Elden Ring Nightreign was officially released on May 30, 2025. Developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, this title serves as a standalone, cooperative roguelike action RPG. Unlike traditional expansions or the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, Nightreign is a separate purchase that introduces a session-based gameplay loop set in a parallel universe to the original Lands Between.

As of its launch in mid-2025, the game has quickly expanded its footprint across multiple gaming platforms, including PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. This guide provides a deep dive into the release details, platform specifics, and the intricate mechanics that define this dark, procedural adventure.

What is Elden Ring Nightreign?

Elden Ring Nightreign is not a DLC for the 2022 hit Elden Ring. It is a spin-off title that utilizes many of the engine's core combat elements but pivots toward a cooperative survival and roguelike structure. Set in a region known as Limveld—a chaotic, distorted reflection of Limgrave—the game tasks players with surviving a relentless "eternal night."

The premise centers on the Primordial Night, a cataclysmic event that halted the cycle of the Erdtree and plunged the world into darkness. Players take on the role of Nightfarers, specialized warriors summoned to the dilapidated Round Table Hold to defeat eight powerful entities known as Nightlords. The game is designed for high replayability, with procedurally generated maps and a "session-based" approach where a single run typically lasts about 45 to 60 minutes.

Official Release Date and Availability

The worldwide release occurred on May 30, 2025. Following its reveal at The Game Awards 2024, the title underwent rigorous network testing in early 2025 to ensure its three-player cooperative systems were stable.

Current Status and Updates

Since its initial release, the game has seen significant post-launch support. In December 2025, FromSoftware released the first major DLC for the title, titled "The Forsaken Hollows," which added new maps, characters, and bosses. Additionally, a tabletop RPG (TRPG) version of Elden Ring Nightreign is currently scheduled for release in Japan on June 19, 2026, which will adapt the video game's three-day cycle mechanics for board game players.

Platforms and Technical Performance

Elden Ring Nightreign is accessible on both current-generation and last-generation hardware.

  • PC (Steam): Requires a modern GPU for optimal performance, especially with the volumetric rain and violet fire effects of the Night's Tide.
  • PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S: Supports 4K resolution and 60 FPS performance modes. Loading times are significantly reduced due to SSD optimization, which is crucial for the procedural generation of Limveld.
  • PlayStation 4 and Xbox One: While the game remains playable, it features lower texture resolution and a capped frame rate. However, cross-generation play is supported within the same console family (e.g., PS4 players can join PS5 sessions).

Notably, there is no cross-platform play between PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Players must be on the same ecosystem to form a three-person squad.

Pricing and Purchase Options

Bandai Namco has positioned Nightreign as a mid-tier priced standalone experience. It is more expensive than a standard DLC but cheaper than a full $70 AAA release.

  1. Standard Edition ($39.99): Includes the base game and access to all standard Nightfarer classes.
  2. Deluxe Edition ($54.99): Includes a digital artbook, the soundtrack, and exclusive cosmetic "garb" for the starting characters.
  3. Collector's Edition: Includes a physical figurine of the Nightlord Gladius and a hardcover lore book detailing the history of Limveld.

Core Gameplay Mechanics: The Three-Day Cycle

The most distinctive feature of Nightreign is its structure. Every session is divided into three in-game days and nights.

The Day Phase: Exploration and Farming

During the day, players explore Limveld to gather resources, find Sites of Grace, and defeat minor enemies. The environment is procedurally generated, meaning the layout of ruins, enemy camps, and loot chests changes with every run. The primary goal during the day is to gain "Marks" and level up the character to prepare for the inevitable difficulty spike at night.

The Night Phase and the Night's Tide

As night falls, a mechanic known as the "Night's Tide" begins. Similar to the "circle" in battle royale games, a wall of violet flames and freezing rain begins to shrink the playable area. Players caught outside the safe zone take continuous damage. Each night culminates in a mandatory boss encounter against a randomized guardian. Defeating these guardians allows the safe zone to recede temporarily, granting players a chance to rest before the next day begins.

Survival and Perma-death

In Nightreign, death is handled differently than in the original Elden Ring. During the daytime, players can be revived by their teammates if their HP reaches zero. However, dying during the night phase—especially during the Nightlord confrontation—ends the session immediately. While most items and levels are lost upon a session's end, players earn "Relics" that provide permanent stat boosts, ensuring that even a failed run contributes to long-term progression.

Meet the Nightfarers: Playable Classes

Instead of a custom character creator, players choose from eight pre-made "Nightfarers." Each class has a specific role, ultimate ability, and backstory.

Wylder (The Balanced Fighter)

The Wylder is the most versatile class, wielding a longsword and a wrist-mounted grappling claw. The claw allows for high mobility, pulling the Wylder toward enemies or allowing them to escape dangerous ground-based AOE attacks. Their ultimate involves a massive iron stake slam that deals heavy posture damage.

Iron Eye (The Sharpshooter)

Focusing on ranged combat, the Iron Eye uses a longbow with high precision. Their unique skill allows them to "Mark" enemies, increasing the damage taken by that target for the entire team. In our experience, having an Iron Eye is essential for boss encounters to maintain consistent damage from a safe distance.

Raider (The Berserker)

The Raider is a high-risk, high-reward class. They use heavy "big weapons" and have a defensive skill that reduces incoming damage at the cost of stamina. Their playstyle revolves around staying in the face of the enemy and utilizing life-steal mechanics to stay healthy.

Recluse (The Witch)

A master of cursed magic, the Recluse utilizes blood chants to brand enemies. Unlike the sorceries in the main game, the Recluse’s magic often has a "build-up" mechanic where sustained casting triggers massive bursts of damage. They are physically fragile but offer the highest burst damage in the game.

Duchess (The Assassin)

Specializing in evasion and daggers, the Duchess is built for players who enjoy high-speed combat. Her skills allow her to become temporarily invisible or perform "Blink" dodges that phase through enemy attacks.

Guardian (The Tank)

The Guardian is a "pinion folk" knight who carries a massive shield and a halberd. They can perform a whirlwind move that pulls aggro away from teammates, making them the cornerstone of any balanced three-person squad.

Executor (The Swordsman)

A master of the katana, the Executor focuses on parries and counter-attacks. Their ultimate ability slows down time for a brief moment, allowing them to land a series of devastating slashes.

Revenant (The Summoner)

The most unique class, the Revenant, is a possessed doll that uses a lyre to summon spirits. Instead of fighting directly, the Revenant manages several AI-controlled spirits that can heal allies or distract bosses.

Progression and Customization: Marks and Relics

The progression system in Nightreign is designed to be "simplified but deep."

Session-Based Leveling

Inside a run, players collect Runes to increase their level. Unlike the original game's stat-by-stat investment, leveling up in Nightreign boosts all stats (HP, Stamina, Attack Power) simultaneously. This keeps the pace fast and prevents players from spending too much time in menus during a high-stakes session.

Permanent Upgrades

Between sessions at the Round Table Hold, players can spend "Marks of the Night" earned from defeating bosses. These Marks unlock:

  • Relics: Passive items that can be equipped at the start of a run (e.g., +10% fire resistance, faster stamina recovery).
  • Skins: Cosmetic variations for the eight Nightfarers to allow for visual personalization.
  • New Tools: Starting items like specialized bombs or gliders that assist in traversal.

The World of Limveld and Alternative Lore

Limveld provides a "What If?" scenario for Elden Ring fans. In this timeline, the shattering did not lead to the rise of the Shardbearers in the way we know them. Instead, the "Primordial Night" became the dominant force.

  • Atmosphere: The golden hue of the Erdtree is entirely absent. The sky is a deep violet, and the landscape is littered with ruins of churches that no longer pray to Queen Marika.
  • Environmental Events: To keep runs dynamic, Limveld features random events such as meteoric impacts, ant swarms, and volcanic eruptions. These events can drastically change the terrain mid-session.
  • Movement: Traversal is more agile than in the base game. Players can perform wall jumps, vault over ledges, and even use a spectral bird to glide across chasms.

Story Endings and Remembrances

Despite being a roguelike, Nightreign features a complete narrative with multiple endings. Each Nightfarer has a "Remembrance Quest"—a series of objectives that must be completed across multiple runs to unlock their specific story conclusion.

  1. The Dawn Ending: This is the "standard" ending where players defeat He Olstor (the manifestations of the Primordial Night) and offer the Nightlord's Rune to a shriveled figure in the hold. This resets the timeline, leading back to the events of the original Elden Ring.
  2. The New Night Ending: Achieved by completing the Wylder’s questline. The protagonist chooses to fuse with the darkness to protect their sister (the Priestess), starting a new cycle of night.
  3. The Endless Night Ending: Unlocked through the Iron Eye’s quest. This condemns Limveld to eternal darkness for the sake of "Those Who Live in Death."
  4. The Night of Love Ending: A hidden ending associated with the Recluse, where she finds a "child" made of the primordial night and chooses to nurture it rather than destroy it.

The Everdark Sovereigns: End-Game Content

For players who find the standard Nightlords too easy, FromSoftware introduced the "Everdark Sovereigns" mode. This update, which began rolling out in June 2025, features intensified versions of the bosses with new third phases.

  • Adel, Baron of Night: The first Sovereign, known for his relentless aerial attacks.
  • Ful'ghor, Champion of Nightglow: A boss that utilizes lightning and holy damage simultaneously.
  • Gladius, Beast of Night: The final Sovereign released in August 2025, serving as the ultimate test of a team's coordination and relic builds.

Elden Ring Nightreign FAQ

Is Elden Ring Nightreign a multiplayer-only game?

No. While it is designed for three-player online co-op, the difficulty scales for solo players. You can complete the entire game and unlock all endings alone, though some boss mechanics are clearly balanced with a team in mind.

Do I need to own Elden Ring to play Nightreign?

No. Nightreign is a standalone game. You do not need the original Elden Ring or the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion installed on your system.

How long does it take to beat Elden Ring Nightreign?

A single successful run takes about 45 to 60 minutes. However, seeing all the endings and unlocking all permanent relics and character quests can take anywhere from 30 to 50 hours, depending on your skill level and luck with procedural drops.

Does the game have cross-play?

Nightreign supports cross-generation play (PS4 with PS5, Xbox One with Xbox Series X) but does not support cross-platform play (PC cannot play with PlayStation, etc.).

Is there a character creator?

There is no traditional character creator. You must choose from the eight pre-made Nightfarers. However, you can customize their armor colors and skins as you progress.

Conclusion

Elden Ring Nightreign represents a bold experiment for FromSoftware. By taking the polished combat and atmospheric world-building of the Elden Ring universe and transplanting it into a cooperative roguelike structure, they have created a game that feels both familiar and entirely fresh.

Whether you are a hardcore Souls fan looking for a new challenge or a group of friends wanting a high-stakes co-op experience, the May 30, 2025, release of Nightreign offers a deep, rewarding journey into the heart of the eternal night. With its ongoing updates like the Everdark Sovereigns and the Forsaken Hollows expansion, the world of Limveld continues to evolve, promising hundreds of hours of survival and discovery.