Elden Ring Nightreign has been revealed as a highly anticipated standalone co-op adventure that takes place in a parallel universe to the main game. This new title promises to expand the Elden Ring universe in exciting ways, especially for players seeking cooperative multiplayer experiences. Let's dive into everything we know so far about Elden Ring Nightreign, including the release date estimate, gameplay features, story, and more!

Release Date Estimate

The Elden Ring Nightreign release date is expected to be sometime in 2025. While there's no exact date yet, the reveal trailer that aired during The Game Awards in December 2024 gives us a good idea of the game's current progress. Given the timing and the fact that FromSoftware tends to release their games with a bit of a window for delays, we estimate the game will likely be released in the latter half of 2025.

Nightreign will be available on PC (via Steam), as well as for PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X/S consoles. This broad availability will ensure that a large player base can dive into this exciting new co-op experience.

Gameplay and Features

Elden Ring Nightreign is being billed as a standalone multiplayer game, which means that while it shares some thematic and gameplay similarities with Elden Ring, it will not be a direct continuation of the story or world. However, it takes place in a parallel universe where the events in the Lands Between have shifted, giving room for fresh challenges and a new narrative.

The Setting - Limveld: The main area of Nightreign is called Limveld, a procedurally generated “open-air dungeon” that gives the game an almost rogue-like feel. Limveld will be populated by random enemies, locations, and cameos from other FromSoftware titles, adding surprises and challenges.

Co-op Multiplayer: This is the core of the gameplay experience. Players will form teams of Nightfarers (a name suggested in the reveal) to tackle the procedurally generated challenges of Limveld. Expect cooperative puzzles, exploration, and intense boss fights designed to test teamwork.

Character Customization: Like the original Elden Ring, Nightreign will allow players to customize their characters, but with a focus on multiplayer synergy. The network test scheduled for February 2025 will likely feature limited customization options, giving players a glimpse of what's to come.

Combat System: While we expect the core of the combat to remain familiar to Elden Ring fans, with fast-paced action, melee, and magic, the cooperative aspect will encourage players to experiment with different team-based strategies. Expect to rely heavily on communication to overcome difficult encounters.

Nightreign Story and Lore

FromSoftware is known for its cryptic and layered storytelling, and Elden Ring Nightreign looks set to follow in that tradition. Though we don't have full details yet, here's what we can glean from the reveal and early teasers:

The Nightlord and the Nox: The story hints at an enigmatic antagonist known as the Nightlord, who is said to be connected to the Nox—an ancient race that was banished underground for treason. The Nox are mentioned in the flavor text of items like the Nox Swordstress Crown and Night Maiden Twin Crown, and these references point to the lore of the Elden Ring universe that we'll see in Nightreign.

The Age of Stars: The Age of Stars is a key reference in Elden Ring lore, especially in the context of the Ranni questline. There are speculations that Nightreign could be set in a world where Ranni's Age of Stars has been realized. In this timeline, the Nightlord could be a Tarnished hero who helped Ranni usher in the Age of Stars and perhaps even played a role in the corruption of the world, as hinted by the blue flame seen in the trailer.

Fire Keeper and Dark Souls Connection: A particularly intriguing moment in the reveal trailer is the appearance of the Fire Keeper from Dark Souls 3, who makes a cryptic appearance in the Roundtable Hold, urging players to prevent a tragedy. This suggests that Elden Ring Nightreign could tie into FromSoftware's shared multiverse of games, a theory that has been popular among fans for some time. It seems like Nightreign could provide further connections between Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and potentially other Souls-like titles.

Nightreign Network Test and Beta

The Nightreign Network Test is scheduled to take place in February 2025. This test will allow players to experience a portion of the game, though it will likely be limited to certain areas and gameplay mechanics. Registration for the test is already open on the official Elden Ring Nightreign website, and players who sign up may be selected to participate.

The beta will give us a glimpse of what the final game will look like, and the character portraits shown on the registration page seem to tease the available playable characters. Expect a small roster of Nightfarers to be available in the beta.

Trailers and Reveals

The official Elden Ring Nightreign trailer that aired during The Game Awards in December 2024 showcased a blend of in-engine gameplay and cutscenes. FromSoftware has repurposed much of the original Elden Ring assets to craft a new experience but with a unique twist. The blue flame and Night's Reign motif were prominent in the trailer, hinting at the corruptive power the Nightlord wields over Limveld.

Given that the trailer mainly featured gameplay, it's clear that Nightreign will focus on action and exploration, with the co-op mechanics playing a central role. Fans can expect more trailers as the game approaches release.

Conclusion

Elden Ring Nightreign looks set to expand on the Elden Ring universe in exciting new ways, particularly for those who are looking for a co-op experience. With a release estimate for 2025, the game promises a fresh take on multiplayer gameplay, set in a parallel universe with unique storylines, new characters, and intriguing lore. The network test and subsequent beta will offer the first opportunity to explore Limveld, but we can expect much more in the lead-up to the final release.

As Elden Ring Nightreign approaches, players can expect a rich array of items and runes to enhance their experience. Whether you're exploring Limveld or gearing up for its perilous bosses, these items will be crucial in helping you and your fellow Nightfarers survive the journey. Elden Ring Runes will continue to serve as your key to progression, while unique Elden Ring items and Great Runes could open up new avenues for powerful builds and co-op strategies.