Get ready for a truly unique Elden Ring experience! Elden Ring Nightreign introduces procedurally generated terrain, ensuring no two playthroughs are ever alike.

Elden Ring Nightreign Features Procedurally Generated Terrains

Volcanoes, Poison Swamps, and Forests Await

In an interview with PC Gamer (Issue 405, reported by Games Radar on February 10, 2025), director Junya Ishizaki revealed that Nightreign's map will dynamically generate volcanoes, forests, and swamps. This means each playthrough will feature vastly different landscapes.

Expect classic Soulslike challenges like navigating treacherous poison swamps and other hazardous environments. Ishizaki explained the goal: "We wanted the map itself to be a giant dungeon, offering players a different traversal experience each time." Forests, for example, will offer cover for both players and enemies, adding a strategic layer to exploration.

This dynamic map design also impacts combat strategy. Ishizaki elaborated: "Once you choose your approach, your strategy against a boss might change, altering how you navigate the map. We wanted to give players that agency—the choice to say, 'I need a poison weapon this time.'"

Familiar terrains from previous titles might return, such as the debilitating Swamp of Aeonia and Lake of Rot. These procedurally generated areas may also feature unique enemies, potentially including Giant Lobsters or Crabs, Runebears, Magma Wyrms, and other formidable foes from the Souls series.

Elden Ring Nightreign Playtest Invites Now Rolling Out

Ready to experience the ever-changing landscapes of Elden Ring Nightreign? Playtest invites are now being sent out to those who signed up during The Game Awards 2024. Lucky players on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 will have access from February 14th to 16th, 2025.

Here are the playtest times (PT):

⚫︎ February 14: 3:00 to 6:00 am
⚫︎ February 14: 7:00 to 10:00 pm
⚫︎ February 15: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
⚫︎ February 16: 3:00 to 6:00 am
⚫︎ February 16: 7:00 to 10:00 pm

This playtest focuses on server load testing, investigating online multiplayer issues, and reviewing game balance. Remember, the game is still under development, so access to certain areas, enemies, and features may be limited.