FromSoftware has announced a distinctive multiplayer strategy for its upcoming Elden Ring: Nightreign, breaking away from traditional cooperative gameplay models. The game, revealed at The Game Awards, will exclusively support either single-player or three-player cooperative modes, deliberately excluding two-player gameplay.
Game director Junya Ishizaki explained the deliberate design choice in an interview with IGN. “The game is designed to be played as a three-person team, but you can play it as a solo player,” Ishizaki stated, emphasizing that two-player co-op is not an option.
The development team has carefully considered the multiplayer experience, with Ishizaki noting that the three-player focus aims to create a fresh sense of accomplishment. “We wanted to recreate that sense of enjoyment from battling a boss together or conquering a map, but in a brand new way,” he explained.
To ensure balanced gameplay, Elden Ring: Nightreign will dynamically adjust enemy health pools based on the number of players. This approach promises to maintain challenge and engagement whether players are tackling challenges alone or as a trio. Players eager to experience Nightreign can look forward to a network test scheduled for February, providing an early glimpse into the game’s unique cooperative mechanics.
The announcement comes amid interesting industry developments, including speculation about potential Elden Ring adaptations and ongoing discussions about Sony’s potential acquisition of Kadokawa Corporation, FromSoftware’s parent company.