Elden Ring Nightreign artist wanted part of the game to feel ‘more cozy, more welcoming, more at home,’ so naturally she drew on Dark Souls for inspiration

by

Nightreign feel unique and detailed.

In a recent conversation with IGN, FromSoftware’s Environmental Artist Saori Mizuno discussed the intricacies behind the creation of Limveld, sharing insights into the thought processes and inspirations that guided their work.

Just as its title implies, Nightreign primarily draws motivation from Elden Ring. However, the creators aimed to infuse a sense of novelty into a realm that numerous gamers have grown accustomed to.

Mizuno clarified, “We aimed to keep the feel of Elden Ring consistent since it served as our foundation for both design and setting. Early on, we decided to craft an experience that initially seems and feels familiar, but eventually leads you into the strange and mysterious.

To accomplish this, they delved into the game’s themes of light and darkness, day and night. In a sense, Nightreign’s settings mirror Elden Ring, but with a darker, eerie charm. The designers employed the impending threat of approaching night to intensify that ominous atmosphere.

In the creation of Limveld, the very first environment, my aim was to instill a sense of beauty, where at first sight it appears captivating and inviting. Yet, within moments, one gets the feeling that something isn’t quite as it seems or feels slightly off. This is how Mizuno described it.

We aimed to spark a sense of anticipation in the players for the arrival of night, making them eagerly await and even enjoy the approach of darkness.

Mizuno expressed that the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away influenced her as well. She described it as evoking a sense of not being able to return home and being trapped within a dream, a sensation she aimed to capture while creating these worlds. She attempted to convey this feeling to the players.

In the realm of Nightreign, there are tranquil pockets that mirror the sanctuary found in Spirited Away. The Round Table Hold, transplanted from Elden Ring with subtle modifications, serves as one such haven amidst a world shrouded in darkness and mystery. Here, I find solace and respite before venturing back into the enigmatic unknown.

Mizuno shared that the design for this hub and resting area was influenced by Dark Souls, with the intention of creating a space that felt comfortable, inviting, and homely. One source of inspiration was the Firelink Shrine from Dark Souls 1, which offers a sense of comfort and familiarity after enduring challenges or battles.

In Nightreign, the battles are undeniably challenging, no doubt about it. Despite the exasperation that the game’s toughness sometimes causes me, I can’t help but be captivated by the realm of Limveld. Upon diving into the game, one of my initial reactions was a wish for more time to delve deeper and appreciate all its details.

Nightreign doesn’t provide additional time for any activity, yet this could be an additional incentive to revisit it, allowing you to explore all that Limveld has to showcase (and the things lurking to potentially harm your team).

Read More

2025-06-01 21:47