Elden Ring Nightreignis an especially intriguing project from a developer that is no stranger to intriguing projects. The cooperative roguelike aims to remix several core elements of theElden Ringexperience, looping in game mechanics, progression systems, and enemies from the base game and recontextualizing them in unexpected ways. On top of all this,Nightreignwill be reincorporating bossesfrom previous FromSoftware games, making it a surprising crossover venture for the company.
In short,Elden Ring Nightreignis entering uncharted waters, which is a big part of what makes it so exciting. Though FromSoftware typically marches to the beat of its own drum, it isn’t immune to market demands and audience expectations; perhaps moreNightreign-esque games could be in the developer’s future, ifNightreignis especially successful. If this were to be the case, the natural assumption would be for FromSoftware to adapt the gameplay formula to its other IP, and withDark Soulsalready crossing over withElden Ring, andSekirobeing a bit too narrow in its scope,Bloodbornecould be the best option for aNightreign-style spin-off. This would be no simple task, however.
Theorizing About a ‘Bloodborne Nightreign’ Game
Bloodborne Has Far Less Build Variety Than Elden Ring
AlthoughNightreignhas its own unique gear economy and upgrade system, its progression and gameplaysystems stem from theElden Ringbase game. In other words,Nightreign’s archetypes are inspired by actual builds that players could craft inElden Ringof their own volition, cranking up the more definitive and powerful elements of each build category. For instance, the Recluse’s elemental-based magic is more powerful than a typical sorcerer’s, while the Duchess is swifter and more cunning than a standard rogue build—but both retain these original builds' spirits.
A game likeBloodborneposes some difficulties for this sort of adaptation. Contrary to popular belief, there is indeedsome degree of build variety inBloodborne, as players can choose to spec into different weapon types, lean more into firearm damage, or level up Arcane for access to the game’s sparse selection of magical items. But at the end of the day, it’s quite hard to roleplay as a dedicated tank or mage inBloodborne, as the game heavily favors fast-paced, offense-focused gameplay. Having said that, there are certainly ways that aBloodborneNightreigncould work. It would just require some of FromSoftware’s signature ingenuity.
Unconventional Builds Could Be a Boon for a Bloodborne Version of Elden Ring Nightreign
Bloodbornemay lack traditional RPG builds like mage and archer, but its quasi-Victorian, steampunk setting gives way to far more distinct combat archetypes that could be fleshed out for aNightreign-esque spinoff. For example, this theoretical game could feature a firearms specialist that min-maxes gunplay and melee combat, dual-wielding pistols for maximum deadliness at a distance. A mad scientist character would be a perfect stand-in forNightreign’s Recluse character, using grotesque and unsettling implements like the Augur of Ebrietas in place of a wand or staff.
The thing is,Bloodborne’s base game has all the ingredients for deeper buildvariety—FromSoftware just reduced the potentness of some of them for the final product. But even relatively small changes, like the option to dual-wield weapons or an alternative to the stringent Quicksilver Bullets mana system, would fling the doors to build variety wide open. An archetype-based cooperative game might actually be the best way to express such build variety, as there would be dedicated characters and playstyles fine-tuned around new mechanics.
Of course, it’s impossible to say how likely this kind ofBloodbornespin-off is, or if it would even be worthwhile. No one really knows howElden Ring Nightreignis going to turn out, after all, and there could be negative lore ramifications ifBloodbornewere reprised as a multiplayer game. But nevertheless, there is potential in the concept, as it could allowBloodborne’s combat sandbox to expand.
Elden Ring Nightreign
WHERE TO PLAY
“ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is a standalone adventure within the ELDEN RING universe, crafted to offer players a new gaming experience by reimagining the game’s core design.Join forces with other players to take on the creeping night and the dangers within featuring 3-player co-op.Take command of uniquely skilled heroes, each possessing their own abilities and distinct flair.While individually formidable, their skills create powerful synergies when they unite as a team.Overcome a relentless environmental threat that sweeps through a land that changes between each game session and defeat the magnificent boss of that night!”
