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Elden Ring: Nightreign Review – A Brutal Roguelike Twist on the Souls Formula
Is Nightreign FromSoftware’s Toughest Game Yet?
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring: Nightreign marks a bold departure from the methodical pacing and intricate world design that fans have come to expect. Instead, this new expansion plays more like a punishing roguelike—one that abandons the safety nets and steady learning curves of traditional Souls games.
In this review, we break down why Nightreign is one of the most challenging and divisive FromSoftware experiences to date—and what it needs to become truly great.
Key Differences: How Nightreign Changes the Souls Formula
Fast-Paced, Frenetic Combat
Unlike the deliberate rhythm of Dark Souls or the open-world flow of Elden Ring, Nightreign pushes players into constant, high-speed action. Patience is no longer rewarded. Instead, you'll need reflexes and aggression more in line with speedrunners than traditional Souls fans.
Randomized Loot and Weapons
One of the most jarring changes is the randomized map layout and gear drops. That epic weapon or powerful spell you relied on? It might not be there next time. Runs can feel wildly unbalanced, depending on what the RNG gods decide to give you.
No Convenient Checkpoints
Lose a boss fight? Don’t expect to respawn nearby. In Nightreign, a single defeat often means restarting a grueling 30-40 minute run. The lack of shortcuts or bonfires makes each attempt feel like a serious time investment—one that can quickly turn frustrating.
The Problem: Not Enough Roguelike Depth
While Nightreign takes cues from the roguelike genre, it fails to bring along the genre’s best elements:
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No meaningful long-term progression
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Limited build variety across runs
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Lack of meta-systems that reward repeated play
Without these mechanics, every death feels more like a setback than a learning opportunity, robbing the game of the roguelike magic that keeps players coming back.
Multiplayer Potential: A Co-Op Hidden Gem?
After over 30 hours in the review period, one thing is clear: Nightreign could be a phenomenal co-op experience. Fighting through randomized dungeons with friends adds a chaotic, unpredictable fun that’s rare in the Soulsborne universe.
However, it needs:
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Easier difficulty settings for casual runs
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Optional hardcore modes for veterans
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Smarter matchmaking or lobby creation tools
Final Verdict: A Skeleton With Potential
Elden Ring: Nightreign is a bold experiment—but one that feels unfinished. It’s neither a complete roguelike nor a traditional Soulsborne, and that middle ground leaves it lacking both depth and direction.
What Works
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Intense, high-stakes combat
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Exciting co-op possibilities
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Unpredictable map layouts
What Doesn’t
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Repetitive runs with no progression
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Harsh punishment for failure
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Lack of build and loot variety
Should You Play Nightreign?
If you're a hardcore Souls fan or love brutal roguelikes, Nightreign might be worth the challenge. But for everyone else, the game needs serious tweaks before it becomes more than just a frustrating curiosity.
GAMENEON SCORE: 7/10
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