FromSoftware is responsible for crafting some of the strongest games of the 21st century, and Elden Ring Nightreign sets out to give the developer’s most recent success a multiplayer spin-off. Elden Ring was one of 2022’s most popular titles, taking home the coveted Game of the Year award at The Game Awards. The franchise once again took the awards show by storm this year, announcing Elden Ring Nightreign as the next piece of Elden Ring content fans will get to revel in.
Over the summer, Elden Ring got its first (and last) DLC with Shadow of the Erdtree. The massive expansion caused some debate about being nominated as GOTY, but it was also a testament to how massive of a DLC it was. Between Shadow of the Erdtree and Nightreign, fans of Elden Ring and FromSoftware games in general are having a field day, and it may be a sign of what the developer has in store for the future, if its multiplayer ambitions prove successful.
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Elden Ring: Nightreign Could Be Taking a Page From Monster Hunter Wilds’ Book
Based on info revealed about Elden Ring: Nightreign’s gameplay, it could be trying something similar to one of Monster Hunter Wilds’ best features.
If Elden Ring Nightreign Proves Successful, the IP Could Live on in Unexpected Ways
Confirmed Features for Elden Ring Nightreign
- Up to three-player co-op
- Eight heroes to choose from with unique skills
- Maps change as one plays
- Survival-based gameplay that tasks players with surviving a three-day and night cycle
- Players take on a powerful boss at the end of each day
- The main bosses are known as “Nightlords”
Nightreign is a compelling concept, but only time will tell if it strikes the same chord with players as Elden Ring and its expansion did. Many players were likely expecting the next piece of Elden Ring content to either be another DLC or a full-blown sequel, but Nightreign is demonstrating that FromSoftware may have some exciting and bold plans in mind for expanding the franchise. The announcement of Nightreign was completely unexpected, and if it becomes a hit, then gamers may be seeing far more of Elden Ring in the future, just not in the way one may have predicted.
If spin-offs are a viable way to grow the IP, then Elden Ring may not continue via sequel, but instead experimental new entries. As of now, it’s not entirely clear what to expect from Nightreign, and its mysterious concept has made the eagerness for its release that much more palpable.
Despite the game’s multiplayer focus, Elden Ring Nightreign will unfortunately not feature cross-platform support.
Unique Spin-Offs Could Be the Best Path Forward for Elden Ring
Instead of a direct sequel to Elden Ring, spin-offs like Nightreign may be the strongest way to keep the franchise fresh far into the future. Of course, there could still be room for a full-blown sequel, but if FromSoftware foregoes this route, getting more Elden Ring stories in the form of inventive new titles is definitely another great option. The reveal of Nightreign has proven that FromSoftware is still a developer that can be full of surprises, and as the game’s release date draws closer, it will be thrilling for many to finally see what the studio has up its sleeve with a multiplayer venture.
While Elden Ring Nightreign has yet to pin down a release date, the game is slated for sometime in 2025. The game is being directed by Junya Ishizaki, who boasts credits as a designer for some of FromSoftware’s biggest hits, like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Dark Souls 3, and Elden Ring.
As it nears its three-year anniversary, Elden Ring has made its mark as an incredibly influential title, which makes FromSoftware’s eagerness to expand its world as much as possible understandable. 2025 was already labeled as a massive year for gaming, and Nightreign has brought even more excitement to the table.
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