Elden Ring Nightreign is set to transport players into the dynamic realms of Limveld, where they can explore and battle for survival, either alone or in teams of three. However, for those who prefer to play in pairs, you might have to welcome a third player into your adventures.
In an interview with IGN, Junya Ishizaki, the director of Elden Ring Nightreign, explained the game's focus on solo and trio experiences. When asked about the absence of a dedicated two-player mode, Ishizaki admitted that it was an oversight during development. "The simple answer is that this is something that was overlooked during development as just a two-player option, so we're very sorry about that," he stated. "As we mentioned before, our goal was to create a multiplayer co-op game balanced for three players, and that was our main focus and the core of Nightreign."
Ishizaki further elaborated on the game's design considerations, saying, "Of course, as a player myself, I understand the desire for solo play, which we considered from the start. We put a lot of effort into ensuring the game was enjoyable for solo players within the constraints of our new systems. In focusing on that aspect, we unfortunately overlooked the duos aspect, but this is something we are looking at and considering for post-launch support as well."
For duo players, be prepared to welcome a random third into your party. You might just find someone who complements your gameplay perfectly.
For solo adventurers, Elden Ring Nightreign has been designed with you in mind. Ishizaki noted that the game's parameters "adjust dynamically depending on the number of players in that session," ensuring that lone wolves won't be overwhelmed. Solo players will need to seek out self-revive options, which are specifically included to aid single-player experiences. Meanwhile, those playing in trios will find the game optimized for this mode, as it's what Elden Ring Nightreign was built around.
Whether or not dedicated support for duos arrives post-launch, having an extra player can only help when facing the formidable bosses lurking in Nightreign.
Elden Ring Nightreign is scheduled for release on May 30, 2025, and will be available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X and S.