Is Nightreign DLC for Elden Ring?

Elden Ring Nightreign takes place in Limveld, a transitory land within the world of the original Elden Ring game. With each new run that players take on, the world changes, and players will need to work together (or run through solo) to survive the night and beat the final boss. Due to the games being set within the same universe, many players are wondering if they need to have the original Elden Ring game to play Elden Ring Nightreign. Here's what you need to know.

Elden Ring Nightreign - Revenant Character Trailer

FromSoftware reveals the Revenant class for Elden Ring Nightreign, one that specializes in summoning and supporting allies.

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By The Best War Games Staff

Can You Play Elden Ring Nightreign Without Owning the Original Elden Ring?

It's Actually Not DLC

Yes, Elden Ring Nightreign is a standalone experience and so doesn't require players to have the original Elden Ring to play it. Nightreign is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S and costs $39.99. This lower price point has led some fans to believe that it is an expansion for the base game.

However, because this is a multiplayer-focused experience that is more fast-paced and streamlined than the larger, sprawling Soulsborne RPGs that FromSoftware is typically known for, it has been released at a cheaper price point.

While it's not required that players own or have even played the original game, it's probably advisable that they have some knowledge and experience with Elden Ring. There are a lot of mechanics in the game that will be easier to understand and pick up within the time-constrained gameplay with some experience playing the original title. Players may also better understand some of the lore in Nightreign if they're already familiar with it from the original game.

While Nightreign is a multiplayer experience, it does have some limitations. It can only be played solo or in a group of three, and it doesn't feature crossplay.

What's Different in Elden Ring Nightreign Compared to the Original Game?

It's a Roguelike!

Whereas the original Elden Ring focused on players leveling up their character, exploring the world, and uncovering its secrets at a more leisurely pace, Elden Ring Nightreign streamlines the Soulsborne gameplay into something fast-paced and run-focused. Players will have one in-game day to explore and level up their character as much as possible before darkness takes over the land, and they'll need to take out a boss.

Defeat that boss, and players will repeat the process, leveling up and exploring to prepare for the next boss. Beat that second boss, and players will have to explore and level up one last time before taking on the final boss. With each new run, bosses, buildings, and items will be randomized, keeping things fresh.

There are some clear similarities. The world itself still feels very much like Elden Ring, and the eight Nightfarers in the game are all somewhat based around one of the classes from the original game. Bosses are just as punishing and epic in stature as they were in Elden Ring, too. Essentially, the best way to think about Elden Ring Nightreign is to see it as a multiplayer roguelike that distills the core gameplay experience of the original game into 30-minute speedruns where communication and strategy are key.

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