Elden Ring Nightreign: A Surprising New Chapter for FromSoftware Fans

FromSoftware has always been synonymous with dark, sprawling worlds, cryptic lore, and brutal yet satisfying gameplay. So when *Elden Ring Nightreign* was announced at The Game Awards, my reaction was a blend of surprise, excitement, and confusion. A three-player cooperative roguelike boss-run game? That's quite a departure from the single-player, narrative-driven experiences FromSoftware is known for, and far from the direction I envisioned for their next *Elden Ring* project.

*Nightreign* is not an iteration of the sweeping story from the Lands Between, nor an expansion to the original *Elden Ring*. Instead, it's a standalone game that takes the opposite approach to the traditional *Soulsborne* formula. The game is fast-paced, easy to pick up and play in short bursts, and doesn't feature a campaign mode. Players choose from a set of heroes, search for loot during the day, and prepare for a boss fight at night. Surviving three rounds of this cycle, totaling 30 minutes, is considered a win. It's compact, cooperative, and action-focused, stripping away much of the methodical character-building and exploration fans typically associate with FromSoftware titles.

Randomization plays a significant role in *Nightreign*. Maps shift, enemies and loot are shuffled, and while leveling up with runes is still part of the experience, it lacks the depth of building unique character stats. Instead, it only boosts your overall power, making the game more accessible for players who don't want to stress over optimal builds—but also risking the loss of the depth that hardcore fans enjoy.

What's both cool and potentially divisive is how *Nightreign* draws from FromSoftware's extensive library. The trailer is packed with familiar faces and callbacks: the Fire Keeper from *Dark Souls III*, the Nameless King, and a character who resembles Lady Maria from *Bloodborne*. A giant eagle in the trailer seems like a clear nod to the Pursuer from *Dark Souls II*. These references will no doubt excite fans, but they raise the question: does *Nightreign* lean too heavily on nostalgia, or does it forge its own path?

Personally, the premise is intriguing but unexpected. A co-op roguelike wasn’t on my radar for what FromSoftware might do next. If anything, I was hoping for an official seamless co-op mode for *Elden Ring*, allowing players to explore the Lands Between with friends without mods or restrictions. Instead, we're getting a completely different type of game—a side project helmed not by Hidetaka Miyazaki but by Junya Ishizaki.

Ishizaki is a veteran of FromSoftware, having worked as a level designer on *Dark Souls* and *Bloodborne* and contributing to combat design in *Dark Souls III* and *Elden Ring*. *Nightreign* is his brainchild, with Miyazaki approving the concept, but Ishizaki having full creative control over its development. This makes *Nightreign* a passion project for Ishizaki, which is both reassuring and exciting. FromSoftware rarely ventures into unexplored territory without cause, so there's a strong possibility that *Nightreign* will be a slick and enjoyable experience.

Another notable aspect is the absence of live-service mechanics. While certain features, such as a shrinking map, resemble battle royales, Ishizaki has confirmed that *Nightreign* is not a live-service title. This distinction could be what sets it apart from the usual live-service offerings, as players can enjoy the experience without worrying about season passes, microtransactions, or constantly shifting metas. It’s a standalone experience, something to be enjoyed for what it is—offering a refreshing change in today's gaming landscape.

However, I can’t help but feel a bit disappointed. Part of what I love about FromSoftware games is their depth—challenging me to learn, adapt, and immerse myself in a carefully constructed world. *Nightreign* is more streamlined and session-based, which may turn off some fans, especially those who were hoping for another massive, interconnected world to lose themselves in.

That being said, FromSoftware has rarely gotten it spectacularly wrong. Even their most divisive titles, like *Dark Souls II*, have flashes of brilliance that remind you why the studio is held in such high esteem. While *Nightreign* isn’t the game I hoped for, it's a bold experiment that could lay the foundation for fresh ideas within the genre. If executed well, it promises to deliver an experience that is different but unmistakably FromSoftware.

*Nightreign* is shaping up to be a gamble. It’s not the spiritual successor to *Elden Ring* many fans were expecting, but it could still be something special—a fast-paced, cooperative adventure that offers a new perspective on the Souls formula. Whether it becomes a beloved addition to the FromSoftware legacy or simply a curious side project remains to be seen. For now, I’m cautiously optimistic, ready to dive in when the game releases next year, even if it’s not quite what I envisioned.