The highly anticipated standalone multiplayer survival game, Elden Ring Nightreign, created by FromSoftware, is scheduled for release on May 30. Upon launch, players will have access to two game modes: a three-player online cooperative experience and a solo mode. The developers are also considering the addition of a two-player mode post-launch, enabling pairs of gamers to join forces within the gameplay.
Game Modes for Elden Ring Nightreign
In a recent interview with IGN, Junya Ishizaki, the director of Elden Ring Nightreign, revealed that the game was originally designed to accommodate three players, ensuring a balanced gameplay experience. However, the possibility of introducing a two-player mode is being explored for future updates.
“The simple answer is that this is something that was overlooked during development as just a two-player option, so we’re very sorry about that,” Ishizaki commented, addressing the lack of a two-player feature.
He elaborated, “We aimed to create a multiplayer co-op game primarily focused on three players, which became the central element of Nightreign.” In addition to the three-player mode, the development team prioritized delivering a solo gameplay experience.
“As a player myself, I understand the desire for solo gameplay at times. We made concerted efforts to develop an experience that resonates with solo players, aligned with the game’s rules and new systems,” Ishizaki noted. He acknowledged that the emphasis on this aspect may have led to the oversight of a two-player mode, but confirmed that it remains a focus for their post-launch development plans.
Differences in Solo Mode
Ishizaki also discussed how solo gameplay will differ from cooperative play, emphasizing that, while the game is tailored for three players, solo players will still encounter challenges independently before coming together to confront bosses. This means that solo play integrates smoothly into the overall cooperative experience, although enemies have been specifically rebalanced for those venturing alone.
“Solo play is encouraged and naturally integrates into the game loop. However, for solo players — and this might be less noticeable in multiplayer — the behavior and aggression of enemies towards individual players have been modified. This way, players can avoid facing unreasonable numbers of foes at once,” he explained.
He pointed out that the game’s parameters dynamically change based on the number of active players in a session, aiming to create a more enjoyable experience for solo gamers. However, challenges remain, as players will face bosses without the support of teammates and will not have the ability to revive one another. Nonetheless, a self-revive feature can be discovered while exploring the game world.
Elden Ring Nightreign offers players a continuation of the challenges, exploration, and boss fights familiar from Elden Ring but presents them in a new format where participants must survive for three nights before battling the main boss. The game features a dynamically changing map, offering new enemy encounters, environmental transformations, and challenges that can significantly alter the gameplay experience. It is set to launch across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X on May 30.
