Elden Ring Nightreign, a new standalone adventure set within the Elden Ring universe, will not feature the series’ signature asynchronous messaging system. This decision, confirmed by game director Junya Ishizaki in a January 3rd interview with IGN Japan, is a pragmatic one driven by the game’s design.
Unlike the sprawling, hours-long gameplay of the original Elden Ring, Nightreign is designed for shorter, approximately 40-minute play sessions. This more intense, multiplayer-focused experience, Ishizaki explained, wouldn’t allow sufficient time for players to engage with the in-game messaging system. The fast-paced nature of Nightreign prioritizes streamlined gameplay over the leisurely exploration encouraged by the message system. This aligns with FromSoftware’s ambition to create a “compressed RPG” brimming with variety and minimal downtime. The game’s three-day structure further supports this goal.
However, this omission doesn’t mean a complete absence of asynchronous features. The popular bloodstain mechanic, allowing players to view and even loot the remains of fallen comrades, returns in Nightreign, enhanced and more prominent than ever. This retains a sense of community interaction without the time commitment required for the messaging system.
Elden Ring Nightreign’s multiplayer-centric design, featuring three-player co-op, is intended to foster intense, collaborative gameplay. The decision to forgo the messaging system, therefore, reflects a deliberate shift towards a more focused and action-oriented experience.
Publisher Bandai Namco has announced an upcoming network test for Nightreign, and while a specific release date hasn’t been revealed beyond a 2025 target, the game’s reveal trailer at The Game Awards 2024 generated considerable excitement.