From Software’s latest entry into the Elden Ring universe, Nightreign, has stormed out of the gate with staggering momentum, selling over 2 million copies within its first 24 hours of release. The game, which launched globally on May 30 across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms, marks another major commercial success for the Elden Ring brand but it hasn’t arrived without controversy.

A Monumental Launch

Bandai Namco and FromSoftware confirmed that Nightreign achieved this milestone faster than any other spinoff in the studio’s history. Much of this success can be attributed to the enormous goodwill and cult following established by 2022’s Elden Ring, a title that redefined open-world fantasy RPGs with its atmospheric design, brutal challenge, and mythic storytelling. Nightreign leverages this foundation but ventures into uncharted territory both creatively and structurally.

Unlike the original game, Nightreign leans into roguelike mechanics and co-op-focused progression, introducing new gameplay systems that have significantly altered the tone and pace of the experience. Players can now join up to three others in tightly designed, procedurally generated “Nightfall” dungeons, which culminate in boss fights designed to test not just individual skill but also team coordination.

Player Response: Success and Scepticism

Despite its impressive commercial debut, Nightreign has received mixed reception from players, particularly on PC. Steam user reviews currently sit at 64% positive, making it the lowest-rated FromSoftware launch on the platform to date.

Much of the criticism stems from the game’s challenging solo experience, with many players expressing frustration over mechanics seemingly designed with co-op play in mind. Unlike traditional Soulsborne titles, which reward patience and mastery in single-player runs, Nightreign appears heavily balanced around group dynamics. This design choice has left solo players feeling alienated by its punishing difficulty and lack of flexibility.

The lack of duo support has also drawn ire. Many users who hoped to tackle the game with just one companion echoing the spirit of jolly cooperation made famous in earlier FromSoftware games-have found themselves forced into full four-player teams or lonely solo excursions.

Studio Response: Patch Incoming

In response to growing criticism, FromSoftware has swiftly announced a patch aimed at improving the solo play experience. The upcoming update will introduce an “Automatic Revival Upon Defeat” feature, allowing solo players a second chance during major boss encounters. Additionally, rune rewards for solo expeditions will be increased to better match the risk and time investment.

While the changes won’t fundamentally alter the game’s co-op-first philosophy, they signal the developer’s willingness to adapt and iterate based on player feedback something FromSoftware has historically done well with post-launch updates and expansions.

What Makes Nightreign Unique?

At its core, Elden Ring: Nightreign feels like a bold experiment-a high-risk, high-reward pivot for the studio. The game swaps out the sprawling open-world structure of the base game in favour of more compact, randomized environments with heavy focus on replayability. Elements like permadeath style consequences, rotating gear pools, and asynchronous PvP invasions give it a sense of unpredictability and urgency.

Lore-wise, Nightreign is set in an alternate timeline where the Lands Between have been plunged into perpetual twilight. Players assume the role of a “Shadewalker,” a cursed descendant of the Tarnished who must extinguish the roots of a spreading nightmare corruption. The narrative leans heavily into psychological horror and cosmic dread, drawing comparisons to Bloodborne more than the original Elden Ring.

The Road Ahead

While Nightreign has successfully captured the attention of millions, its long-term reputation will depend on how well FromSoftware balances its ambitious new formula with the expectations of its fiercely loyal fanbase. If the upcoming patches can smooth out the rougher edges of solo play and if the studio continues to listen to feedback the game could yet evolve into another cult classic.

For now, Nightreign stands as a fascinating case study: a title that dares to subvert its roots, divides its audience, and yet manages to triumph commercially. Whether it will endure as one of FromSoftware’s beloved masterpieces or remain a polarizing offshoot remains to be seen.