First Impressions of Elden Ring: Nightreign

05/28/2025

Early reviews for Elden Ring: Nightreign, the upcoming co-op-focused spinoff from FromSoftware, have started to appear ahead of its official release on May 30, 2025. Initial impressions are generally positive, though several criticisms have also emerged.

Set in the Elden Ring universe, Nightreign shifts the traditional solo experience toward a more dynamic, cooperative format. The game centers around 45-minute expedition runs, where teams of three players engage in resource collection, monster encounters, and climactic boss fights.

Critics highlight several notable features, including a shrinking play zone reminiscent of battle royale games, adding pressure and urgency to each run. Players can choose from eight unique character classes — called Nightfarers — each offering distinct abilities and gameplay styles.

What Critics Are Saying

Strengths:

The game’s three-player co-op system is being praised for encouraging teamwork and coordination. Many note that Nightreign shines when played with friends.
Boss battles, particularly against the so-called “Nightlords,” are described as intense and strategic, offering memorable challenges.
The game offers strong replay value thanks to its roguelike mechanics and randomized elements.

Weaknesses:

Reviewers caution that the game is not well-suited for solo players, with solo runs described as difficult and less engaging.
There are concerns about repetitive content, as some expeditions begin to feel similar after several hours of play.
Cross-platform play is not available at launch, limiting matchmaking options for players on different systems.

Overall Outlook

While Nightreign doesn’t follow the traditional Elden Ring formula, it brings a fresh take on the franchise with its co-op and roguelike structure. Fans of action-focused multiplayer titles are likely to find a lot to enjoy. However, those looking for a rich solo narrative may want to wait for future updates or content expansions.