FromSoftware didn’t announce a sequel toElden Ringduring The Game Awards 2024, but it did announce a spin-off calledElden Ring Nightreign. The reveal ofNightreigncame as a surprise to many FromSoftware fans for a multitude of reasons. Some gamers didn’t think FromSoftware would return to the world ofElden Ringso soon, especially since it had just released the critically-acclaimedShadow of the Erdtreeexpansion. Others, meanwhile, weren’t really expecting a spin-off of any kind, considering FromSoftware typically wasn’t known for releasing side games in its flagship franchises. Nonetheless,Elden Ring Nightreign’s announcement became one of the biggest highlights of The Game Awards in the eyes of many fans.
AlthoughElden Ring Nightreignlooks similar toElden Ringfrom a distance, it is actually quite different from the acclaimed 2022 RPG in a lot of ways. Unlike its predecessor, the game is focused primarily on co-operative multiplayer, and it features significantly more fluid, fast-paced combat.Elden Ring Nightreigntakes place in a procedurally-generated version of Limgrave and, as such, is more of a roguelike rather than a traditional Soulslike. Interestingly,Elden Ring Nightreignis also not going to include a major feature that was present inElden Ringand many of FromSoftware’s other Soulslikes: the ability to leave comments on the ground for other players to see. The removal of this iconic gameplay mechanic is disappointing, but understandable, especially considering what type of gameNightreignis.
Elden Ring Nightreign Ditching the Messaging Mechanic from Elden Ring Makes Sense
Most of FromSoftware’s Soulslikes Allow Players to Leave Messages for Others to See In-Game
Since the release of 2009’sDemon’s Souls, FromSoftware has incorporated a unique communication mechanic into almostall of its Soulslikes(excluding the singleplayer-onlySekiro: Shadows Die Twice). Instead of a traditional direct message or chat system like in most other multiplayer games, many of FromSoftware’s recent titles allow players to interact with others by leaving messages in certain areas within a game. These messages are sometimes used by players to warn fellow gamers of nearby dangers and to provide tips to beginners. In many instances, though, they are used simply to leave joke comments or to mislead people to get them killed in-game.
Elden Ring Nightreign Won’t Give Players the Ability to Leave Messages For a Few Reasons
During a recent interview with IGN Japan,Elden Ring Nightreigndirector Junya Ishizakistated that the upcoming RPG would limit the amount of asynchronous multiplayer mechanics that were present in the originalElden Ring. Although he noted that players would still be able to see the ghosts of other players, he confirmed that the game would not include the “ability to leave messages.” ConsideringElden Ring Nightreign’s multiplayer slant, players will probably be able to send messages to one another in other ways, but they won’t be able to interact as easily with others as they could inDark SoulsorBloodborne.
Some may be concerned about what the removal of this feature inElden Ring Nightreigncould mean forfuture FromSoftware games, but there shouldn’t be much to worry about. There are, after all, some good reasons for its omission in the upcoming RPG. As Ishizaki himself stated, the gameplay loop ofElden Ring Nightreignis far more condensed compared to itsDark Soulscounterparts. The game is meant to be played in short, 40-minute rounds, and because of this, players won’t have the time to go around reading messages that others left on the ground.
One otheraspect ofElden Ring Nightreignthat’s important to keep in mind when discussing this topic is its procedurally-generated environments. Since no two levels in the RPG will ever be the same, leaving messages in these areas would kind of be pointless. In a game with no consistent level designs, the communication method inDark Souls,Bloodborne, andElden Ringwouldn’t really work as intended, considering how context-specific the messages that players leave usually are. Therefore, it’s not surprising that FromSoftware decided to get rid of this beloved mechanic inElden Ring Nightreign.
Elden Ring Nightreign
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“ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is a standalone adventure within the ELDEN RING universe, crafted to offer players a new gaming experience by reimagining the game’s core design.Join forces with other players to take on the creeping night and the dangers within featuring 3-player co-op.Take command of uniquely skilled heroes, each possessing their own abilities and distinct flair.While individually formidable, their skills create powerful synergies when they unite as a team.Overcome a relentless environmental threat that sweeps through a land that changes between each game session and defeat the magnificent boss of that night!”
