Elden Ring fans, get ready for a new adventure! Elden Ring Nightreign is a standalone co-op game set in a parallel universe to the original. This means you don't need to own Elden Ring to play, and the story is completely separate. Think of it as a new way to experience the familiar dark fantasy world FromSoftware has created, but with friends.Nightreign is designed for three players working together, though you can play solo if you prefer a tougher challenge. You'll explore a new area called Limveld in the Lands Between. Instead of creating your own character, you choose from eight pre-made characters called Nightfarers. Each Nightfarer has unique abilities, like a tank, damage dealer, or support role. This encourages teamwork and strategic play.According to CNET, Nightreign director Junya Ishizaki confirmed it's a spin-off. This means it doesn't continue the main Elden Ring story. It's a fresh start in a parallel world. The gameplay is session-based, meaning each playthrough consists of three day-night cycles. As night falls, the map shrinks, forcing players closer together and increasing the difficulty. You'll need to cooperate to survive and defeat bosses at the end of each cycle. The ultimate goal is to defeat the Nightlord on the third night.Unlike the original Elden Ring, Nightreign has a roguelike element. This means your progress resets after each session. You'll start fresh every time, choosing your Nightfarer and facing new challenges. While this might sound frustrating, it keeps the gameplay fresh and encourages experimentation with different characters and strategies. You do earn Relics, which give you bonuses across multiple sessions, adding a layer of progression.One common question is how leveling works in Nightreign. Instead of choosing individual stats to upgrade, leveling increases all your character's stats at once. This simplifies the process and keeps the focus on teamwork and action. Another question is whether Nightreign is connected to the main Elden Ring story. As mentioned earlier, it's a standalone game in a parallel universe, so you don't need any prior knowledge of Elden Ring to enjoy it.Elden Ring Nightreign offers a new way to experience the Soulsborne genre. The co-op focus, roguelike elements, and unique character abilities create a fresh and exciting gameplay loop. While we don't have a firm release date yet, it's anticipated in 2025. Keep an eye out for more news from FromSoftware and Bandai Namco as we get closer to launch. This new take on the Elden Ring universe promises a thrilling adventure for both veterans and newcomers.
