Elden Ring Nightreign is going to be completely different to FromSoftware’s RPG opus. The core gameplay is the same, but the team’s focus has shifted towards a more online, replayable experience that promises to challenge us in entirely new ways. You can play solo, but co-op is going to be a must if you want to succeed, and strangely enough you can only do this with three players – no more, no less. That might change at some point, however, as FromSoftware has confirmed that it’s “considering” a two-player version of Nightreign – but not immediately.
Now that we know the Elden Ring Nightreign release date is just around the corner, FromSoftware’s multiplayer and roguelike twist on one of the best RPGs ever made has leapt up my most anticipated list. Set in the parallel universe of Limveld, Elden Ring Nightreign is based around procedurally generated dungeons and a constantly shifting landscape, unlike the original game’s more bespoke and deliberate setting.
While the current Elden Ring Nightreign beta is giving some players an early look at the game’s dramatic new approach, the rest of us are going to have to wait for launch. When Nightreign does drop, you’ll be able to traverse Limveld either in a group of three or solo, but not in a pair, with one of your closest pals.
Back when Nightreign was revealed at The Game Awards, director Junya Ishizaki told IGN that putting players into a trio “was largely a game balancing decision.” After tinkering with options during development, Ishizaki said it was “like a sweet spot with three players in order for it not to feel too overwhelming or too busy.” So two-player Nightreign co-op was off the table. Until now, potentially.
In a new interview with UnGeek, Ishizaki says that FromSoftware is in fact looking into balancing Nightreign for just two players, if you and a buddy don’t want a random third wheel. “Regarding having just two players, not three players or solo, it is something we are considering, but it is currently not in the game at the moment,” Ishizaki says.
So while there’s no promise of two player co-op in Nightreign, and seemingly not at launch in a few months, it is something FromSoftware is looking into. Until I can play the game myself, I can’t say whether or not dropping into Limveld as a duo is something I truly want. The game is already balanced for either one or three players, so it would be nice, but only time will tell if we get it or not.
If you just can’t wait for Nightreign, we’ve got all the best soulslikes and best co-op games you can play on PC today.
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