"Elden Ring's Nightreign: Unique Maps Ensure Varied Playthroughs"

Discover the dynamic world of Elden Ring Nightreign, where the landscape shifts with every playthrough thanks to its innovative procedurally generated terrains. Read on to dive deeper into this exciting game mechanic!

Elden Ring Nightreign Will Feature Procedurally Generated Terrains

Including Volcanoes, Poison Swamps, and Forests

In an insightful interview with PC Gamer’s Magazine Issue 405, as reported by Games Radar on February 10, 2025, Elden Ring Nightreign director Junya Ishizaki unveiled that the game's map will dynamically evolve, featuring elements like volcanoes, forests, and swamps through procedural generation.

True to the Soulslike genre, Elden Ring Nightreign will incorporate challenging environments such as poison swamps, compelling players to adapt their strategies both in navigating the terrain and confronting enemies. Ishizaki elaborated, "The map will undergo large-scale changes to terrain in the form of procedurally appearing volcanoes or swamps or forests."

This innovative approach aims to transform the map into a "giant dungeon," offering players a fresh experience with each playthrough. For example, dense forests can serve as both a tactical advantage and a hazard, providing cover that can be utilized by both players and their foes.

"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,'" Ishizaki added.

Familiar terrains from previous titles may make a return, such as the Swamp of Aeonia and Lake of Rot, known for their debilitating effects on players. Additionally, these procedurally generated landscapes may host specific enemies like Giant Lobsters or Crabs, Runebears, Magma Wyrms, and other iconic foes from past Souls games.

Elden Ring Nightreign Playtest Invites Rolling Out Now

Get ready to explore the ever-changing world of Elden Ring Nightreign, as playtest invites are currently being distributed. Fans who signed up during The Game Awards 2024 now have the chance to experience the game on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 from February 14 to 16, 2025.

If you're among the fortunate few selected to participate in the playtest, you'll gain access to Nightreign during the following times:

• February 14: 3:00 to 6:00 am (PT)
• February 14: 7:00 to 10:00 pm (PT)
• February 15: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (PT)
• February 16: 3:00 to 6:00 am (PT)
• February 16: 7:00 to 10:00 pm (PT)

The purpose of this playtest is to evaluate Nightreign’s server performance, identify potential issues in online multiplayer, and fine-tune the game's balance. Please note that as the game is still in development, access to some areas, enemies, and features may be limited.