Elden Ring Nightreign Ditching Popular FromSoftware Feature

Elden Ring Nightreign: No In-Game Messages, But Enhanced Asynchronous Features

FromSoftware has confirmed a significant departure from the traditional Soulsborne formula for its upcoming title, Elden Ring Nightreign. The game will notably lack the in-game messaging system, a staple feature of previous titles.

This decision, according to game director Junya Ishizaki (in a January 3rd interview with IGN Japan), is a pragmatic one. The fast-paced, multiplayer-focused design of Nightreign, with anticipated play sessions of around 40 minutes, leaves insufficient time for players to engage with the messaging system effectively. While the system has been instrumental in fostering community interaction and adding depth to the Soulsborne experience—from helpful hints to humorous observations—its inclusion in Nightreign is deemed incompatible with the game's intended flow.

However, this doesn't mean the elimination of all asynchronous features. Nightreign will retain, and even improve upon, other key elements. The bloodstain mechanic, for instance, will return, offering players a more detailed view of other players' deaths and even the opportunity to loot their spectral remains.

A More Focused, Intense Experience

The absence of the messaging system aligns with FromSoftware's vision for Nightreign as a "compressed RPG." The developers aim for a consistently intense experience with minimal downtime, achieved in part by the game's three-day structure. This focus on intensity and multiplayer interaction differentiates Nightreign from its predecessor.

While a 2025 release is targeted, as shown in the TGA 2024 trailer, a precise release date remains unannounced by FromSoftware and Bandai Namco.