ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN | What We Know So Far

The trailer for ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN, a new game set to release in 2025, has just dropped—and it’s mind-blowing. Picture Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne all blended into a single game. It’s not a sequel or DLC but a spin-off that offers a completely new experience within the ELDEN RING universe.

What is NIGHTREIGN?

This game breaks away from the traditional Soulslike formula. NIGHTREIGN is a hero-based, multiplayer survival adventure that expands on Elden Ring's foundation. Here’s the official description from the developers:

"As night falls, we rise. NIGHTREIGN is a standalone adventure within the ELDEN RING universe, crafted to bring a new gaming experience. Rise together. Join forces with other players to take on the creeping night and the struggles within. Featuring three-player co-op, become a hero. Take command of uniquely skilled heroes, each possessing their own abilities and distinct flair. While individually powerful, their skills grow even more formidable when united as a team. Take on the night. Overcome a relentless environmental threat that sweeps through a land that changes between each game session and defeats the magnificent boss of that night.”

It’s a shift toward co-op gameplay where you and up to two friends control unique heroes, each with special skills that grow stronger when combined. The world evolves dynamically between sessions, presenting environmental hazards and a new boss to challenge every time.

Trailer Breakdown

The trailer begins in what appears to be a twisted version of Limgrave or an unexplored area of the Lands Between. This region is consumed by a mysterious purple corruption called "The Night," with smoky, massive humanoid figures roaming the landscape. Blue flames spread destruction as the world transitions into a dark, shadowy state.

This altered world has a vibe reminiscent of the Eternal Cities from the base game, with possible connections to the lore surrounding a Night Lord. A fast-moving hero appears, hinting at quicker, action-packed gameplay and flashy abilities.

Other shots in the trailer show shadowy Titans spreading "the night" across a familiar location, possibly Gatefront. It’s unclear if this game is a prequel to Elden Ring, but the connection to the Lands Between is undeniable.

The heroes sprint through these corrupted zones with incredible speed, dodging fire and enemies. One hero rides a spectral hawk, while the text introduces a group of unlikely allies banding together to face this overwhelming threat.

The trailer also teases environments resembling Scarlet Rot zones, massive spider-like creatures, and locations with features reminiscent of the Village of Albinaurics, now overrun with colossal roots.

The Heroes

Several heroes are introduced, each with unique designs and abilities:

Hero 1: A Valkyrie-inspired figure equipped with a longsword, a buckler shield, and a weapon resembling a fire-powered pile bunker.

Hero 2: A humanoid hawk with both wings and arms, possibly tied to the mysterious Stormhawk lore.

Hero 3: A rogue-like character with light armor and daggers, exuding a Bloodborne-like vibe.

Hero 4: A horned warrior wielding a massive great axe, showcasing brute strength and a tank-like build.

Enemies and Gameplay

The enemies include a variety of threats, such as a creature resembling the Centipede Demon from Dark Souls, Stormveil soldiers, and new shadow-infused monsters. The Zamor Warrior from ELDEN RING returns with upgraded moves, like an ice tornado.

Gameplay elements are highlighted, such as one hero using a fire-powered weapon to pull enemies closer and the rogue character performing quick, agile attacks. Birdman’s ability to take flight adds an exciting vertical dynamic to the combat.

One interesting detail is a revival mechanic shown during a fight, suggesting a more cooperative experience that allows players to assist fallen teammates.

Dark Souls Connections

The trailer drops a bombshell: a character resembling the Fire Keeper from Dark Souls 3 makes an appearance, her design and voice closely mirroring the original. Later, the Nameless King is revealed, looking almost unchanged from his Dark Souls 3 form. These moments confirm a deeper connection between the Dark Souls and Elden Ring universes, though how this fits into the lore remains a mystery.

What to Expect

Elden Ring NIGHTREIGN is shaping up to be a bold departure from the typical open-world RPG formula. Its focus on hero-based survival gameplay and multiplayer co-op may not appeal to everyone, but it offers a fresh take for fans of the Soulsborne series.

With FromSoftware seemingly pushing for annual releases, this game looks like it will deliver an intense, innovative experience. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach 2025.