The Lore for a Bloodborne Nightrein Spin-Off Already Exists

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As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but reflect on the unparalleled masterpiece that is Bloodborne. It’s been hailed as one of the greatest games of the PS4 era, yet sadly, it hasn’t experienced the remake or sequel it truly deserves. The reason behind this omission is rooted in the creative preferences of FromSoftware’s Hidetaka Miyazaki, who often shies away from sequels.

However, if Bloodborne had a sequel, we might never have witnessed the emergence of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice or Elden Ring. Despite this, the game remains a treasure trove that deserves more than just a cinematic adaptation. The fact is straightforward: Elden Ring Nightrein could be the ideal blueprint for a Bloodborne spin-off, and let me tell you, the lore would seamlessly fit into such a narrative.

It’s important to mention that Elden Ring does not include any bosses from Bloodborne. This could be due to the fact that Sony owns the IP (Intellectual Property) of Bloodborne, not FromSoftware, and they can’t use these characters without Sony’s permission. However, a more optimistic view is that by excluding Bloodborne bosses, they are freeing up resources to create a multitude of new enemies for Elden Ring. Regardless of the reasons behind this decision, it’s intriguing to consider how well the mechanics and atmosphere of Bloodborne could align with Elden Ring’s gameplay style.

Nightrein’s Core Gameplay Loop Broken Down

In a departure from their traditional Soulslike formula, Elden Ring: Nightrein was perceived as an innovative endeavor at FromSoftware, emphasizing cooperative multiplayer, survival elements, and roguelike mechanics. This shift is evident in the strategic reuse of assets, the integration of novel features with existing ones, and the director’s ambition to craft a fresh experience for both himself and the team.

Elden Ring: Nightrein maintains its Soulslike challenge but introduces a unique twist – a blend of roguelike and Soulslike mechanics, if you will. The game is not without its flaws; some areas in gameplay are rough, and the duo experience in Elden Ring: Nightrein could be improved (or perhaps even introduced). Regardless, it’s an area ripe for exploration by more studios, including FromSoftware itself.

MINOR SPOILERS FOR ELDEN RING NIGHTREIN AHEAD. MAJOR SPOILERS FOR BLOODBORNE AHEAD.

Bloodborne’s Great Ones Establish the Possibility of Bloodborne Nightrein

In essence, the intricate lore and universe of the hypothetical game titled “Elden Ring Nightrein” could seamlessly blend with that of Bloodborne, presenting a more coherent fit than Elden Ring itself might. This is because Nightrein’s gameplay revolves around amassing power over three days to vanquish a Nightlord, and after defeating four such entities, players engage the one who cast darkness upon the world.

However, it’s essential to note that this world isn’t the same as the Lands Between in Elden Ring. Instead, it represents an alternate reality where a primordial darkness swallowed the Lands Between following the Shattering. Consequently, the landscapes differ significantly, Marika’s religion is absent, and followers of the Elden Ring are scarce. Additionally, there’s no Erdtree in this world, yet the game offers a rich, overarching narrative and lore, as well as distinct tales centered around Nightrein’s Nightfarers.

The decision to set the story in an alternate universe is deliberate: it ensures that the authentic storyline of Elden Ring remains untouched. This universe expands the lore but ultimately falls outside the main canon. On the other hand, Bloodborne’s Nightrein wouldn’t require such a move due to its Great Ones. Players discover that Gehrman is confined within the Hunter’s Dream due to his bond with The Moon Presence. This Dream serves as a trap set by the Moon Presence to ensnare Hunters and eliminate other Great Ones. Since Great Ones are Lovecraftian entities, another Great One creating a realm similar to or identical to the Hunter’s Dream would offer players an opportunity to explore multiple planes of existence within Bloodborne. This could be likened to Limveld without explicitly stating it as another universe; instead, it would be a new plane created by a Great One in Bloodborne, existing either in the player’s mind or that of a significant NPC.

Hunters could also receive unique story treatments akin to Elden Ring Nightrein’s Nightfarers.

Instead of Nightlords, players could encounter Mighty Ones. Many enthusiasts would appreciate fresh and enhanced iterations of Bloodborne bosses, as there’s ample opportunity for expansion on these characters. Common foes could be adaptations of servants loyal to these Mighty Ones, failed creations, or other failed Mighty Ones. A revamped version of Yharnam could be crafted within this dreamscape. The storyline aligns flawlessly with the setting of Nightrein. Moreover, Bloodborne‘s Mighty Ones might not be truly killable according to the game’s lore. While they can be vanquished in-game, whether they perish or transition to another realm is open to interpretation based on the game’s narrative. From reusing assets to designing the world, everything fits perfectly for a Bloodborne sequel.

True Great Ones Perfect for Bloodborne Nightrein Bosses

  • Amygdala
  • Brain of Mensis
  • Ebrietas
  • Kos
  • Mergo
  • Moon Presence
  • Odeon
  • Orphan of Kos

Bloodborne’s Ending Implies a Tragic Cycle Nightrein Could Continue

In a harmonious manner, the final chapters of Bloodborne lay a solid foundation for this spin-off compared to Elden Ring. Unlike Elden Ring Nightrein and its event known as the Shattering, there’s no requirement to revisit previous events or assign a particular timeline to the ensuing storyline.

As a Bloodborne gamer, here are three possible outcomes I’ve experienced:

1. In one scenario, I chose to let Gehrman endure the collapse of The Hunter’s Dream, saving the Hunter at the cost of his own suffering.
2. Another time, I decided that the Hunter shouldn’t have to bear any more pain, and I took it upon myself to bring an end to the nightmare by assuming Gehrman’s role in the Dream.
3. In a third ending, after defeating the Moon Presence, I became a Great One—a goal many Bloodborne characters strive for.

Now, just imagine if the Hunter, who has fought alongside me throughout my journey, were to become one of these Great Ones! That would be an intriguing lore twist for fans to dissect. Of course, it doesn’t have to be definitive because of the game’s cyclical nature.

In simpler terms, these powerful beings, known as Great Ones, can potentially reach their peak strength over time under the watch of a doll. However, they share a common affliction with all other Great Ones – humanity. If a Great One were to have offspring, tragically, that child would perish, leading to madness for the Great Ones. This tragic cycle is similar to the one started by the Moon Presence and could provide an engaging plotline for a Bloodborne Nightrein spin-off.

The design of Elden Ring seems to draw heavily from Bloodborne’s lore, suggesting that if Sony were to greenlight the project, the Elden Ring team could further develop Bloodborne in an incredibly promising way. Meanwhile, other teams at FromSoftware would continue working on Duskbloods and future mainline projects.

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2025-07-06 12:04