The marketing for Elden Ring: Nightreign is going full throttle as its release draws near, and while many FromSoftware fans are excited, others remain skeptical about the game’s approach to online co-op. Some are eager to explore Limveld and squad up with friends, but others, myself included, are disappointed by the lack of PvP.
Which is exactly why Nightreign’s absence of PvP feels like such a wasted opportunity. It could’ve been the perfect game to introduce a balanced blend of PvE and PvP elements. Instead, it’s leaning fully into PvE.
Of course, this is just my take, but Nightreign would have benefited greatly from integrating some of Elden Ring’s best PvP mechanics. Here’s why:
Class-Based Fights
Nightreign’s eight classes, or Nightfarers, have fundamentally different movesets and abilities. PvP battles between them could’ve been incredible. Imagine the Recluse’s spell-casting prowess squaring off against a stealthy Duchess using her invisibility skill. Sure, that matchup might’ve been wildly unbalanced, but that’s exactly what could’ve made it memorable. Besides, it’s not like Elden Ring’s PvP was ever known for perfect balance.
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+ 2PvP Would Add Tension
Now picture this: you and your squad stumble upon another team of three players in Limveld’s ever-shifting realm. Both teams are racing toward the Nightlord, but first, they’ll have to face off. It might sound a bit like Fortnite, but Nightreign has already borrowed elements from the battle royale genre. Limiting it strictly to PvE risks draining its long-term replay value.
click to enlarge+ 2A Perfect Use of Online Functionality
Nightreign had the chance to truly capitalize on Elden Ring’s popular PvP features. The base game’s PvP offerings were minimal at launch, with the Arena update arriving months later, and even then, it felt barebones. Compare that to what FromSoftware pulled off with Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, a PvP system with ranked battles and meaningful matchmaking. Nightreign could’ve followed that example.
READ: Where Is My Armored Core VI DLC, FromSoftware?
The Duskbloods Share That DNA
Then there’s The Duskbloods, FromSoftware’s upcoming multiplayer-focused title, which seems to be doing what Nightreign isn’t. While it’s a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive and we don’t know much about it yet, it’s already shaping up to offer that coveted PvE-PvP blend within a Soulslike framework. Fans who want both playstyles might end up gravitating toward Duskbloods instead.
Elden Ring: Nightreign launches on May 30 as a standalone experience, separate from the story Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin crafted. Those looking for a lore-heavy narrative may walk away disappointed. This is a co-op-centered title designed to be played with a full squad.
But with all that it’s doing right, one can’t help but feel that the exclusion of PvP leaves something vital on the table.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Features and Elden Ring: Nightreign page.