Last weekend, FromSoftware held closed test sessions for ELDEN RING™ NIGHTREIGN, its new cooperative action-survival game set in the ELDEN RING universe. Scheduled for release on May 30, the title challenges players to engage in team-based PvE combat in a hostile and unforgiving environment. Watermelo participated in the test and brings first impressions from Igor Marçal.

The gameplay structure follows a dynamic and challenging format. Three players start at level 1 and must face a boss at the end of three evolution cycles. During each cycle, the team must collect gear and upgrade their characters before the safe zone closes, similar to a battle royale. If they fail to exit in time, they begin to take continuous damage. In the third cycle, the final boss appears, and the decisive battle determines the match's outcome.

Four classes are available to players, each with distinct characteristics. The Wylder is a warrior focused on direct combat, capable of pulling enemies and using a high-damage area cannon. The Guardian also excels in melee combat, combining strength and agility while possessing crowd-control abilities. The Duchess takes a strategic approach, summoning enemy shadows and using invisibility for tactical movement. The Reclusa, a magic-oriented class, absorbs elemental marks when dealing damage and can amplify bleeding effects on enemies, though it has a steeper learning curve.

Visually, FromSoftware once again delivers an impressive experience. The graphics are detailed, and the atmosphere retains the franchise’s signature dark and immersive style. However, the need for constant movement and quickly defeating enemies to progress may limit opportunities to explore the environments at a slower pace. Still, the experience proved to be engaging and challenging, requiring adaptation and strategy from the very first matches.

Despite its differences from the first DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, the new expansion raises questions about player communication. Team coordination is essential for strong performance, which may pose a challenge if playing with random teammates without effective communication.

The Standard and Deluxe Editions are now available for pre-order on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. The Pre-Order Trailer can be watched on the game's official website. With an innovative concept within the ELDEN RING universe, NIGHTREIGN promises an intense cooperative experience for fans of the series.