Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Reveals Surprising Gameplay Mechanics

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14, 2025 – The first round of network tests for Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone multiplayer spin-off of FromSoftware’s acclaimed Elden Ring, took place over the weekend, showcasing a unique gameplay experience reminiscent of popular battle royale games.

Unlike last year’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, Nightreign trades Elden Ring’s expansive open-world structure for a more streamlined survival format. Teams of three players drop into shrinking battle maps to confront waves of enemies and increasingly tougher bosses. This design appears to draw inspiration from the immensely popular Fortnite, which has seen an impressive 200 million players this month alone.

Nightreign’s gameplay is also compared to the less celebrated 2013 title God of War: Ascension, which was noted for its attempt at multiplayer gameplay. While Ascension received mixed reviews, it has often been overshadowed by its more successful predecessors. However, both games share a cooperative Player vs. Environment (PvE) mode known as Trial of the Gods.

“Ascension’s multiplayer adjusted its single-player blueprint for tighter pacing, much like Nightreign does,” said Tim Brinkhof, a freelance games journalist. He noted that both games require players to respond quickly to in-game challenges and adapt their strategies as they progress.

Gameplay previews from renowned Soulsborne YouTubers such as VaatiyVidya highlight significant similarities between Nightreign and current live-service games. Players can expect randomized loot, resource management, and environmental hazards that can impede their success. Moreover, Nightreign allows players to drop into the game world, echoing Fortnite’s iconic entry mechanic.

While players might explore Nightreign’s battle royale elements, many also appreciate its cooperative aspects that compel teams to strategize while battling formidable foes. Players can engage with characters from the God of War universe and beyond, including legendary figures like Hercules and the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3.

In response to the early network test, FromSoftware acknowledged server issues that prevented many from accessing the game. “The first session of the network test has ended. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the game server issues. Work is currently ongoing to improve the stability of the Network Test,” the developer stated.

The network test, which ran through February 14 to 17, featured five three-hour sessions on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Participants were eager to explore Nightreign’s unique mechanics, despite the technical difficulties.

Elden Ring Nightreign is set to launch on May 30, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and has already garnered buzz for its live-service aspects, suggesting potential additional content and DLC in the future.