FromSoftware is often infamous for creating incredibly difficult games. Despite the inherent difficulty, there is often an easier way to tackle the games’ seemingly insurmountable challenges. For example, in Dark Soul, Bloodborne and Elden Ring, players can grind easier areas to level up their characters and weapons. That same loophole doesn’t exist in the new Elden Ring Nightreign, which makes it one of the hardest games ever spawned from FromSoftware’s studios.

Elden Ring Nightreign is naturally inspired by the critically acclaimed game of the same name. It’s not a direct sequel to the events of Elden Ring, though. Gameplay wise, it’s something completely different, too.

It’s FromSoftware’s first attempt at a roguelike. Players begin every round at level one and a base kit of weapons. In teams of three or on their own, players must fight enemies and minibosses across a smaller map called Limveld. After a period of time, the map contracts and turns into an arena for a much bigger boss. If the team gets through this, the map refreshes, and the grind begins again. After two rounds, all players are transported to a final battle with an incredibly powerful Nightlord.

Is this FromSoftware’s hardest game?

Though expeditions will grant players a few Relics afterwards regardless of success, starting off at square one is a huge hurdle. It will take more than a few unsuccessful runs to get the hang of the game’s mechanics and enemies. Plus, since the two cycles are a huge slog, getting to the Nightlord just to practice is another challenge in itself.

The game relies a lot on luck: getting a favorable map, powerful drops, and even agreeable teammates. Chances are that your first few hours in this game are all about finding a good rhythm and figuring out which combinations of elements are most agreeable to your playstyle.

If you want to go at it solo, Elden Ring Nightreign is not a game well suited for singleplayer, except for the most skilled of players. A good number of bosses are built for team dynamics. For example, an early game boss involves two demihumans with the additional ability to summon more minions to the battlefield.

Mechanically speaking, Sekiro is still the hardest FromSoftware game because of how much it relies on pure player skill. However, because of the added roguelike elements and sheer luck, Nightreign might be the hardest one overall.

Appropriately paced for its difficulty

Extreme difficulty is often a factor that prevents players from falling in love with a game. Even now, my own runs can sometimes end in frustration. A saving grace, however, is how long a run usually lasts. A single day is around 15 minutes long. With two days (and three boss fights which can take a good length of time to finish), a completed expedition is around 45 minutes long.

Traversal is also much easier with a new climbing mechanic and new spirit springs. It doesn’t take long before figuring out a route and getting the action going.

The length is designed perfectly to capture my attention without sinking me into a pit of despair. Regardless of whether my run ends in 15 or 45 minutes, I always feel a pull to enter back into the fray. I don’t foresee that the game will regularly tempt me to play for hours on end, but I do see myself picking it up every day for a few runs. It’s the perfect game for both casual fans who don’t have a lot of time and for hardcore fans who can dedicate hours into playing the game well into the night.

Supports a variety of playstyles

In the original Elden Ring, starting classes are usually just templates for the very early game. The game allows players to level up any attributes they choose. Even a faith-based priest can turn into a strength-based warrior by the end of the game. Nightreign does not offer this flexibility. Classes are strictly limited to the skills and attributes they’re built with.

However, the lack of flexibility actually makes Nightreign much easier to understand than the original game. Everything feels more streamlined. You don’t need to think about which attributes work best with your character. Leveling up the Recluse, for example, will always prioritize intelligence, rather than strength.

Every playable class is perfectly attuned to what it’s good at. It has the jack-of-all-trades Wylder, the hardy tank Guardian, the archer Ironeye, the glass cannon Executor, the dexterity-based Duchess, the DPS tank Raider, the magic-wielding Recluse, and the summoner Revenant.

And it doesn’t shoehorn you into archetypes, either. Usually, I prefer strength-based characters, but the intelligence-based magic wielders are also fun and easy to play. Some, like the Revenant, do need more skill, but the game doesn’t bar you from trying them out for yourself.

Is Elden Ring Nightreign your GameMatch?

Elden Ring Nightreign is remarkably tough. Even as a fan of FromSoftware games, I constantly find myself on the edge of frustration.

However, Nightreign’s more streamlined approach actually makes for a fun ride. Instead of wallowing in anger, it has me looking forward to every succeeding run, either to try a new character or just to get another crack at beating the Nightlord. Though it’s not the usual FromSoftware formula, the studio hit another goldmine.