Elden Ring: Nightreign First Impressions

FromSoftware isn’t exactly known for playing it safe, and Elden Ring: Nightreign is proof that even after redefining open-world action RPGs, the studio is still ready to shake up its own formula. A spin-off that leans heavily into structured multiplayer and roguelike systems, Nightreign offers a sharp left turn from the traditional Souls experience.

It’s smaller in scope but wider in ambition, trading the vast freedom of the Lands Between for a tighter, mission-driven co-op challenge. It doesn’t hit every note perfectly, and it definitely won’t be for everyone, but when played as intended—with a full squad—Nightreign is one of FromSoft’s most addictive and rewarding experiences to date.

Right from the start, Nightreign makes it clear that this isn’t a solo-first game. You technically can go it alone, but you probably shouldn’t. The world of Limveld is built around cooperation: enemies swarm in dense packs, bosses hit like freight trains, and each of the eight pre-built characters has clear synergy with others. Whether you’re backing up a frontline Raider with a support-focused Recluse or staggering enemies so your Executor can dish out a bleeding finish, the gameplay encourages coordination.

Each Expedition—Nightreign’s version of missions—begins at the familiar Roundtable Hold, where you’ll pick your target Nightlord, plan your approach, and head out with your team. Structurally, it feels like Monster Hunter by way of Dark Souls, and that’s not a bad thing. Expeditions are self-contained but rich in detail, and the game’s roguelike loop—collecting loot, managing risk, and prepping for the big boss fight—keeps things engaging.

Elden Ring: Nightreign First Impressions

Combat Is Fast, Brutal, and Deep

If you’ve played a Souls game before, Nightreign will feel familiar—but faster. The combat has been tuned for small-team skirmishes, which means less circling and waiting, and more dodging, comboing, and reacting on the fly. Each of the eight characters comes with a unique set of abilities and a playstyle that’s easy to grasp but rewarding to master. The Relic system acts as your long-term progression, letting you tweak stats, reduce cooldowns, or even enhance your Weapon Arts. It’s not full RPG-level customization, but it’s more flexible than it looks at first.

Even 20 hours in, players say they are still discovering new synergies and relic combinations that made old builds feel fresh. FromSoftware has done an impressive job of giving structure without sacrificing variety, something that’s tricky to pull off with preset characters.

Elden Ring: Nightreign First Impressions

Limveld Keeps Things Interesting

While Nightreign doesn’t offer the sprawling open world of its predecessor, Limveld still has plenty going on. Each day in the Expedition loop gives you a limited window to explore, gather loot, and prepare for the next encounter before the Night’s Tide—a sort of creeping battle royale zone—closes in. This mechanic forces momentum and decision-making. Do you chase down that mini-boss in the north for better gear or play it safe and fortify your position?

The world evolves as you play. Camps change, terrain shifts, and enemy placements are altered through randomized Shifting Earth events. One moment you’re fighting in familiar territory, and the next it’s been turned into a frozen wasteland or corrupted ruin. These changes aren’t just cosmetic—they often gate key upgrades or advantages you’ll need for the Expedition’s final boss.

Elden Ring: Nightreign First Impressions

Nightlords Are FromSoftware at Its Best

The real stars of Nightreign are the Nightlords, and they might be some of the best bosses FromSoft has ever created. Each one is not only a unique visual spectacle but a true test of teamwork and adaptability. From the three-headed Gladius to the late-game threat of Caligo, these encounters are intense, chaotic, and demand coordination to overcome.

There are some missteps, though. A few classic bosses from the Dark Souls series return, like the Gaping Dragon and Centipede Demon, but they don’t quite fit. Their original move sets are intact, which makes them feel static and outdated in an otherwise modern and fluid combat system. It’s nice fan service, but it feels more like filler than a fully integrated part of the experience.

A Strong but Specific Evolution

Nightreign is unapologetically different, and that’s going to be divisive. It’s not designed for lone wolves or those expecting a traditional open-world Soulslike. The solo option exists but is clearly secondary—enemy scaling and the sheer density of threats make single-player feel more like a grind than a challenge. But when you play with a full team, Nightreign becomes something special: a tactical, high-stakes co-op adventure with real depth and replayability.

FromSoftware took a risk here, stepping away from the sprawling exploration and solo discovery that defined Elden Ring. Instead, they’ve crafted a tighter, more focused experience that doubles down on combat, cooperation, and progression. It doesn’t replace what came before—it complements it.

Final Thoughts

Elden Ring: Nightreign may not redefine the genre like its predecessor, but it successfully reimagines what a Soulslike can be. By shifting the focus to cooperative play, structured missions, and an evolving roguelike loop, FromSoftware delivers a bold experiment that mostly lands. It won’t be for everyone, but for those willing to embrace its multiplayer core, it’s one of the most rewarding co-op RPGs in recent memory.