This past weekend marked the inaugural network tests for Elden Ring Nightreign, the much-anticipated standalone multiplayer game that diverges significantly from FromSoftware's acclaimed Elden Ring. Unlike the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC released last year, Nightreign shifts away from the open-world exploration of its predecessor, opting instead for a more streamlined survival format. Teams of three players must navigate progressively shrinking maps, battling waves of enemies and increasingly formidable bosses. This design bears a striking resemblance to the battle royale sensation Fortnite, which boasts a staggering 200 million players this month alone.
However, Nightreign also evokes the spirit of a less celebrated yet intriguing title: God of War: Ascension from 2013. Released between God of War 3 and the 2018 Norse reboot, Ascension serves as a prequel set in the Greek mythology universe, following Kratos as he attempts to break his oath to Aries. Though it didn't match the grandeur of the original trilogy's climax, Ascension introduced unique elements, including the memorable Prison of the Damned—a dungeon within a 100-armed giant. More crucially, it pioneered multiplayer in the series with the Trial of the Gods mode, which shares significant similarities with Nightreign.
Image credit: Sony Santa Monica / Sony
In Ascension, after reaching a certain point in the campaign, players can access multiplayer, where they assume the role of an NPC who narrowly escapes death. Players must then align with one of four gods—Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, or Aries—each offering unique weapons, armor, and magic. This setup enables participation in five multiplayer modes, with Trial of the Gods standing out as a cooperative PvE experience, mirroring Nightreign’s core concept.
Previews and coverage from notable "Soulsborne" content creators like VaatiyVidya and Iron Pineapple, alongside IGN, have highlighted Nightreign’s resemblance to live service games like Fortnite. The game incorporates randomized loot, resource management, and environmental hazards that challenge players by limiting their movement and health. Players even drop into the map from the sky, reminiscent of Fortnite's iconic imagery, though transported by spirit birds instead of a battle bus.
Image credit: FromSoftware / Bandai Namco
While Nightreign may not feature the "where are we dropping?" banter of Fortnite, it shares deeper similarities with Ascension's Trial of the Gods. Both games are cooperative experiences where teams tackle increasingly difficult foes, including bosses from previous titles. Both incorporate countdown timers and operate within confined or shrinking maps. Notably, both are multiplayer endeavors from studios renowned for single-player masterpieces, developed without direct oversight from their series' creators. Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki is currently focused on an undisclosed project, while the original God of War trilogy directors had moved on by the time Ascension was created.
Participants in Nightreign's network tests have described their experiences as a thrilling race against time, contrasting with the deliberate pacing of Elden Ring. To compensate for the absence of Torrent, Nightreign enhances player mobility, allowing them to run faster and jump higher. Ascension similarly adjusted its pacing for multiplayer, increasing run speed, extending jumps, and introducing new mechanics like automated parkour and a grapple attack, akin to Nightreign’s Wylder character.
These adjustments are vital, as Trial of the Gods throws numerous enemies at players, necessitating quick and efficient combat. Players find themselves sprinting and slashing through hordes, embodying the relentless spirit of Kratos.
Nightreign’s unexpected parallels with Ascension highlight a fascinating convergence of game design philosophies. While the Soulslike genre, epitomized by Elden Ring, traditionally stands in opposition to the power fantasies of God of War, Nightreign reintroduces a heightened level of challenge. Without the overpowered builds prevalent in Elden Ring, Nightreign offers a fresh yet demanding experience, appealing to those who seek the thrill of racing against the clock as a Spartan warrior.
