Elden Ring Nightreign: Addressing 20 Crucial Inquiries

Ah, FromSoftware bosses! Now that’s something to get excited about!

Every day wraps up with a thrilling boss fight, rewarding players with loot that, ideally, helps you tackle the game more comfortably. Conquer the Nightlord at the end of the third night, and you’ll snag semi-permanent character boosts (more on that in a bit). One of Nightreign’s standout features is its inclusion of bosses from several of FromSoftware’s titles, including big names like Margit and the Demi-Human Queen from Elden Ring, as well as the formidable Nameless King from the Dark Souls series. For those who revel in From’s signature challenging boss battles, this game will feel like a paradise.

Are we seeing bosses from any of FromSoftware’s other titles?

Well, currently, it looks like we’re limited to bosses from Dark Souls and Elden Ring. Still, there’s a fervent hope among fans that we’ll eventually see a few thrown in from Sekiro or another non-Xbox game—you probably know which one I mean! However, I’m quite certain we won’t encounter any bosses from the Armored Core series.

So, if custom character creation is off the table, who exactly do you play as?

Before jumping into a session, players select a Nightfarer, each boasting their own unique skills and abilities. These Nightfarers have ultimate powers that fall into damage-dealing, defensive, or utility categories. Figuring out the synergy between these powers and mastering the timing is immensely satisfying. Players can mix and match Nightfarers or even choose multiples of the same one for a team. Naturally, each approach has its own set of advantages and challenges, so teamwork and clear communication are key.

What character types did you get to try out?

While the game will eventually feature eight distinct Nightfarers when it’s officially released in May, the network test currently offers three:

• Wylder: Known for balanced abilities and straightforward gameplay, Wylder is an excellent choice for those new to the game.
• Guardian: This eagle-headed warrior excels in defense, capable of knocking back enemies and deploying protective barriers.
• Recluse: A master of magic, Recluse is trickier to handle but offers significant rewards for those up to the challenge.

Wylder and Guardian will likely resonate with fans of Elden Ring and Dark Souls, especially given their use of traditional weapons and shields. Meanwhile, Recluse changes the game by breaking away from the conventions of magic-wielding characters in those series.

So, does Recluse simply cast spells and refill magic points as needed?

That’s the twist—Recluse can indeed cast spells and employ magic, but replenishing your FP isn’t as straightforward. Rather than chugging a potion, you’ll gather attribute marks spawned by hitting enemies with magical, fiery, lightning, or holy attacks. Collecting four of these marks allows Recluse to unleash a unique, powerful attack depending on the type of marks gathered. Plus, her ultimate move, "Song of the Blood Soul," marks enemies, letting squadmates recoup HP and FP when attacking. Skilled Recluse players will likely become essential allies, enhancing overall squad performance.

What does a typical match look like when it gets started?

Before diving into a game session, players hang out in a revamped Roundtable Hold. One of the coolest changes is the sparring area, where you can practice moves on dummies while tweaking settings like character level, stamina, and damage dealt. It’s a handy way to hone your skills before the real event. Ready to jump in? Launch an expedition, and matchmaking paired you with two other players. With just ten seconds to choose your Nightfarer, you’re then sent straight into the action in Limveld.