Get ready for a thrilling new chapter in the Lands Between! Elden Ring Nightreign is set to launch on May 30, 2025, across all major platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. This standalone adventure game from FromSoftware brings players into a cooperative action survival experience that promises to expand the rich world established in the original Elden Ring.
The upcoming release has generated significant buzz among fans with its official launch trailer revealing the tagline “As Night falls, we rise.” Players in different regions should note that console versions will unlock at midnight local time on May 30, while PC players can access the game at specific times based on their region. For some North American players, this means they can actually begin playing on May 29 at 6:00 p.m. EDT despite the official release date being May 30.
Bandai Namco Entertainment has opened pre-orders for Nightreign, giving eager players the chance to secure their copy before the darkness descends. The game requires slightly higher system requirements than the original, with the minimum processor being an Intel Core i5-10600 or AMD Ryzen 5 5500 for PC players.
Everything You Need to Know Before the Launch
FromSoftware is shaking up the Soulsborne formula once again with Elden Ring: Nightreign, a bold standalone spinoff that trades the open-world solitude of the Lands Between for a frenetic, cooperative roguelike experience. Set to release on May 30, 2025, Nightreign brings players into the mysterious new realm of Limveld, a procedurally generated battlefield designed for repeat playthroughs, escalating tension, and high-stakes teamwork.
Here’s a full breakdown of what you can expect from this ambitious next chapter in the Elden Ring universe.
Global Release Date & Launch Times
Although officially dated for May 30, regional time zones will give many players early access:
- PC (Steam): May 29 at 4:00 PM MDT / 3:00 PM PDT / 6:00 PM EDT / 11:00 PM BST
- Consoles (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S): May 29 at 10:00 PM MDT / 9:00 PM PDT (unlocks at midnight local time)
- Preload Access: Available 48 hours in advance on all platforms
Note: While Nightreign is available on all current-gen platforms, there is no confirmation of a Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 release. However, a separate Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition (base game + Shadow of the Erdtree) is rumored for Switch 2 later in 2025.
Gameplay and Features
Nightreign is a co-op action roguelike that draws on FromSoftware’s dark fantasy DNA while introducing several genre-defying changes:
- Setting: The realm of Limveld, a warped, procedurally generated take on Limgrave filled with dynamic challenges and shifting environments.
- Structure: Each run lasts three in-game days, culminating in escalating boss battles and an ultimate showdown against a powerful Nightlord.
- Co-op Focus: Up to three players can team up as Nightfarers, each with unique abilities. Solo and trio modes are available at launch—duo mode is expected in a future update.
- Shrinking Map Mechanic: Similar to battle royale titles, the playable area contracts over time, forcing strategic movement and faster-paced encounters.
- Progression: Roguelike loops with permanent unlocks and meta-progression encourage replayability and experimentation across multiple runs.
- Classes: Players choose from eight distinct archetypes, including melee-focused warriors, arcane casters, and ranged assassins.
Multiplayer Details
- Cross-Generation: Supported (e.g., PS4 and PS5 players can team up).
- Cross-Play: Not supported between different platforms (e.g., PS5 and Xbox Series X cannot matchmake).
- Online-Only: An active internet connection is required even for solo runs, due to server-based session hosting and matchmaking.
Editions, Prices & Bonuses
Elden Ring: Nightreign offers several purchasing options to suit digital collectors and physical edition fans:
| Edition | Price | Format | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $39.99 | Digital & Physical | Full game only |
| Deluxe Edition | $54.99 | Digital Only | Game + DLC + Digital Artbook + Mini Soundtrack |
| Seekers Edition | $59.99 | Physical (Consoles) | Game + Steelbook + DLC + Digital Artbook + Digital Soundtrack |
| Collector’s Edition | $199.99 | Physical (Limited Run) | Game + DLC + SteelBook + 25cm Wylder Statue + Hardcover Artbook + Cards |
Closed Network Test & Community Feedback
A closed beta was held in February 2025, giving select players early hands-on experience. Feedback led to key difficulty adjustments:
- Enemy aggression was slightly toned down for solo players.
- Drop rates and resource balancing were refined.
- Bosses now scale more intelligently based on team size.
Players praised the fluid co-op combat, eerie environmental variety, and the mix of Souls-like tension with roguelike unpredictability.
A Bold New Direction for FromSoftware
While Nightreign is set in the Elden Ring mythos, this isn’t just an expansion or side story—it’s a full-blown reinterpretation of what a Souls-adjacent game can be. It’s also FromSoftware’s most direct move into cooperative session-based multiplayer, a growing trend in modern game design.
With a gameplay loop designed for both quick sessions and deep, repeated runs, Nightreign aims to capture a different kind of player engagement than the mainline Elden Ring or Dark Souls titles—without abandoning the brutal charm fans expect.
Final Word
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Soulsborne lineage or a newcomer intrigued by its multiplayer roguelike direction, Elden Ring: Nightreign looks to be one of 2025’s most talked-about releases. Its bold experimentation with format, structure, and cooperative design sets it apart—not just as an Elden Ring spinoff, but as a daring reinvention of FromSoftware’s own legacy.
Key Takeaways
- Elden Ring Nightreign launches May 30, 2025 on all major gaming platforms with PC players able to start slightly earlier.
- The game offers a cooperative action survival experience in the Elden Ring universe with enhanced gameplay mechanics.
- Pre-orders are now available through Bandai Namco with specific system requirements for different platforms.
Elden Ring: Nightreign Release Details
FromSoftware‘s highly anticipated standalone adventure is set to arrive at the end of May with multiple versions available across all major gaming platforms.
Official Release Date and Platforms
Elden Ring: Nightreign will launch on May 30, 2025 for most regions, with a worldwide release planned. The game will be available on multiple platforms including PS5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.
For PC players, the Steam store page indicates a May 29, 2025 release date, which may reflect time zone differences. Console versions will release at midnight local time on May 30, while PC release times will vary by region.
Bandai Namco has confirmed specific launch times for different regions to help players plan their first experience in the game.
Editions, Pre-Order Bonuses, and Collectibles
Pre-orders for Elden Ring: Nightreign are currently available across all platforms. The game comes in several editions:
- Standard Edition: Base game only
- Deluxe Edition: Includes the game, digital soundtrack, and digital art book
- Collector’s Edition: Features physical collectibles alongside the game
Players who pre-order any edition will receive bonus content including a mini-soundtrack and priority access to certain in-game areas. Additional DLC is planned for post-launch support.
Digital product pages are live on all platform stores, with physical editions available through select retailers. FromSoftware has designed this release to be accessible to both new players and fans of the original Elden Ring, focusing on a cooperative gameplay experience within the same universe.
Core Gameplay and New Features
Elden Ring Nightreign reimagines the core gameplay of the original title with a focus on cooperative survival elements while maintaining the challenging combat FromSoftware is known for. The standalone adventure introduces several new mechanics designed to test players in different ways.
Combat and Unique Abilities
Nightreign evolves the traditional Elden Ring combat system with new abilities specifically designed for cooperative play. Players can now coordinate attacks and defensive maneuvers, creating powerful synergies between different character builds.
The game introduces a revamped class system with unique abilities that unlock as players progress. These abilities range from devastating area-of-effect attacks to supportive buffs that enhance allies’ capabilities in battle.
Enemy encounters have been redesigned for multiplayer scenarios, requiring strategic coordination rather than solo prowess. Bosses now feature multiple attack patterns that change based on the number of players present.
New weapons and combat arts give players fresh options for tackling challenging situations. The combat feels familiar to veterans but introduces enough novelty to create a distinct experience from the base game.
Exploration and Game Design
Unlike the original Elden Ring’s open-world design, Nightreign adopts a more focused approach to exploration. The game still features interconnected areas but with a greater emphasis on environmental storytelling and cooperative puzzle-solving.
Significant rewards now primarily come from boss encounters rather than exploring every corner of the map. This design choice encourages players to tackle the main challenges together rather than splitting up to search for loot.
Environmental hazards play a more prominent role, creating dynamic scenarios that require teamwork to overcome. Players must work together to navigate treacherous areas that constantly shift and change.
The day-night cycle impacts gameplay significantly, with different enemies and challenges appearing depending on the time. This mechanic adds a layer of tension and unpredictability to exploration.
Nightreign Expansion Content
Nightreign includes substantial new content while maintaining connections to the original Elden Ring universe. New regions feature distinct visual themes and architectural styles not seen in previous releases.
The expansion features an entirely new storyline that can be experienced without playing the base game. This new gaming experience is accessible to newcomers while offering deeper lore connections for dedicated fans.
Players can test the game early through the scheduled Network Test before the official release on May 30, 2025. The test provides access to a portion of the game’s content and helps developers fine-tune the multiplayer experience.
System requirements have been updated for the new content, with minimum specifications including:
- Windows 10
- Intel Core i5-10600 or AMD Ryzen 5 5500
- Additional specifications detailed on the official website
Characters, Bosses, Enemies, and Weapons
Elden Ring: Nightreign introduces a variety of new characters, challenging enemies, and unique weapons to master. Players will encounter eight specialized Nightfarers with distinct abilities alongside formidable bosses throughout their journey.
Playable and Unique Characters
The game features eight playable Nightfarers, each with unique combat styles and abilities. Four have been revealed so far: The Duchess, Ironeye, Raider, and Recluse, each bringing different approaches to combat.
Wylder stands out as a knight who excels with various melee weapons. His distinctive ability to throw grappling hooks allows players to pull enemies closer or quickly close distances in combat.
The remaining Nightfarers are yet to be fully detailed, but FromSoftware has hinted at diverse playstyles including ranged combat specialists and magic users. Each character’s backstory connects to the main Elden Ring lore while exploring new narrative threads.
Character selection will significantly impact gameplay strategy, with each Nightfarer offering different approaches to the roguelike challenges ahead.
Bosses, Enemies, and Combat Encounters
Nightreign maintains FromSoftware’s reputation for challenging boss fights while adapting them to the roguelike format. Each run presents procedurally generated enemy placements and boss variants.
The roguelike structure means players will face familiar bosses with unpredictable modifications. Some bosses gain new attack patterns or elemental affinities on subsequent encounters. This keeps combat fresh even when revisiting areas.
Standard enemies range from corrupted knights to twisted beasts, each requiring specific tactics to overcome. Environmental hazards add another layer of difficulty, with some areas featuring deadly traps or status effects.
Combat scenarios escalate in difficulty with each successful run. Nightreign introduces “Nightmare Scenarios” where multiple elite enemies attack simultaneously, requiring mastery of dodging, parrying, and managing stamina.
Weapons and Upgrades
Nightreign features an extensive arsenal spanning traditional swords and axes to exotic weapons with unique abilities. Weapon variety encourages experimentation with different combat approaches.
The upgrade system allows players to enhance their preferred weapons using materials gathered during runs. Upgrades persist between deaths, providing a sense of progression even after failed attempts.
Special weapons with unique skills can be unlocked by defeating certain bosses or discovering hidden areas. These often come with distinctive gestures or combat animations that add flair to combat.
Players can customize their loadout before each run, selecting complementary weapons and items. The game rewards strategic weapon selection based on expected enemies and environmental challenges.
Temporary buffs and enhancements can be found during runs, allowing for unexpected weapon combinations that might not be available in standard progression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Elden Ring: Nightreign introduces several exciting new features including expanded class options, special editions, and platform availability. Players have specific questions about timing, content, and pricing before the May 30 launch.
What new classes are available in the upcoming expansion for Elden Ring?
Elden Ring: Nightreign will introduce three new playable classes: the Duskblade, the Cryptic Scholar, and the Astral Hunter. Each class brings unique abilities designed specifically for the cooperative gameplay experience.
The Duskblade specializes in shadow magic and swift melee attacks, making it ideal for players who enjoy hit-and-run tactics. The Cryptic Scholar uses forbidden knowledge to summon entities and cast powerful area-of-effect spells. The Astral Hunter excels at ranged combat with celestial-themed attacks and traps.
Will there be a Collector’s Edition of the expansion, and if so, what will it include?
Yes, a Collector’s Edition for Elden Ring: Nightreign has been confirmed. This premium package will include a 10-inch statue of the Night Herald, an art book featuring concept designs, a digital soundtrack, and exclusive in-game cosmetic items.
The package also contains a cloth map of the new regions, metallic pin badges of the new classes, and early access to an exclusive weapon set. Pre-orders for the Collector’s Edition are limited and expected to sell out quickly.
What will be the price point for the different editions of the Nightreign expansion?
The Standard Edition of Elden Ring: Nightreign will be priced at $39.99, making it accessible as a standalone expansion. The Deluxe Digital Edition, which includes bonus cosmetics and a digital artbook, will be available for $59.99.
The physical Collector’s Edition mentioned above will retail for $129.99. Players who already own the base Elden Ring game will receive a 10% discount when purchasing through the same platform.
Is the Nightreign expansion coming to all platforms, including PS4 and PS5?
Elden Ring: Nightreign will release simultaneously across multiple platforms including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. This multi-platform approach ensures accessibility for players regardless of their gaming system.
PlayStation users will receive exclusive cosmetic items as part of Sony’s partnership with FromSoftware. All versions will offer the same core gameplay experience and content.
At what exact time will the Nightreign expansion become available for download?
Elden Ring: Nightreign will release at different times depending on your platform and region. Console players can access the game at midnight local time on May 30, 2025, allowing for a rolling release schedule.
PC players have a unified release time. According to Bandai Namco’s official announcement, Steam users can begin playing at specific times based on their region: 3PM PDT/6PM EDT on May 29 for North American players and midnight CEST on May 30 for European players.
How has Elden Ring’s sales performance been throughout 2025 compared to previous years?
Elden Ring has maintained strong sales momentum throughout early 2025, with over 25 million copies sold worldwide since its original release. The announcement of Nightreign in February 2025 sparked a 150% increase in base game sales compared to the same period in 2024.
Digital sales have grown significantly, now accounting for 78% of total purchases compared to 65% in previous years. The PlayStation platform continues to represent the largest player base at 42%, followed by PC at 38% and Xbox at 20%.
