Elden Ring: Nightreign was easily one of the biggest game reveals at The Game Awards, but the trailer that was shown offered very little in terms of details. The game was announced as a cooperative survival action title, but that doesn't explain the intricate details for that what means when it comes to the world of Elden Ring.
Now the official press release has been shared, and we know a bit more. As announced, Elden Ring: Nightreign is a co-op multiplayer PvE game that supports up to three players in a squad. Of course, it's also playable solo for those with no friends or who just prefer the challenge. The press release explains:
Teaming up in squads of three – or daring to go solo – they must outlast a three day-and-night cycle, making split decisions about combat and exploration across a changing map to become strong enough to take down terrifying bosses at the end of each day.
Elden Ring: Nightreign is set in a universe parallel to the events of Elden Ring. Players can choose from eight unique characters, each with their own unique abilities and powerful Ultimates.
The journey takes place on the ever-changing map of Limveld where players must make split-second decisions when it comes to combat and exploration. These decisions will have to be made quickly on the fly, as the night cycle shrinks the map with the coming Night's Tide.
At the end of each night, players will face a powerful boss. If they are successful, they will awaken to bigger challenges. Each session culminates on the third night when they must face off against the chosen Nightlord.
FromSoftware does say that you can attempt to tackle this challenge alone, but "strength will come in numbers." Of course, this is a FromSoftware game we're talking about, so I have no doubt that there will be hardcore players who attempt to tackle this challenge of going at it alone.
If you are unsuccessful in your run, hope is not lost. You'll receive relics that will allow you to customize and upgrade your characters which, in turn, will help you in future playthroughs.
While Elden Ring and other FromSoftware games have typically had some form of co-op gameplay, Elden Ring: Nightreign is the developer's game built with full-fledged cooperative gameplay in mind. It's described as a "condensed action RPG," with no two playthroughs the same. Enemies, rewards, and Limveld itself will continuously shift and evolve each session. The game is set to arrive in 2025 for consoles and PC.