ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN
ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN Review
ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN offers a fresh take on the Elden Ring universe by combining Souls-like combat with a roguelike, battle royale-inspired structure. Players engage in fast-paced 30-45 minute expeditions where teamwork, strategy, and adaptability are key to overcoming challenging bosses called Nightlords. The game shines in its fluid combat mechanics, engaging boss design, and multiplayer co-op experience, especially when playing with friends. However, it also faces technical hurdles such as frequent crashes, connection issues, and lack of certain expected features like voice chat and duo mode at launch.
While many appreciate the game’s addictive gameplay loop and faithful FromSoftware combat feel, some players find the content limited and repetitive due to few maps, bosses, and insufficient roguelike variety. The current price point and technical polish have been questioned, with hopes pinned on future updates and DLC to expand and refine the experience. Overall, it is a solid but somewhat unfinished experiment that rewards perseverance and co-op play.
Highlights
Players praise the fast-paced, satisfying combat mechanics reminiscent of Elden Ring and Sekiro, with notable classes like Executor and Ironeye standing out. The boss fights are creative and challenging, featuring well-designed Nightlords that provide a thrilling experience. The multiplayer co-op mode enhances enjoyment, fostering genuine teamwork despite limited communication tools.
The graphics maintain FromSoftware’s high standards, delivering atmospheric environments and detailed character designs. The game’s unique blend of Souls-like action with roguelike and battle royale elements creates an engaging, addictive gameplay loop that keeps players coming back.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include technical issues such as frequent crashes, server disconnects, and poor netcode that disrupt gameplay and progression. The absence of voice chat and duo mode at launch hampers communication and team coordination, especially with random players.
Content-wise, players find the game lacking in map variety and boss diversity, leading to repetitive runs and stale gameplay. The roguelike elements are seen as underdeveloped, with many relics feeling ineffective and runs often relying on the same strategies. Some bosses feel poorly balanced for multiplayer, and the game’s pacing and design can be punishing without sufficient quality-of-life improvements.
Pros
- • Engaging and fluid combat mechanics true to Soulsborne style.
- • Challenging and creative boss fights with memorable Nightlords.
- • Multiplayer co-op enhances fun and strategic gameplay.
- • Distinct classes offer varied playstyles and abilities.
- • Atmospheric graphics and detailed character designs.
- • Addictive gameplay loop with rewarding progression.
- • Unique blend of roguelike and Souls-like elements.
Cons
- • Frequent crashes and server disconnects disrupt gameplay.
- • Lack of voice chat limits communication in multiplayer.
- • No duo mode at launch reduces co-op flexibility.
- • Limited map and boss variety cause repetitive runs.
- • Roguelike elements underdeveloped, many relics ineffective.
- • Some bosses feel unbalanced or frustrating in co-op.
- • Game locked at 60fps with occasional performance issues.
Rating Criteria
About This Game
Deluxe Edition
The Deluxe Edition Includes:
• ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN
• Additional DLC
- Additional playable characters and bosses
• Digital Artbook & Mini Soundtrack
*There is also a Standard Edition product available. Please be careful not to purchase the same content twice.
*Additional DLC will be available by Q4 2025.
About the Game
ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is a standalone adventure within the ELDEN RING universe, crafted to offer players a new gaming experience by reimagining the game’s core design.
RISE TOGETHER
Join forces with other players to take on the creeping night and the dangers within featuring 3-player co-op.
BECOME A HERO
Take command of uniquely skilled heroes, each possessing their own abilities and distinct flair. While individually formidable, their skills create powerful synergies when they unite as a team.
TAKE ON THE NIGHT
Overcome a relentless environmental threat that sweeps through a land that changes between each game session and defeat the magnificent boss of that night!*There is also a Deluxe Edition product available. Please be careful not to purchase the same content twice.
ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is a standalone adventure within the ELDEN RING universe, crafted to offer players a new gaming experience by reimagining the game’s core design.