The Game Awards 2024 had no shortage of amazing announcements, but for fans of Elden Ring, the show delivered something truly unexpected: Elden Ring: Nightreign.
FromSoftware and Bandai Namco have officially unveiled this standalone multiplayer spin-off, set to launch in 2025 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It’s a new chapter in the Elden Ring universe, but this time, you won’t be exploring its horrors alone.
Unlike its predecessor, Nightreign focuses on cooperative gameplay, letting you team up with two other players to tackle a parallel version of the Lands Between. Specifically, the game takes place in a reimagined Limgrave, but there’s a twist—each session will shuffle enemy placements and structures, keeping every playthrough fresh. It’s a departure from the lone Tarnished experience, but one that promises just as much intensity and dread.
The reveal trailer teased plenty of exciting new features, like the ability to glide with animals (a mechanic that looks equal parts bizarre and brilliant), and it also showcased the return of familiar faces, including Melina. The spotlight, of course, is on the game’s brutal bosses and atmospheric world design. True to FromSoftware’s style, Nightreign looks to keep players on their toes, with beautiful and treacherous environments and ever-shifting challenges adding an extra layer of unpredictability.
You can already see how Nightreign stands apart from the core Elden Ring experience. While the original thrived on its sprawling open-world exploration and solitary sense of adventure, this spin-off feels like a celebration of camaraderie. It’s a chance to suffer and succeed alongside friends—because let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want someone to share the pain of being repeatedly squashed by a gargantuan knight?
With Nightreign, FromSoftware is boldly stepping into new territory, combining its signature dark fantasy vibes with co-op-focused gameplay. Whether you’re an experienced Tarnished or a newcomer whose friends won’t stop hounding them to play, 2025 can’t come soon enough. One thing’s certain: the Elden Ring journey is far from over, and it’s about to get a lot more chaotic—together.
