Elden Ring: Nightreign’s Lack of PvP Is A Wasted Opportunity

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The advertising for Elden Ring: Nightreign is picking up speed as its launch approaches, and though many FromSoftware enthusiasts are looking forward to it, others express reservations about the game’s online cooperative play. Some can’t wait to traverse Limveld alongside friends, but others, including myself, feel let down by the absence of player-versus-player (PvP) interactions.

Indeed, it’s exactly this reason that Nightreign’s lack of Player versus Player (PvP) gameplay feels like such a missed chance. It would have been an ideal platform to incorporate a well-balanced mix of Player versus Environment (PvE) and PvP elements. Regrettably, it seems to be focusing solely on PvE play.

Absolutely, I believe Nightreign could’ve significantly improved with the incorporation of certain PvP mechanics similar to Elden Ring. Let me explain why:

1. Asynchronous Multiplayer Encounters (Rune Arcs): The ability for players to leave messages or traps at specific locations in the game world, which other players can interact with, could have added an exciting layer of interaction and strategy to Nightreign’s world.

2. Dynamic World: Elden Ring’s seamless open-world design would have offered a more immersive experience for Nightreign, allowing for more spontaneous and engaging player versus player encounters.

3. Skill-Based Combat: The intricate combat system in Elden Ring, which rewards skill and strategy over mere button mashing, could have elevated the overall gameplay experience in Nightreign, making it more challenging and rewarding for players.

4. Progression Systems: The interconnected progression systems in Elden Ring, such as leveling up, acquiring new skills, and customizing builds, would have given players a greater sense of achievement and personalization in Nightreign.

5. Multiplayer Boss Fights: Allowing players to summon allies or invade others during boss fights could have made these encounters more memorable and challenging, fostering a sense of camaraderie or competition among the player base.

Class-Based Fights

In Nightreign’s eight distinct classes, or the Nightfarers, each possesses unique skillsets and capabilities that would have resulted in fascinating duels if they were to face off against one another in combat. For instance, envision a scenario where the Recluse, with his spell-casting powers, engages in battle with the elusive Duchess who wields an invisibility skill. Although this matchup might have been imbalanced, it’s precisely such unpredictable and memorable encounters that could have arisen from these interactions. After all, the PvP aspect of Elden Ring was never characterized by perfect balance.

PvP Would Add Tension

Imagine this scenario: You and your group encounter another trio in the constantly changing world of Limveld. Both groups are rushing towards the Nightlord, but there’s a challenge ahead – they must face each other first. It might remind you of Fortnite, but Nightreign has taken inspiration from the battle royale genre. Restricting it solely to Player vs Environment (PvE) could potentially diminish its lasting playability.

A Perfect Use of Online Functionality

In an ideal scenario, Nightreign could have expanded upon Elden Ring’s competitive multiplayer (PvP) aspects more effectively. Upon its release, Elden Ring’s PvP offerings were limited, with the Arena update being released several months later, leaving many players feeling that it lacked depth. On the other hand, FromSoftware demonstrated a robust approach to PvP with Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, featuring ranked matches and refined matchmaking – a model Nightreign could have emulated.

READ: Where Is My Armored Core VI DLC, FromSoftware?

The Duskbloods Share That DNA

Apart from Nightreign, which appears not to be offering the desired mix, there’s The Duskbloods, an upcoming title by FromSoftware that emphasizes multiplayer gameplay. Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, details are scarce, but it promises a blend of Player-versus-Environment (PvE) and Player-versus-Player (PvP) action within a Soulslike setting. With its unique combination, it could potentially draw fans who appreciate both playstyles more towards Duskbloods.

Elden Ring: Nightreign debuts on May 30, offering a distinct and independent gameplay experience compared to the collaborative storyline created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. If you’re seeking a deep narrative rich in lore, you might find it lacking. Instead, this game focuses heavily on cooperative play, encouraging players to team up for an immersive experience.

Despite its many strengths, it’s hard not to sense a missing element when you consider that it doesn’t include Player vs Player (PvP) interaction.

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2025-05-05 12:44