During last year’s Game Awards, when I first saw the Elden Ring Nightreign trailer, it felt like a fever dream. FromSoftware’s fresh spin on the Souls genre intrigued me, and I was eager to try it out. Fortunately, I was selected for the first Nightreign network test, and after battling server issues, I finally set foot in Limveld with random nightfarers. After several intense hours, here are my first impressions.

Choosing Your Hero

Like any Souls game, Elden Ring Nightreign lets you select a prebuilt hero class before beginning your nightfaring journey. There are eight distinct nightfarer classes, but the network test only featured the Wylder, Guardian, Recluse, and Duchess. I experimented with all four, but Wylder and Duchess stood out as my favorites. Once you pick a class, you descend into Limveld on your bird glider, entering a parallel world of Elden Ring.

Gameplay Overview

Elden Ring Nightreign blends online co-op gameplay with roguelike and battle royale elements. The core experience revolves around three-player co-op, though solo play is an option. However, the network test restricted players to random matchmaking without duos.

The gameplay loop is initially overwhelming but becomes intuitive with more runs. Players begin at a renovated roundtable hub, where matchmaking takes place. Once a match is found, your squad selects their classes and boards a bird glider that drops them into Limveld.

Unlike the open-world exploration of the main game, Nightreign demands urgency. It’s a race against time defeat enemies, gather loot, and level up quickly before nightfall. As the storm closes in (similar to battle royale mechanics), players must prepare for boss battles. Surviving the night leads to the next phase, with day three culminating in an intense fight against a powerful Night Lord.

Thankfully, deaths during the day allow respawning at the nearest grace, with lost runes recoverable by teammates. However, if you die during a night boss fight, you must restart from scratch, with each new run introducing randomized elements.

Traversal

Nightreign is a fast-paced game, eliminating Torrent as a traversal option. Instead, the game introduces sprinting without stamina consumption, Sekiro-inspired double jumps for smoother platforming, and a spectral hawk for aerial navigation. There’s also no fall damage, allowing seamless movement across Limveld’s landscapes.

Combat

Each nightfarer class boasts a unique skill, passive ability, and ultimate art. The Duchess, for instance, is a stealthy assassin whose ultimate temporarily renders her squad invisible. These well-designed abilities distinguish Nightreign from its predecessor, adding strategic depth to combat.

Leveling Up and Progression

Nightreign simplifies the leveling system by auto-assigning stat points based on class, removing the need for manual stat allocation. Early levels progress quickly but slow down as you advance.

Progression also involves:

• Weapons with Buffs: Every weapon carries unique buffs, making selection crucial.
• Mini-Boss Rewards: Defeating mini-bosses grants valuable perks.
• Relics: Permanent upgrades acquired during runs enhance character progression, such as increased damage or reduced damage taken.

Difficulty

Nightreign offers a balance between accessibility and challenge. Familiar enemies from Elden Ring populate the world, making early-game leveling easier for veterans. However, night bosses are another story. I encountered Demi-Humans, Tree Sentinel’s army, and the Centipede Demon, all of which tested my limits. Sadly, I didn’t reach the final boss, Gladius, but reports suggest he’s a nightmare.

Performance

I played the network test on PS5. While the game ran smoothly, occasional visual glitches and combat clunkiness were noticeable. For example, enemies sometimes froze in place during backstabs. Hopefully, FromSoftware polishes these issues before the May 30 release.

Verdict: A Unique Souls Experience with Massive Potential

Elden Ring Nightreign redefines the Souls formula, blending roguelike and battle royale elements into an intense co-op adventure. Initially, the lack of a friend matchmaking system was frustrating. Playing with randoms without communication options, made teamwork difficult. However, once I found a solid squad, the experience became incredibly engaging.

While the network test showcased only a fraction of the full game, I’m excited to see how FromSoftware expands on this foundation. There’s room for improvement, particularly in refining combat and adding proper communication features. Still, Nightreign’s unique mechanics and fast-paced action make it a promising addition to the Soulsborne legacy.

For Souls veterans, this game is shaping up to be a must-play. As for newcomers, time will tell if Nightreign’s structure will be welcoming or overwhelming. Either way, I can’t wait to dive back into Limveld for more nightfaring adventures.