As a die-hard Souls-like fan, I'm still reeling from the hype of FromSoftware's reveal at the 2024 Game Awards. The announcement of Elden Ring: Nightreign felt like a bolt from the blue, especially since it's set to drop later this year in 2025. What excites me most? It's not a full sequel but a spin-off that runs parallel to the original game, designed for solo play or intense three-player co-op sessions. I mean, teaming up with two buddies to tackle the horrors of The Lands Between—that's like navigating a labyrinth blindfolded, where every twist could lead to triumph or disaster. The sheer unpredictability reminds me of a rollercoaster ride through a thunderstorm, where the thrill comes from not knowing if you'll soar or crash. 
Now, let's dive into the nuts and bolts. FromSoftware is gearing up for beta tests throughout 2025 to stress test the servers, and I've already signed up for the first network test in February. Registrations opened back on January 10, but here's the kicker—PC players like me are left out in the cold for now. It's frustrating, but I get it; they need to fine-tune things before expanding. Participants will get to play early sections of the game, surviving three nights in that cursed world. During the day, you level up and prep, but when night falls, the area shrinks, and one of eight bosses spawns. Cross-play isn't an option, which might feel isolating, like being stranded on a desert island with only echoes of past battles for company.
Speaking of battles, the enemy roster is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. FromSoftware is bringing back iconic foes from both Elden Ring and Dark Souls, which is a dream come true for us veterans. Here's a quick rundown of who we'll face:
-
Returning from Dark Souls:
-
The Nameless King 😱
-
Parasite Spider 🕷️
-
The Duke’s Dear Freja 🐉
-
The Centipede Demon 🦂
-
Back from Elden Ring:
-
Exile Soldiers ⚔️
-
Soldiers of Godrick 🛡️
-
Banished Knights 🏰
-
Knights of Zamor ❄️
-
Omens 💀
It's wild how they weave these assets into Nightreign, creating a tapestry of terror that feels both familiar and fresh.
Now, about that release date—FromSoftware has a pattern, and it's as reliable as a Swiss watch in a hurricane. Based on their history, games often drop in the first quarter:
| Game Title | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Dark Souls | September 22 |
| Dark Souls 2 | March 11 |
| Dark Souls 3 | April 12 |
| Elden Ring | February 25 |
Given the February stress test, I'm betting on a late March or April launch for Nightreign. But if things go south, a September release isn't off the table. Either way, it's shaping up to be a monumental year.
Wrapping up, I can't help but wonder—what if this game reshapes how we approach co-op in Souls-likes? Or will it become a mere shadow, forever compared to its predecessor? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: 2025 is our year to conquer the night.