The newly announced spin-off game Elden Ring: Nightreign will mark a new chapter for FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games finally embracing a dedicated multiplayer experience. With Elden Ring: Nightreign’s focus on co-op multiplayer, the obvious next step for From Software would be a purely PvP-focused game.
As primarily single-player games, FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games inevitably face decreasing player counts as players finish the game and move on, which unfortunately affects the PvP community surrounding each game. Therefore, a standalone PvP Soulsborne game could be the key to uniting the community on a timeless platform. Especially after Elden Ring: Nightreign appears to blend iconic features from past Soulsborne games into a modern co-op experience, PvP multiplayer arguably deserves the same treatment.
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Elden Ring: Nightreign Paves a Path for More Multiplayer Soulsborne Games
While multiplayer is a large part of FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games, the core of these games is a purely single-player experience. Naturally, this is part of what makes FromSoftware’s new spin-off game Elden Ring: Nightreign so special, as it essentially flips the script. Based on what’s been shown off so far, Elden Ring: Nightreign is already shaping up to be the most seamless co-op Soulsborne game to date, presumably inspired by one of Elden Ring’s most popular community mods that abandons some of the restrictions that are commonplace for multiplayer in Soulsborne games.
Elden Ring: Nightreign
is designed for co-op between three players, though it will still support solo play and two-player multiplayer.
This new approach to multiplayer in Elden Ring: Nightreign could potentially signal a shift for the next generation of FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games after Elden Ring to maintain a seamless multiplayer experience. At the very least, it creates a golden opportunity for a PvP-focused Soulsborne game or spin-off to finally become a reality.
The Case For a PvP-Focused Soulsborne Game
A Standalone PvP Soulsborne Game Could Unite the Community With a Timeless Platform
The existing Soulsborne games make for great platforms for PvP, as they have the benefit of in-depth progression systems and a variety of buildcrafting tools that players can carry over into PvP game modes. This results in nearly infinite build variety that generally makes no two duels quite the same. However, the downside to PvP multiplayer in FromSoftware’s games is that the community tends to face decreasing player counts as more and more players defeat their last boss and move on from the game.
It is typical for single-player games to gradually lose their player count, though this occurrence doesn’t make it any less frustrating for the players who remain committed to these games solely to participate in PvP activities. Therefore, a standalone PvP Soulsborne game could serve the purpose of uniting the community on a timeless platform that will outlast the inevitably short lifecycle of a single-player game.
From Software’s PvP Multiplayer Deserves the Elden Ring: Nightreign Treatment
While the existing Soulsborne games have the benefit of unique progression systems and buildcrafting tools, a standalone PvP Soulsborne game could still recreate parts of these features, similar to how Elden Ring: Nightreign blends past Soulsborne games into a new, modern experience. For example, each Soulsborne game could have a specific game made that includes unique features from the respective game, like a mode with Bloodborne’s dynamic health recovery and trick weapons, or an Elden Ring mode with mounts and Spirit Summons.
There has always seemingly been a void for a standalone PvP Soulsborne experience made by FromSoftware, and the need for such a platform is naturally at an all-time high following the announcement of Elden Ring: Nightreign. Regardless of whether this upcoming co-op spin-off will spark a chain reaction in future mainline games changing their approach to multiplayer, a PvP-focused game still seems like a natural progression for FromSoftware’s Soulsborne titles.
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.
Join forces with other players to take on the creeping night and the dangers within featuring 3-player co-op.
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.
Overcome a relentless environmental threat that sweeps through a land that changes between each game session and defeat the magnificent boss of that night!
- Released
- 2025-00-00
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- Number of Players
- 1-3