Elden RingNightreign: The Review
FromSoftware has done it again. With Elden Ring: Nightreign, players are plunged into another shadow-drenched masterpiece. Set after the events of the base game, this DLC is a brutal, beautiful expansion that deepens the already expansive lore and tests even the most hardened Tarnished.
Let’s dive in and unpack everything that makes Nightreign a worthy successor—and perhaps even a new high point—for the Elden Ring saga.
A World Drenched in Darkness
Nightreign wastes no time. Within minutes, you’re hurled into the Realm of Umbral—a haunting landscape ruled by eternal moonlight and rotting starlight. It’s eerie, yes, but also stunning. The sky pulses with violet hues, and the ground crackles with ghostfire. FromSoftware has always excelled at visual storytelling, and this expansion only strengthens that reputation.
But it’s not just about looks. The world feels dangerous. The enemy placements are devious. The terrain is treacherous. Players are constantly reminded that death is always one misstep away.
Yet, exploration is irresistible. Secret catacombs wind beneath grave-ridden forests. Crumbling citadels teeter on cliff edges. And if you dare to stray from the beaten path? You’ll be rewarded—with both loot and lore.
Lore: A Tale of Forgotten Kings and Endless Dusk
The lore in Nightreign is rich, layered, and deeply unsettling. It centres around a forgotten demigod, Lystra the Moonwithered, who rejected the Erdtree’s light and chose the twilight of oblivion. Her descent into madness and rebirth as the Nightreign is told through cryptic item descriptions, NPC whispers, and optional boss encounters.
This is peak FromSoft storytelling—nothing is handed to you. Instead, you piece it together through observation and perseverance. Dedicated lore hunters will be in their element.
Moreover, this expansion recontextualises parts of the base game. Characters like Ranni and Blaidd are referenced subtly, suggesting their fates may not be as final as we once believed.
Combat: Vicious, Precise, and Intensely Rewarding
If you thought Elden Ring was hard, brace yourself. Nightreign pulls no punches. Enemies are faster, smarter, and utterly relentless. Mini-bosses now act like full-fledged bosses. And bosses? They’re nightmares in motion.
Take The Widow’s Crown—a multi-phase fight against a levitating lich who controls swarms of banshees. Or Sir Caelum of the Hollowed Watch, whose teleporting glaive strikes punish any hesitation.
But it’s not unfair. Every defeat teaches you something. Every victory feels earned.
Combat also gets a fresh injection of variety thanks to new weapons and magic. The Twilight Sabre allows players to deal holy and shadow damage simultaneously, while Moonrot Incantations spread corruption across a wide radius. These tools open up new strategies for both PvE and PvP.
New Systems: Eclipse Ascension and Memory Marks
Two new systems revolutionise gameplay in Nightreign.
Eclipse Ascension
This mechanic allows players to channel the Realm’s dying light into their build. It’s a powerful upgrade path that can be unlocked through intense side quests. Depending on your alignment, Eclipse Ascension enhances either sorcery, dexterity, or defence. It fundamentally changes how you approach late-game encounters.
Memory Marks
These collectible sigils unlock fragments of Lystra’s past. But here’s the twist: each Memory Mark you equip shifts enemy behaviour, weather effects, and even dialogue options. It’s the most dynamic world-altering system we’ve seen in a FromSoft title.
Multiplayer: Co-Op and Invasions Get an Upgrade
Multiplayer has always been an essential part of the Elden Ring formula. Nightreign makes it even better.
Players can now join Twilight Covenants, faction-based systems that grant buffs, unique emotes, and summonable NPC spirits. Co-op areas are more clearly marked, and matchmaking has improved significantly. You’ll spend less time waiting, and more time battling alongside allies or defending your realm from crimson invaders.
Invasions, meanwhile, are wilder than ever. Thanks to new terrain traps and enemy lures, defenders have more tools to turn the tide.
Visuals and Audio: Haunting and Hypnotic
Graphically, Nightreign is a cut above. The lighting system has been overhauled to highlight the stark contrasts of this nocturnal world. Shadows stretch longer, flickering torchlight now affects stealth mechanics, and particle effects are richer.
The soundtrack? Utterly chilling.
Composer Yuka Kitamura returns with a score that blends sorrowful strings, echoing choirs, and unsettling silences. Each boss has a unique track. Each area has a soundscape that burrows into your subconscious.
It’s not just music—it’s mood. And it’ll stay with you long after the controller’s down.
Bugs, Balance, and Performance
On launch, Nightreign runs smoothly on most systems. FromSoftware has clearly prioritised performance. Frame rate drops are rare, even during particle-heavy fights.
That said, some minor balancing issues remain. Certain weapons feel slightly overtuned, especially in PvP. And a few NPC questlines currently have progress bugs. But FromSoft has already addressed these in patch notes and promises fixes soon.
Final Verdict: A Masterful Descent Into Moonlit Madness
Elden Ring: Nightreign is not just more of the same—it’s better. It pushes the boundaries of what DLC can be, expanding on the core experience without diluting it. It’s difficult, yes. At times, even overwhelming. But it’s also unforgettable.
Whether you’re here for the combat, the lore, or simply the joy of getting utterly obliterated by grotesque bosses—you’re in for a treat.
Should You Play Elden Ring: Nightreign?
Absolutely. If you’re a fan of Elden Ring, this is a must-play. If you’re new, play the base game first—it’ll prepare you for the pain and glory that Nightreign delivers in spades.
FromSoftware continues to raise the bar. And Nightreign? It’s the studio at its most daring.
Ready to dive in? Grab the game now on PS5 or Xbox through our affiliate link and join the action!
