The next FromSoftware title is approaching in the form ofElden Ring Nightreign, and as usual, players have been able to see it early through its closed network test.Elden Ring Nightreignis a smaller, more experimental game that repurposesElden Ring’s Soulslike gameplay and assets inside a multiplayer-focused survival roguelike, dramatically transforming the experience in spite of the abundant recycled content. Not only are many ofElden Ring’s weapons, spells, and enemies being shuffled around, but so are legacy foes from theDark Soulstrilogy, the full extent of which has yet to be revealed.
Elden Ring Nightreignmay not appeal to everyone inElden Ring’s massive install base, but its faster, more arcade-like gameplay should net the game its own fanbase. Those fans should be well served by the game’s replayable nature, but FromSoftware has prepared for when that well eventually runs dry. By Q4 2025,Elden Ring Nightreign’s eight playable Nightfarersand assorted bosses will be joined by paid DLC that includes more of each, though further details are unknown. This is great news, but it comes with some unspoken expectations that are bound to weigh heavily onElden Ring Nightreignand its DLC.
The History of FromSoftware DLC Sets A High Bar For Nightreign
Elden Ring Nightreign’s DLC Has To Excel Despite Its Scope
FromSoftware DLC has developed a reputation for greatness, and it’s not hard to see why. Starting withArtorias of the AbyssforDark Souls 1, every expansion managed to add not only hours of extra content, but meaningful experiences and boss fights that quickly became part of their base game’s reputation.Sekiro: Shadows Die TwiceandArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconhave only seen small content updates, but they were made up for byElden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, anElden Ringadd-on that’s practically a Souls game all by itself.
Elden Ring Nightreignis up next, though it’s a good idea to rein in DLC expectations in advance.Nightreign’s DLC is bundled with its Deluxe Edition, seemingly costs half as much asthe already-$40 USD game, and is planned to launch within a year, pointing towards something much smaller thanShadow of the Erdtree. Its advertised content also only consists of more Nightfarers and bosses, which could mean anything from new maps associated with additional Nightlord bosses, or something humbler like aBinding of Isaacexpansion where the new content is mixed in with the old.
Elden Ring Nightreign And Its DLC Invite Elden Ring Comparisons
Still, having a smaller scope does not absolveElden Ring Nightreign’s DLC of fan expectations, especially a year afterShadow of the Erdtreewas released. More complex player characters andboss fights will be the baseline thatNightreign’s expansionneeds to clear, and the more it includes, the better. Character cosmetics to accompany the unseen ones in the base game would be a start, and more items, relics, and perhaps even passive buffs would all be appreciated. Entire new Nightlords with associated maps are the ideal, and that’s not even getting into the questlines possible withNightreign’s new content.
How Elden Ring Nightreign’s Post-Launch Plans Can Succeed
To succeed,Elden Ring Nightreign’s paid expansion needs to feel like the game’sShadow of the Erdtree, and that’s a daunting task.Shadow of the Erdtreerepresents the current peak of FromSoftware’s Souls boss design and complexity, andNightreign’s DLC will be expected to carry on those traits. It’s unknown how much ofShadow of the Erdtreewill be inNightreignbeyond one ofSotE’s Golden Hippopotamus field bosses, but theNightreignDLC is the perfect place to bring more of its content in, alongside even moreDark Soulsguests for the greatest impact.Elden Ring Nightreignand its DLC have uphill battles to fight against their predecessors, but their success could be just as sweet.
