FromSoftware surprised fans when it revealed Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone spin-off that leans heavily into multiplayer, adding survival mechanics and even a bit of Battle Royale-style tension. But if you think this means they’re chasing industry trends, Game Director Junya Ishizaki is here to set the record straight.
In an interview with PC Gamer (issue 405, February 2025), Ishizaki—who previously worked as a Battle Director on Elden Ring—explained that Nightreign is about creating a focused experience rather than following trends.
“The focus was condensing this experience down: the RPG elements, the exploration, the character building and leveling,” he said. “We wanted that to feel like it was all coming together and culminating in a boss fight, but in a more concentrated form.”
That means adding new mechanics to shake things up. While survival elements and a session-based format might sound like a departure, Ishizaki insists it’s all about crafting something fresh for FromSoftware’s vision. “We didn’t really see this as chasing a trend, but we saw these as interesting elements that could work well within our multiplayer-focused gameplay.”
From Software confirm it’s not a live service game
Another big takeaway? Elden Ring Nightreign isn’t a live service title. You won’t need to worry about endless updates or microtransactions creeping in. Ishizaki made it clear that they want the game to feel “like a complete package out of the box.”
Everything will be unlockable in the game, with no pressure to buy extra content just to keep up. That said, FromSoftware is still considering potential post-launch additions, so there’s a chance for extra content down the line.
A giant dungeon waiting to be explored
The game’s structure also sets it apart. Elden Ring: Nightreign is designed as a massive dungeon where every session plays out differently. Players will have the freedom to approach challenges in new ways, strategising based on the final boss they choose to face at the end of the third in-game day.
“You have to choose the boss you want to face at the end of the third day,” Ishizaki said. “Once you’ve made that choice, maybe you have an idea of how you want to strategize against that boss, and this might change how you approach the map.”
So, if your chosen boss is weak to poison, you might spend your time hunting for a weapon with that effect before the big fight. It’s all about giving players agency to shape their approach each time they play.
When can we play it?
There’s no official release date yet, but a large-scale network test for console players is happening later this month. This will help FromSoftware fine-tune the online experience and gather feedback before launch.
So, while we wait for more details, one thing’s clear—FromSoftware’s Elden Ring Nightreign isn’t just more of the same. It’s something new, something different, and definitely something worth keeping an eye on.
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