After redefining the action RPG genre, FromSoftware returns with ELDEN RING: NIGHTREIGN, a dark and ambitious expansion that raises the stakes. While the original game stunned players with its vast world and intricate lore, Nightreign pushes boundaries even further. In this review, we’ll uncover what makes this expansion a must-play for fans of the Lands Between.
A World Shrouded in Darkness
Right from the start, Nightreign throws players into the Umbral Realms, an eerie landscape wrapped in eternal twilight. Unlike the more varied biomes of the base game, this region maintains a consistent tone of dread and decay. As a result, exploration feels more intense and foreboding.
The world design continues to tell stories without words. Each ruin, statue, and corpse hints at forgotten tragedies, inviting players to piece the narrative together. Additionally, environmental effects like drifting ash and shadowy fog enhance the mood.
Gameplay and Combat Enhancements
Nightreign doesn’t just add content—it evolves the experience. For instance, the expansion introduces several new systems and mechanics that refine combat and strategy.
- New Weapon Types: You can now wield shadow-forged blades and cursed polearms, each offering unique move sets and elemental effects.
- Upgraded Magic System: The newly introduced “Umbral Spells” allow players to manipulate time, inflict madness, and cloak themselves in shadow.
- Smarter Enemies: Unlike before, enemies adapt their behavior during fights, forcing you to rethink your tactics constantly.
- Improved Mount Combat: Torrent now has new mobility options and offensive maneuvers, making mounted battles more fluid.
Because of these changes, combat feels fresher and more demanding. You’ll need to learn fast or fall quickly.
New Bosses, New Nightmares
Nightreign’s bosses stand out as some of the most creative in the series. Moreover, each encounter feels distinct, both in mechanics and atmosphere.
You’ll face over 15 new bosses, including:
- The Hollow Monarch, a cursed ruler who cloaks the arena in darkness and manipulates your vision.
- Scourge of Ebonvale, a grotesque insectoid terror that punishes overaggression.
- Knight of Thorns, an elegant yet brutal swordsman who pressures players with relentless speed.
Unlike filler fights in other RPGs, these battles tell stories and test skill. More importantly, each boss ties directly into the expansion’s deeper lore.
Character Progression and Build Diversity
Progression in Nightreign feels more flexible thanks to the Specter System. This mechanic lets you bind with fallen spirits, gaining both passive and active abilities. You can also upgrade and fine-tune these spirits to match your combat style.
Consequently, build diversity has reached new heights. Whether you prefer aggressive melee, defensive tanking, or long-range sorcery, Nightreign gives you the tools to create your ideal character.
Visuals, Sound, and Performance
Visually, Nightreign builds on Elden Ring’s haunting aesthetic. The environments feel hand-crafted, with gothic structures, dying forests, and glowing caverns that keep you exploring. Furthermore, the dynamic lighting system helps set the mood—particularly during boss fights.
The soundtrack, too, elevates every moment. Tracks range from quiet and mournful to epic and intense. Combined with high-quality ambient sound design, the audio experience is exceptional.
Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly on most platforms. While some areas occasionally cause frame drops, a recent patch has already improved stability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Immersive world design with expanded lore
- Challenging and unique boss fights
- Enhanced combat and character systems
- Stunning visuals and atmospheric music
Cons:
- Some difficulty spikes may frustrate casual players
- A few reused enemy models from the base game
- Complex mechanics could overwhelm newcomers
Final Verdict
All things considered, ELDEN RING: NIGHTREIGN sets a new standard for what a game expansion can be. It doesn’t simply add more—it deepens the world, refines the mechanics, and pushes players to adapt and evolve. While not perfect, its ambition and execution are undeniable.
If you’re craving a return to the brutal beauty of Elden Ring, Nightreign is more than worth your time.
