Elden Ring Nightreign: FromSoftware's Roguelike Spinoff Explained

FromSoftware has surprised everyone with Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone roguelike spinoff that reimagines the Lands Between as a cooperative survival experience. It's not DLC, it's not Elden Ring 2—it's something entirely unexpected.

What Is Nightreign?

Nightreign is a roguelike extraction game set in a remixed version of Limgrave. Up to three players drop into the map, loot gear, fight bosses, and try to survive escalating threats before a time limit (the "Nightreign") ends each session.

Each run features procedurally arranged encounters, random loot, and a shrinking safe zone that forces players toward a final boss fight. Die, and you lose your progress. Succeed, and you extract with rewards that unlock permanent upgrades.

Pre-Built Characters

Unlike Elden Ring's character creator, Nightreign features pre-built "heroes" with unique abilities:

• Each hero has a distinct playstyle and ultimate ability
• Heroes level up permanently through successful runs
• New heroes unlock as you progress
• Team composition matters for co-op synergies

FromSoftware Combat, Roguelike Structure

The combat retains Elden Ring's weighty, precise feel, but the structure is completely different. Sessions last 30-45 minutes, featuring:

• Day/Night cycles: Nights are more dangerous but offer better loot
• Boss rushes: Face multiple bosses per run
• Environmental hazards: The Nightreign itself damages players caught outside safe zones
• Random modifiers: Each run has different conditions

Is It Elden Ring 2?

No. FromSoftware has been clear that this is a spinoff experiment, not the next mainline game. Think of it like Bloodborne's Chalice Dungeons evolved into a full game—a different way to experience Souls-like combat.

Skeptics and Believers

Reaction has been mixed. Some fans are excited for a fresh take on the formula. Others wanted Elden Ring 2 or more DLC. The roguelike structure and shorter sessions may attract new players who found Elden Ring's 100+ hour commitment daunting.