Why You Should Play Elden Ring Nightreign (Even If You Hate Multiplayer)

As a devoted fan, I’ve found myself caught in the debate surrounding Elden Ring Nightreign ever since its announcement. The game has sparked controversy mainly due to its emphasis on cooperative multiplayer, a feature that, while not entirely novel for FromSoftware games, is typically seen as secondary or even dismissible by hardcore RPG enthusiasts.

However, let me assure you that just because Nightreign appears to be an unusual spin-off doesn’t mean it should be disregarded. Demon’s Souls paved the way for FromSoftware’s RPGs, and Elden Ring has carried this ambition to unprecedented heights. So, while Nightreign might seem like a departure from the main series, it’s still worth giving it a chance.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always had a soft spot for the unique, multiplayer aspect that FromSoftware crafts. I can’t deny my affection for the rough-around-the-edges co-op in Elden Ring. Yet, I recognize the charm of experiencing these rich, enigmatic RPGs on my own. Much like many other gamers, I prefer diving into new FromSoftware titles with minimal knowledge – stumbling through confusion and piecing things together is just part of the thrill. The unexpected joy of a jaw-dropping boss cutscene catching me off guard never gets old. Nightreign may not be a typical FromSoftware journey, but it still offers plenty of appeal, even for those who haven’t traditionally been drawn to multiplayer games.

The Biggest Differences Between Elden Ring & Nightreign

RPG vs. Roguelike

In simpler terms, Nightreign simplifies the extensive journey in an expansive RPG like Elden Ring by breaking it down into shorter sessions, approximately 45 minutes each. Instead of creating your own character, there are eight unique characters called Nightfarers, each specialized in distinct attributes and weaponry. During a single adventure, you can level up from level one to level 15 on a specific attribute scale. The progression is linear to facilitate more spontaneous choices throughout the gameplay.

Each time you soar over Limveld on a Spectral Hawk, your mission is to endure for two days before engaging in a fight with a Nightlord on the third. Your progress is blocked by mandatory boss fights during the first two nights. The main part of the days involves exploring notable locations to find superior weapons, passive enhancements, and beneficial items.

Your strategy isn’t so much about your character’s stats, but rather the equipment you select to carry. You have six equipment slots (three for each hand), and every weapon, shield, staff, or seal provides a passive bonus.

In Nightreign, you have the opportunity to discover each Nightlord’s vulnerability before embarking on an expedition. However, this knowledge might not directly aid you in overcoming the initial two bosses. Consequently, the process of building and crafting transforms into a series of numerous tactical choices about which weapons to keep and which to discard. Unlike Elden Ring, where you’re on a lengthy journey, Nightreign thoughtfully blends many elements from its predecessor. For instance, you can venture into a mining tunnel to obtain Smithing Stones, while Stonesword Keys are utilized to unlock Evergaols, which summon spectral bosses. Additionally, Rises remain sealed until you solve a small puzzle.

Nightreign Has Some Multiplayer Issues

No Voice Chat, No Crossplay

Despite FromSoftware’s intention to deliver a captivating multiplayer experience, their networking issues persist. The summoning mechanisms in games such as Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring are acceptable and intriguingly linked to each game’s narrative, but the practicality of cooperative play has always been awkward. Restrictions on player movement have led to the emergence of Elden Ring co-op mods, and even basic functions like inviting friends, voice chat support, and crossplay have taken time for FromSoftware to implement.

Nightreign” allows you to invite friends to join the party using their usual password system, but some issues persist, such as lack of crossplay and voice chat. These features are common in multiplayer games nowadays, and voice chat is almost essential for cooperative experiences, especially those like “Nightreign” that have a basic ping system. However, once you get used to it after a few attempts, playing with random teammates isn’t complicated unless you end up with an unlucky group.

Nightreign’s Solo Mode Needs Some Work

FromSoftware Knows There Are Issues

If you find that you’re not enjoying the multiplayer aspect of Nightreign, despite its design, rest assured it can be played single-player. From the main menu, there’s an option to embark on your journey alone, but keep in mind this might be challenging if your skills aren’t highly developed. Playing solo appears to come with some adjustments; enemies seem less coordinated in groups, yet boss battles can become quite formidable without backup. You’ll notice that the range of tools at your disposal is more limited compared to games like Elden Ring or Dark Souls.

It appears FromSoftware acknowledges that the single-player mode of Nightreign requires some adjustments. The Elden Ring official Twitter account has pledged modifications to solo adventures, such as an additional life during battles with night bosses and a boost in Runes earned for vanquishing foes. This is progress, but it doesn’t alleviate the feeling that playing Nightreign alone seems slightly out of sync because the game appears to be tailored more for three-player teams.

Despite It All, Elden Ring Fans Should Check Out Nightreign

FromSoftware Combat Is As Fun As Ever

Despite some temporary issues in technical aspects and an uneven solo experience, Nightreign is still worth checking out if you’re a fan of Elden Ring. Even if multiplayer isn’t your preferred game mode, Nightreign carries the same epic feel as Elden Ring, with its Nightlord boss battles offering an enjoyable and cinematic experience.

The narrative of Nightreign is surprisingly concentrated compared to what I initially anticipated. While a significant portion of the game involves expeditions, there are characters to interact with and a set of Remembrance Quests for each Nightfarer. These quests provide flashbacks that determine objectives, some of which culminate in solo boss fights. Essentially, Nightreign is an intensified experience primarily centered around the combat mechanics of Elden Ring. If you’re a fan of Elden Ring’s raw combat, particularly its boss battles, then Nightreign should at least keep you engaged.

Remember that this game is a spin-off, primarily an asset flip, with a smaller scope compared to Elden Ring. Despite its limitations, it offers some intriguing features. Each character I play feels exciting, and I find myself switching weapons in every run, which adds variety to my combat strategies unlike my entire experience with Elden Ring. The game Elden Ring Nightreign does an impressive job of establishing the Nightlord hunting scenario, and its swift build-crafting and continuous looting ensure that the action stays engaging as you progress towards your objective.

2025-06-01 04:47