Get ready for a truly unique Elden Ring experience! Elden Ring Nightreign introduces procedurally generated terrain, ensuring no two playthroughs are ever the same.
Elden Ring Nightreign: Procedurally Generated Landscapes
Volcanoes, Poison Swamps, and Forests Await
Director Junya Ishizaki revealed in a PC Gamer Magazine Issue 405 interview (reported by Games Radar on February 10, 2025) that Nightreign's map will dynamically generate volcanoes, forests, and swamps.
Prepare for a classic Soulslike challenge! Poison swamps and other hazardous environments will demand strategic adaptation, forcing players to adjust their tactics on the fly. Ishizaki explained the map will feature "large-scale changes to terrain in the form of procedurally appearing volcanoes, swamps, or forests," creating a constantly evolving world.
This design choice aims to transform the map into "a giant dungeon," offering diverse exploration and traversal options with each playthrough. Forests, for example, provide cover for both players and enemies, adding a layer of unpredictable challenge.
"Once you've made that choice, maybe you have an idea of how you want to strategize against that boss, and this might change how you approach the map. We wanted to offer players that agency, to decide 'I need to go after a poison weapon this time to face this boss.'"
Familiar terrains may also reappear, such as the infamous Swamp of Aeonia and Lake of Rot, known for their debilitating effects. These procedurally generated areas may also house unique enemy encounters, including Giant Lobsters or Crabs, Runebears, Magma Wyrms, and other formidable foes from previous Souls games.
Elden Ring Nightreign Playtest: Invites Now Rolling Out
Get ready to explore! Playtest invites for Elden Ring Nightreign are now being sent out to those who registered during The Game Awards 2024. Lucky players on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 can participate from February 14th to 16th, 2025.
Here are the specific playtest times (PT):
⚫︎ February 14: 3:00 to 6:00 am
⚫︎ February 14: 7:00 to 10:00 pm
⚫︎ February 15: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
⚫︎ February 16: 3:00 to 6:00 am
⚫︎ February 16: 7:00 to 10:00 pm
This playtest will focus on server load testing, identifying online multiplayer issues, and refining game balance. Remember, the game is still under development, so access to certain areas, enemies, and features may be limited.
