Elden Ring Nightreignis an exciting game for a number of reasons, not the least of which being its co-op nature and roguelike elements. While the prospect of amultiplayerElden Ringthat is virtually never-ending is certainly tantalizing, these elements are only a small part of what makesNightreignso fascinating.
Though they share the same name, visual style, and high-level lore elements,Elden RingandElden Ring Nightreignare two completely separate products and stories. Players won’t be importing theirElden Ringavatars intoNightreignor utilizing their myriad weapons, armors, and upgrades to gain supremacy over their foes; rather, they will choose from a predetermined list of characters, each with their own distinct playstyles, gear sets, and ultimate abilities, and it’s through this multi-character system thatNightreignpromises to offer the most mechanical variety. While more information about these different characters will likely come to light asNightreignapproaches its release date, it’s already clear that they will each offer meaningful spins on the coreElden Ringgameplay, possibly welcoming older FromSoftware design choices into the fold.
Elden Ring Nightreign Could Incorporate Aspects from Sekiro, Bloodborne, and Beyond
The Nightreign Gameplay Trailer Highlights New Combat and Traversal Techniques
Based on the informationrevealed in theElden Ring NightreignGame Awards trailer, it would appear that at least two of the game’s character archetypes are drawing fromBloodborneandSekiro.Nightreignhas been said to feature eight playable characters, though only the following four have been confirmed:
As FromSoftware fans may already be able to surmise,Duchess comes across as startlingly similar toBloodborne’s Hunters. Her quickness, and especially her method of evasion, is highly reminiscent of the fast-paced combat of the 2015 Lovecraftian horror title, and even her well-tailored aesthetic, with flavors of Victorian-era sensibility, hearkens back toBloodborne. Mechanics from theElden Ringbase game, like the health recovery effects of Great Stars, establish a precedent forBloodborne-adjacent features, so perhaps they too will bleed over intoNightreign, further reinforcing theBloodborne-Elden Ringconnection.
Additionally, and perhaps even more interestingly, are the mechanics that tie back toSekiro: Shadows Die Twice. There are two key moments in theNightreigntrailer that are highly reminiscent ofSekiro’s gameplay: when Wylder performs a short vertical wall run and mantles over a ledge, and when another character, who has yet to be named, performs two parries in quick succession with their sword. Wylder’s maneuver hints at more fluid and fast-paced traversal alaSekiro, while this unidentified character’s parrying is, of course, similar toSekiro’s unforgettable combat design. Time will tell if these mechanics are character-specific or more universal, but the game definitely seems to be in conversation withSekirothrough these abilities.
What Cross-Game Mechanics Could Mean for Elden Ring Nightreign
Elden Ringis renowned for its build variety, so perhaps the greatest challenge facingNightreignis how to replace this. After all, each playableNightreigncharacter is predetermined, and it doesn’t seem like there will be much flexibility in terms of customization or build-crafting. But through major mechanical distinctions, i.e. a parry in place of an I-frame dodge,Nightreigncould offer the same level of variety as its predecessor.
Luckily, FromSoftware has a rich catalog of proprietary mechanics to draw on for this variety. Indeed, by pulling from the well of its past titles, especially those in its post-Demon’s Soulsera, FromSoftware could makeElden Ring Nightreignits most expressive and multifaceted soulslike yet.
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!”
