FromSoftware is no stranger to redefining genres, and with Elden Ring Nightreign, the studio takes its most lauded franchise into bold new territory. This standalone multiplayer roguelike spinoff doesn’t just borrow from the main Elden Ring experience—it refines it into a frenetic, cooperative survival spectacle that’s as deep as it is accessible. With a release date set for May 30, Nightreign is already shaping up to be the must-play soulslike of 2025, and here’s why its blend of character customization, tactical team play, and soul-crushing boss battles makes it a phenomenal addition to the Elden Ring mythos.
Dynamic biomes and an unforgiving fire circle create relentless urgency
At its core, Nightreign is a three-day gauntlet of exploration, combat, and quick decision-making. Players, known as Nightfarers, traverse a shifting map filled with randomized biomes, weapons, and enemies—all while dodging an ever-encroaching circle of fire that forces constant movement. This mechanic, reminiscent of battle royale zones but cleverly integrated into the Souls formula, adds an exhilarating layer of pressure. You’re not just fighting to survive; you’re racing against time and terrain to grow stronger before night falls and deadly bosses emerge.
Each day culminates in a climactic showdown against one of the brand-new Nightlords—formidable boss enemies unique to Nightreign. These fights aren’t just about raw power; they demand coordination, timing, and creative synergy between players’ abilities. And speaking of abilities, the diverse cast of Nightfarers ensures every team composition feels fresh and strategic.
Eight distinct Nightfarers unlock endless build variety without stat gatekeeping
One of Nightreign’s smartest design choices is how it handles character classes. There are eight playable Nightfarers, each with unique skills, passive abilities, and upgrade paths—but none of them restrict your weapon choices. That’s right: regardless of who you pick, you can wield any weapon or armor you find. This frees players to experiment wildly, turning a single run into a playground of builds.
Take Wylder, the game’s emblematic knight. Equipped with a greatsword and a grappling Claw Shot, he embodies versatility. His Sixth Sense passive even gives you a second chance at death, making him perfect for learning the ropes. Then there’s Guardian, the eagle-headed tank with a greatshield and halberd, whose Ultimate Art Wings of Salvation doubles as a devastating attack and an emergency team revive. It’s the kind of playmaking move that turns the tide of boss fights in an instant.
Duchess offers a high-risk, high-reward rogue style, zipping through enemies with double dodges and a killer Skill called Restage that makes foes re-take recent damage. Meanwhile, Recluse the mage class lets you chain elemental spells for explosive combos—her Soulblood Song ultimate even buffs your team while debuffing enemies. Each Nightfarer feels meticulously crafted to complement team dynamics and player creativity.
Relics and customization turn failure into power and style
In a move that keeps every run meaningful, Nightreign rewards even failed attempts with relics—items that permanently enhance your characters and unlock new customization options. These relics allow for deep personalization of playstyles, ensuring no two Nightfarers evolve the same way. Whether you’re doubling down on magic, tanking hits, or flanking with stealth, the progression system has your back.
And for the style hunters among us, the Fitting Mirror in the Roundtable Hold lets you don armor sets pulled straight from FromSoftware’s greatest hits. Spot the fan-favorites: a radiant Solaire with a new regal twist, Ringfinger Leonhard’s dark elegance, and the iconic Faraam set from Dark Souls 3. These cosmetics don’t just look cool—they’re love letters to the Souls community, bridging Nightreign with the full legacy of the studio’s mythic worlds.
Bosses, echoes, and a potential necromancer make for thrilling mysteries
The trailer teases more than just combat—it hints at lore and connections waiting to be unraveled. The haunting doll Revenant, with her eerie summons that resemble Priscilla’s ethereal grace, may be more than just a character. Fans speculate she could control Spirit Ashes like a necromancer, turning boss fights into tactical puppeteering. It’s a theory that fits perfectly with From’s penchant for cryptic storytelling and mechanical depth.
And then there are the Nightlords themselves. These new boss entities don’t just test your skill—they challenge your team’s chemistry. Successfully surviving three days of raids and hunts to face them feels like earning a championship belt in the Souls esports. Failures sting, but the relic rewards soften the blow and encourage you to adapt and come back stronger.
Nightreign may be FromSoftware’s most player-focused masterpiece yet
Elden Ring Nightreign isn’t just a spinoff—it’s a celebration of everything that makes FromSoftware great, filtered through a cooperative roguelike lens. It strips away stat gating, adds meaningful progression through relics, and injects urgency with the fiery circle mechanic. The result is a game that welcomes solo grinders, team strategists, and lore hunters alike.
With its nods to Dark Souls armor sets, its bold new boss designs, and its incredible array of Nightfarer classes, Nightreign stands poised to become a new classic. Whether you’re pulling off explosive combos with friends, sneaking in backstabs as a stealthy Duchess, or just basking in the glory of a successful three-day run, this is Elden Ring gameplay reimagined—and it’s nothing short of spectacular.