game shines brightest when tackled with friends, or at least skilled acquaintances who won’t abandon you mid-battle. Coordinating hero abilities, planning strategies, and executing attacks as a team adds an exhilarating dimension of camaraderie and shared triumph rarely seen in previous Soulsborne titles.

Each hero’s unique skillset ensures meaningful, synergistic teamwork rather than merely increasing your squad’s firepower. Success hinges not only on individual skill but also on thoughtful communication, strategic coordination, and mutual support. Sessions often oscillate between tense planning, frantic shouting, and joyous celebration as players collectively overcome daunting challenges. For those seeking a truly cooperative experience that tests teamwork as rigorously as combat skills, Nightreign delivers in spades.

Replayability benefits tremendously from the game’s ever-changing environment and procedurally influenced encounters. Each new session offers fresh challenges, altering enemy placements, environmental hazards, and boss behaviours to ensure no two playthroughs feel identical. Coupled with multiple heroes to master, varied team compositions to experiment with, and dynamically evolving landscapes, the game consistently encourages replay, making each night’s journey uniquely memorable.

While solo play remains technically possible, it lacks the depth, strategy, and sheer enjoyment found in multiplayer sessions. Without teammates, players may find certain encounters overly punishing or even unfair, given the explicit design around cooperative synergy. But as long as you have reliable companions-or at least a willingness to occasionally forgive catastrophic teamwork failures—Nightreign promises extensive replayability, countless thrilling battles, and an undeniably rewarding cooperative experience that keeps players eagerly returning night after night.

Graphics and Sound

FromSoftware’s renowned artistry is on full display in Elden Ring Nightreign, delivering breathtaking visuals that perfectly capture the haunting beauty of its dark fantasy setting. The perpetual twilight enveloping the game world provides an atmospheric palette dominated by rich shadows, dimly lit vistas, and eerie ambient lighting. Whether exploring crumbling ruins, shadowy forests, or ethereal landscapes reshaped by the encroaching night, players are consistently treated to scenes that look ripped straight from a hauntingly gorgeous nightmare.

Character and enemy designs remain exemplary, showcasing FromSoftware’s signature blend of grotesque beauty and imposing detail. Heroes are visually distinct, their unique appearances reflecting their individual abilities and lore, making each character instantly recognizable during hectic battles. Bosses, meanwhile, serve as visual showstoppers—towering, magnificently designed foes whose appearances are as intimidating as their brutal attacks. The visual design of each encounter reinforces gameplay tension, ensuring battles feel both visually and mechanically memorable.

Sound design further enriches the immersive atmosphere. Subtle environmental audio—rustling leaves, distant, unsettling whispers, and echoing footsteps—amplifies player anxiety, creating a constant undercurrent of unease. Combat sounds provide clear and impactful feedback, from the resonant clash of weapons to the chilling roars of monstrous foes. Voice acting, sparse but impactful, adds gravitas to key moments, heightening the game’s sense of mystery and drama.

The orchestral score deserves particular praise, complementing the game’s shifting moods beautifully. Quiet exploration segments are accompanied by haunting, subtle melodies that escalate dramatically during combat encounters, peaking during epic boss battles. Each track is expertly composed to enhance emotional intensity, ensuring music feels integral rather than merely supplementary. Combined, the visuals and soundscape of Elden Ring Nightreign craft an atmospheric experience that’s both chilling and stunningly immersive, reinforcing FromSoftware’s reputation for masterful artistic design.

Final Thoughts

Elden Ring Nightreign brilliantly pushes FromSoftware’s established formula into exciting new territory, combining brutal combat, atmospheric storytelling, and deeply engaging cooperative gameplay into an unforgettable experience. While it retains the punishing challenge and atmospheric depth beloved by Soulsborne fans, its greatest achievement lies in successfully encouraging strategic collaboration and camaraderie, transforming the solitary journey of previous titles into a thrilling shared adventure.

The dynamically shifting environments and procedurally influenced gameplay ensure no two playthroughs feel the same, providing significant replay value and consistently fresh challenges. The carefully balanced hero classes encourage experimentation and strategy, making team coordination as essential—and rewarding—as individual skill. Hardcore Souls veterans might initially feel skeptical about this shift toward multiplayer, but most will quickly embrace the satisfying complexity and teamwork-driven gameplay.

Visually striking and atmospherically rich, Nightreign delivers in both graphics and sound, reinforcing FromSoftware’s reputation for stunning artistry. The game’s hauntingly beautiful world, grotesque enemies, and memorable soundscape create an immersive environment that enhances every tense encounter and narrative moment. It’s an audiovisual experience designed to captivate and unsettle players equally, and it succeeds brilliantly.

In conclusion, Elden Ring Nightreign is an exceptional addition to the Elden Ring universe, expertly balancing cooperative gameplay innovation with the intense, atmospheric combat FromSoftware fans adore. If you’ve ever dreamed of sharing your Soulsborne struggles—and triumphs—with trusted companions, your prayers (or perhaps curses) have been answered. Gather your bravest friends, embrace the creeping night, and prepare yourselves for an adventure filled with teamwork, terror, and triumph in equal measure.

We prepared this review with a digital copy of the ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN for the PS5 and PC version provided by Bandai Namco.