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In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Elden Ring: Nightreign gameplay loop, including the character archetypes, the world, and the unique features that set Nightreign apart from other action-RPGs, especially the Souls-like games it draws inspiration from. We’ll also cover essential tips for making the most of your limited time in the network test, and why this game is already proving to be a compelling entry in the roguelike action genre.

A Bumpy Start: Server Woes and Network Test Expectations

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the first network test period wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Servers were on fire, and many Xbox players couldn’t get into the game at all. PlayStation players faced similar issues with matchmaking, and the servers were so unstable that FromSoftware had to announce maintenance mid-test. As frustrating as this was for those hoping to experience Nightreign, we must remember that this was precisely the purpose of a network test: to test the stability and matchmaking functionality before launch.

Despite these setbacks, FromSoftware has promised an additional test period to address the issues. Given the testing nature of this release, it’s understandable, but it also serves as a reminder of the limitations we’ll face even in the full game, especially when it comes to online features and connectivity.

Nightreign’s Core Gameplay Loop: Roguelike Action at Its Finest

At its core, Nightreign is a roguelike action RPG with a significant emphasis on team play, skill mastery, and adaptation. The game builds on FromSoftware’s signature combat system, blending it with roguelike mechanics such as procedural generation and the thrill of random loot. However, unlike traditional roguelikes, Nightreign offers a fixed world with randomized elements, where each run feels fresh and unique.

Here’s a quick rundown of the game’s structure:

1. Choose Your Character: At the start, players select one of the four available characters, each with distinct playstyles and abilities:

     • Wilder: A strength/dexterity hybrid character with a focus on mobility and powerful ranged attacks. His grappling hook allows for creative movement and combat strategies, including pulling enemies toward him or breaking their guards.

     • Guardian: The tanky option, focusing on defense and support. Guardian wields a massive shield and can enter a guarding stance to block attacks. His ultimate ability, Wings of Salvation, makes him fly and dive into enemies, while also providing a damage-reduction buff for nearby allies.

     • Duchess: A rogue archetype specializing in dexterity, with fast dodging and critical hits. Duchess can replicate recent damage dealt by enemies, making her a powerful support character. Her ultimate makes her and allies invisible, allowing for stealthy gameplay and strategic advantages.

     • Recluse: The magic user of the group, specializing in elemental spells and the combination of different energies to create unique effects. Recluse’s passive allows for FP regeneration, making them a reliable caster during long battles. Their ultimate focuses on healing and support, adding a vital role in any party.

2. Combat Mechanics: Combat feels very much like Elden Ring, with fluid, weighty strikes, dodging, and stamina management. However, one notable change in Nightreign is the unique dodge mechanic for each character. Wilder uses a traditional roll, while the other characters employ step-based dodges, which adds an extra layer of strategy depending on the class you play.

3. Day and Night Cycle: The gameplay is divided into three days, each with its own challenges. During the day, you’ll explore the world, fight mini-bosses, gather loot, and farm runes. As the circle of safety shrinks, you must stay within its bounds, or risk taking damage. At night, a major boss spawns, and the stakes get higher. Losing a day’s worth of progress isn’t catastrophic, but losing a night’s major boss can be devastating.

4. Team Play and Matchmaking: The network test limits players to three-person teams, but the final game will support solo play. You can match with random players or use a password system to play with friends. Teamwork is crucial, as the difficulty ramps up during the boss fights. Reviving downed players, strategizing as a team, and choosing the right equipment for each situation will be essential for success.

5. Mini-Bosses and Loot: As you progress through the day’s cycle, you’ll encounter various points of interest, such as camps, forts, and castles. These locations are home to mini-bosses, which drop valuable loot upon defeat. Weapons are tiered by rarity (white, blue, purple, orange), and upgrading them requires finding smithing stones. Additionally, mini-bosses drop passive orbs that can grant you special abilities or stat boosts, adding an extra layer of customization and strategy.

6. Boss Fights and the Night Lords: The true test of Nightreign is the night boss fight, where you face off against a powerful Night Lord. These bosses require not only solid combat skills but also coordination with your teammates. Each boss has its own mechanics and requires a different strategy to defeat. In the network test, players faced Triphos, one of the Night Lords, and learned that these bosses are no walk in the park. The game has been designed with three-player parties in mind, which means bosses are more challenging and have more complex mechanics than anything seen in previous FromSoftware titles.

7. Relics and Passive Upgrades: After defeating a Night Lord, you unlock relics that power up your character for future runs. These relics grant significant passive upgrades, allowing for more diverse builds and strategies. These upgrades also carry over to future runs, creating a feeling of progression despite the roguelike nature of the game.

The Character Build System: Flexibility and Strategy

Character progression in Nightreign is a blend of traditional RPG mechanics and roguelike elements. Instead of choosing individual stats like in Elden Ring, you level up by earning Elden Ring Runes and gaining a chunk of stat boosts per level. This streamlines the process but still allows for plenty of customization. The focus is on building your character based on the class you choose, finding the right gear, and adapting your strategy based on what you encounter during the run.

Additionally, the weapon system has undergone some interesting changes. Weapons are divided into rarity tiers (white, blue, purple, orange), and upgrading them requires finding smithing stones. The passive bonuses from weapons are always active, whether the weapon is equipped or not, meaning players will want to collect as many weapons as possible to maximize their bonuses. Furthermore, spells are tied to specific items like seals and staffs, which adds a layer of depth to the magic system, encouraging exploration and experimentation with different gear.

Exploring the World: Points of Interest and Exploration

The world of Nightreign is not procedurally generated in the traditional sense, but it does feature a set map with predetermined points of interest. As you explore, you’ll uncover camps, fortresses, and castles filled with enemies and mini-bosses. These areas are randomly populated with loot, enemies, and bosses, making each run feel different.

The shrinking circle mechanic adds an extra layer of tension, as you must keep moving and explore as much as you can before the circle closes in and forces you into the night phase. This dynamic keeps the pace fast and exciting, ensuring that players are always on their toes.

The Roguelike Experience: Why Nightreign Stands Out

As someone who loves action-based roguelikes like Hades and Dead Cells, I find Nightreign’s gameplay loop incredibly satisfying. The thrill of exploring, fighting, and dying only to try again with a new set of relics and upgrades is addictive. However, what sets Nightreign apart is its deep integration of FromSoftware’s signature combat mechanics and the emphasis on team play. Each run feels like a challenge not only to your skill but also to your ability to coordinate with others and adapt to new circumstances.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Title with a Bright Future

Elden Ring: Nightreign offers a promising and exciting blend of roguelike mechanics, cooperative multiplayer, and FromSoftware’s signature combat. While the network test had its share of issues, it gave us a taste of the potential that Nightreign holds. With its unique take on team-based combat, character progression, and world exploration, Nightreign has the makings of a standout title in the roguelike action genre. Whether you're a fan of Elden Ring or a newcomer to FromSoftware’s world, Nightreign is sure to provide hours of intense, rewarding gameplay.