It’s always nice to see a developer listening to the community and delivering something they’ve been asking for. It’s even better when that developer is FromSoftware and the series in question is Elden Ring. Elden Ring: Nightreign is a new standalone game, which many thought was DLC for the core game (me included). It takes what you know but blows the doors off it—this is very much a co-op affair.
Read More: Lords of the Fallen (2023) review – The AAA Soulslike We Were Promised
Elden Ring: Nightreign is what happens when you blend a Soulslike with a roguelike, add a pinch of live service, and a big splash of multiplayer fun.
Multiverse
Nightreign takes place in an alternate universe of the Lands Between. After the Shattering, a primordial darkness descended upon the Lands Between, plunging the realm into ‘Nightrain’—a cataclysmic event that brings monstrous beings from other realms and perpetual rain.
Being a FromSoftware game, of course, you start out by dying and awaken in The Roundtable Hold, a safe haven for warriors dubbed “Nightfarers.” You quickly find yourself among their ranks, and it’s your job to end the perpetual Night and challenge the Nightlords.
Read More: Ghostrunner 2 review – Hypnotic, Kinetic, Addictive
It’s a simple tale, but it’s loaded with more questions than answers. Who are the Nightlords? Why is the Night attacking the world? Where Elden Ring‘s story was a grander affair, Nightreign delivers a compelling, mystery-laden tale.
A Bleeding Nightfare
Then there are the Nightfarers, each with a backstory that led them to join the fight. You uncover their histories by finding memory fragments throughout the game. Gather enough, and they unlock focused missions on each Nightfarer.
These missions are needed to flesh them out—just exploring The Roundtable Hold doesn’t do them justice.
Read More: Atlas Fallen review – Key to Almighty Power Needs Polish
Gameplay and progression revolve around taking down the Nightlords, requiring you to embark on a run lasting two days and a night. On the third day, you fight the Nightlord—if you make it that far.
But you’re not alone. You can team up with mates or use matchmaking. In an Apex Legends-style entry, you’ll fly in via spectral hawk to Limveld.
Battle Soyule
Think of this as a Battle Royale Souls game, but it’s PvE, not PvP, set in a procedurally generated version of Limgrave—now named Limveld—the first open-world area of Elden Ring.
Each run starts at level one. You loot, fight, and take on high-level enemies, hoping to level up and get better gear. I call it Battle Royale Souls because time is limited—the Night closes in, making the area ever smaller. Think of the toxic cloud in Warzone, and you’ll get the idea.
Read More: Remnant 2 review – Release, Reload, Redo
Make it to the final circle, and you’ll face that day’s boss before the cycle resets—until day three, when you get pulled into another realm to fight the Nightlords. Sounds easy? It’s not. Never forget—this is a FromSoftware game. You’ll get beaten down quicker than expected, and teamwork is the only way to survive.
Going lone wolf, even if you know Elden Ring‘s world, will quickly lead to a roaming mini-boss taking you out. Death costs you a level and your held runes, though if you’re downed, mates can revive you just by shooting you—from range.
Same Souls
It’s easy to think Limveld is just Limgrave. To be fair, there is a sense of déjà vu, but complacency will catch you out. Enemies and bosses change, and random events can ruin your run. Elites drain your health until you kill them, or AI-controlled Nightfarers show up to make your life a nightmare.
Nightfarers fit different playstyles—ranged, all-rounder, caster, and more. Each plays differently, and learning your best fit takes time.
Loadouts aren’t restricted, but some weapons suit certain Nightfarers better than others. It’s not a huge issue, though. Each run lets you experiment with different loadouts and Nightfarers.
Lone Wolf Option
For those looking for a true challenge—you can tackle the game solo, but it’s extremely difficult. It doesn’t scale for one player, and it loses some fun. Elden Ring is for solo players, while Nightreign is for you and your mates.
Visually, the game is very Elden Ring, but flashier—especially Nightlord battles. The soundtrack is epic and tonally fitting.
Read More: The First Berserker – Khazan review – Dungeon Enlightener
Elden Ring: Nightreign is what fans have wanted for years. A co-op version that puts teamwork front and centre. It’s more streamlined than its predecessor and offers addictive gameplay. It’s not groundbreaking in every way, but it’s challenging, fun, and packed with potential for growth in the months and years ahead.
- Elden Ring: Nightreign review – Friendly Soul
- Capcom Fighting Collection 2 review – Eclectic Boogaloo
- Indie Review Round-Up – Fresh Titles Stealing Our Time
Find TechStomper’s games reviews on OpenCritic.com