PlayStation.Blog: Hands-On Preview of Elden Ring Nightreign Ahead of May 30 Launch

Get ready for a new adventure in the Elden Ring universe with Elden Ring Nightreign, slated to hit PS5 and PS4 on May 30. Crafted by FromSoftware, this standalone escapade brings players into thrilling co-op multiplayer PvE combat, where you’ll face the ever-encroaching darkness and the many perils lurking within.

Recently, I had the privilege to dive into an early network test of the game, gearing up for its big public debut on February 14. With a sneak peek behind the curtain, here’s what I experienced in the formidable lands of Limveld.

Take note that this sneak preview was based on a version that’s still being polished, so some game elements might see alterations before the final release.

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Experience the Thrill of High-Speed RPG Action

For those familiar with Elden Ring, you’ll recall it as mostly a solitary journey, where you could explore leisurely and pause anytime if you found a safe corner. Well, say goodbye to that leisurely pace, because Elden Ring Nightreign commands your constant attention in its intense three-player co-op survival action. Whether you’re sticking with your teammates or venturing off on your own, being on your toes is crucial.

The pulse of Nightreign is its Night’s Tide mechanic, which gradually shrinks your usable play area, inevitably pulling you into a showdown with a formidable boss. This mechanic demands players constantly bolster their character’s abilities and their party’s strength by the time night falls. Get ready for fast-paced gameplay that will test your reflexes and decision-making skills.

Enhance Your Combat Arsenal for Cooperative Gameplay

While taking cues from the original Elden Ring, Nightreign spices things up with new moves and actions like wall jumping and aerial navigation using Spectral Hawks. Falling from heights? Forget about it. Fall damage is no longer a worry.

On top of that, you can sprint using L3, offering a speed close to Torrent, the spectral steed from Elden Ring. Wall-jumping and leaping off cliffs without having to fret about fall damage really made me feel like I was speed-running the game. And while Nightreign brings fresh elements, it maintains the familiar thrill of the original.

Team Revival: Reviving Allies During Battle

In the heat of battle, teammates can bring you back from the brink by attacking you. Amazingly, you can lock onto a fallen ally to hit them with a long-range attack to revive them safely. Complete the rescue by reducing the player’s meter; however, be aware—the more they fall, the harder it becomes. By day, an unrescued player dies and respawns. At night, players stay incapacitated until aid comes. Visiting a Site of Grace resets this meter. Unlike before, death in Nightreign means potentially jeopardizing your comrades.

Overcoming Fierce Foes Offers Deep Satisfaction

Despite its differences, Nightreign retains the euphoric rush of vanquishing a boss. Just like Dark Souls and its predecessor, the journey is challenging but rewarding—every mistake is a lesson moving you closer to victory.

We didn’t have it easy at first, with four straight losses in five runs. Each defeat drove us to push further, map more territory, and study enemy patterns. It culminated on the final day when, after several spirited attempts, we finally beat the Nightlord. Each run, spanning about 35 to 40 minutes across day and night cycles, was an intense learning experience, and the victorious moment felt like a personal triumph.

Unite and Rise as One to Tackle Obstacles

Co-op gameplay might take some getting used to, but aiding allies near death is a quick way to contribute. Sharing weapons with fellow Nightfarers based on their needs is another way to strengthen the team. Though you can explore independently, teaming up for bigger fights and marking map points for synchronization often yields better results.

Our victories were hard-earned, thanks to pin drops guiding our path, coordinated attacks on major foes, and strategic flask upgrades. By day three’s showdown with the Nightlord, we had mastered our characters’ strengths, maximizing their individual skills and Ultimates. The camaraderie and thrill of collaboration made this co-op experience incredibly gratifying.

Mark your calendars, as Elden Ring Nightreign is set to revolutionize your gaming world on May 30 for PS5 and PS4.