Overview
If you’ve been playing Elden Ring for years or just started with the latest DLC, understanding how to approach your expedition in Limveld can be tricky. With its unique gameplay loop and distinct hero selection system, Elden Ring Nightreign offers a fresh take on FromSoftware’s action RPG formula.
Expeditions in Limveld
Nightreign stands as an independent adventure within the Elden Ring universe, allowing players to explore without owning the base game. Released in May 2025 for PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S and PC, it introduces a new gameplay structure focused on repeat expeditions.
Each expedition begins at level 1, with two days dedicated to preparation and a boss each night before eventually facing one of the Nightlords. Unlike Elden Ring’s open-world exploration, Nightreign emphasizes structured missions where loot changes between sessions while the overall map remains recognizable.
Choosing a Nightfarer
The base game features eight playable characters known as “Nightfarers,” each offering unique abilities to complement your team:
Each has a passive ability, a character skill and an Ultimate Art.
The Roundtable Hold serves as the hub for preparing expeditions. Here, players can switch Nightfarers, equip relics and practice weapons at the training ground.
Preparing for the night bosses
Nightreign’s expedition loop requires strategic planning to maximize rewards:
- Explore and Prepare: Spend two days collecting runes, visiting churches for flask charges, strongholds for equipment, or tunnels containing Smithing Stones.
- Defeat Nightbosses: Each night introduces a new enemy boss with unique attacks. Defeating powerful foes can grant Dormant Power rewards that offer weapons or special effects during the expedition.
Relics and expedition rewards
Nightreign introduces a relic system tied directly to your Nightfarer:
- Relics: Equipped relics provide passive effects during expeditions.
Relics are not consumed upon returning from an expedition, allowing players to reuse them on later expeditions. This system replaces the permanent level grind of Elden Ring, focusing on temporary levelling and loot management instead.
Solo and co-op
Nightreign supports both solo play (online or offline) and cooperative multiplayer:
- Solo Mode: Players can explore expeditions independently without needing an internet connection.
- Co-op Mode: Requires online access to invite friends. Teams benefit from the “Rescue” mechanic, where downed players are revived if attacked by teammates.
Nightreign’s duo mode was introduced post-launch and offers a distinct way to approach expedition challenges compared to Elden Ring’s traditional singleplayer focus.
While closely tied to FromSoftware’s universe, Nightreign introduces its own set of rules and mechanics. The game encourages strategic preparation between expeditions, making it a unique entry point for new players or those seeking a fresh challenge within the Elden Ring ecosystem.
Nightreign offers an engaging twist on FromSoftware’s beloved formula.