Elden Ring: Nightreign Reviews
Though it doesn't reach the heights of FromSoftware's recent titles, Elden Ring Nightreign makes it seem as though the developer could try their hand at anything and find success. Deliciously punishing and addictively moreish, Nightreign is worth the price of admission and then some.
Elden Ring Nightreign proves, if anything, that FromSoftware's design fundamentals are confident enough to be malleable in the most surprising of ways. Its punishing pace may initially overwhelm but there is truly strength in numbers.
The Gang’s All Here with Elden Ring Nightreign—And, Surprisingly, It Works
Elden Ring Nightreign is a faster, roguelike remix of the Souls formula that swaps deep exploration for co-op urgency. Combat is more agile, pacing is relentless, and boss fights thrive on teamwork. Still, not every change lands. FromSoftware's familiar connection issues can spoil a good run, the storytelling lacks expected depth, and the Limveld map may be mastered very quickly. Overall, Nightreign delivers exciting high-speed battles and rewarding experimentation. It's a bold spinoff that breaks the rules and mostly gets away with it.
Elden Ring Nightreign is an unusual yet well-executed effort by FromSoftware, blending rogue-like progression and battle royale mechanics into a fun co-op experience despite some nagging issues.
Elden Ring Nightreign is the "greatest hits" album of FromSoftware games. With bosses from Dark Souls, builds inspired by Bloodborne and Sekiro, and the world of Elden Ring, it has something for every Soulslike fan. And it's multiplayer. It throws a lot into one pot and ends up as more of a cracked pot. But patches may fix it over time. No, not that Patches.
Elden Ring Nightreign is a fun concept, but despite excellent boss fights and a fun start, it quickly becomes repetitive and tedious.
Elden Ring Nightreign won't be every FromSoft fan's cup of tea, and this is especially true if you're a lone wolf.
Elden Ring: Nightreign is both a love letter and a remix of everything FromSoftware fans adore. While the multiplayer focus won't work for everyone, the sheer amount of challenge, variety, and the ever-elusive dopamine hit make it something special and something to be remembered.
Elden Ring: Nightreign does not seek widespread audience - and that's a really good thing. FromSoftware doesn't make compromises. Instead of doing “more of the same,” it has opted for a design that is completely new, system-dense and ruthlessly honest. Does it have flaws? Of course; excessively long boss fights can be frustrating. Still, Nightreign demands, but it also rewards. And it does so without half measures.
Review in Polish | Read full review
I first went into Elden Ring: Nightreign during the PS5 network test some months ago, and my expectations weren't overly high. After that network text, I was left somewhat optimistic. All the FromSoft magic was there, excellent, minimalistic writing, fantastic audio, and crushing enemies. All of this has continued into the final game.
Elden Ring: Nightreign is a bold move to expand the series through a cooperative, dynamic format. While its streamlined progression and limited exploration may disappoint purists, the addition of roguelike and battle royale elements doesn't quite fit FromSoftware's design ethos. It might draw in new players, but longtime fans may find the balance between innovation and tradition a bit off.
Review in Italian | Read full review
A fascinating precursor to FromSoftware's multiplayer pivot, Elden Ring: Nightreign offers us a glimpse at the thrills, and pitfalls, of adapting the studio's signature style to meet contemporary standards. Propulsively fun gameplay loops and a killer art direction gently usher in one of the least considered efforts from the studio to date.
Despite its various balance and design issues, Elden Ring Nightreign is still an intriguing experiment from FromSoftware. The fusion of roguelike elements with the Soulslike formula feels as naturally complementary as survivor-likes expanding on gear-driven systems-full of potential by design. While it's clear that the studio lacks deep experience in this particular coop genre blend, Nightreign could have gone further.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
Elden Ring Nightreign impressed me with its clever gameplay, stunning game world, but also numerous nightlords and enemy design. Sure, there were some issues at launch, but those were mostly ironed out, and matchmaking now runs very well. Of course, you can still choose to go on solo expeditions, if playing with others is not your cup of tea.
Elden Ring Nightreign left a mixed impression. The intense gameplay cycle, combat system and diverse classes - all this is wonderfully combined, completely immersing you in the project. You want to play Nightreign again and again! But the abundance of technical problems and the lack of basic functions that almost all current multiplayer projects have had for a long time, periodically ruin all the fun, make you want to quit the game and wait for a couple of patches.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Nice variety of hero characters, rogue-lite features in the game, every time you start a stage the important points change randomly and also a great variety of weapons and there are no requirements for them, the Nightlord leaders are distinctive and diverse and provide a strong challenge
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Elden Ring Nightreign is a very clever game. FromSoftware has produced a multiplayer-focused “Souls” experience that borrows some of the best ideas from the multiplayer giants while retaining the Soulslike formula and style. It’s not really for me. I’m a mega Souls fan, but I’m there for the dark fantasy storytelling and exploration more than the action and bosses. But I can appreciate what FromSoftware has done with this, and I certainly think the team has nailed what they set out to achieve with it.
Elden Ring: Nightfall is less a meticulously crafted title and more a playground for the developers to experiment with bold new ideas. At its core, Nightfall is so distinct from FromSoftware’s previous works that it can’t be wholeheartedly recommended to every fan. However, if you're drawn to roguelike structures infused with Soulsborne-style combat, and enjoy cooperative multiplayer—especially with a well-synced group—Nightfall offers a rewarding experience despite some rough edges. Otherwise, you might be better off waiting for the studio’s next single-player epic.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Elden Ring: Nightreign reimagines FromSoftware's soulslike formula as a thrilling cooperative experience, blending roguelike and Battle Royale elements. Fast-paced movement complements strategic, pattern-based combat across dynamic biomes, with emergent gameplay systems keeping every run fresh. Addictive and accessible, Nightreign shines brightest with friends to vanquish Night Lords. It's a bold evolution for fans.
Review in Spanish | Read full review