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

Elden Ring Nightreign will introduce a groundbreaking feature with its procedurally generated terrain, including dynamic elements like volcanoes and poison swamps. Dive in to discover how this innovative game mechanic will revolutionize your gameplay!

Elden Ring Nightreign Will Have Procedurally Generated Terrains

Includes Volcanoes, Poison Swamps, and Forests

In an insightful interview featured in PC Gamer's Magazine Issue 405 and reported by Games Radar on February 10, 2025, Elden Ring Nightreign director Junya Ishizaki disclosed that the game will feature a map that dynamically generates terrains such as volcanoes, forests, and swamps.

Staying true to the challenging essence of Soulslike games, Elden Ring Nightreign will incorporate environmental hazards like poison swamps, compelling players to adapt their tactics when exploring the map and confronting enemies. Ishizaki elaborated, "The map will undergo large-scale changes with procedurally appearing volcanoes, swamps, or forests."

This innovative approach stems from the developers' vision to transform the map into a "giant dungeon," encouraging players to explore and navigate differently with each playthrough. For example, forested areas can offer strategic cover, but also hide enemies, requiring players to tread carefully.

"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, such as the notorious Swamp of Aeonia and Lake of Rot, may return, affecting player movement and applying the Rot debuff. Additionally, these dynamically generated landscapes could host specific enemies like Giant Lobsters, Crabs, Runebears, Magma Wyrms, and other iconic foes from the Souls series.

Elden Ring Nightreign Playtest Invites Rolling Out Now

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

If you're among the fortunate ones selected, you'll have access to Nightreign during the following playtest sessions:

• 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 objective of the playtest is to evaluate Nightreign's server performance, identify potential issues in online multiplayer, and fine-tune game balance. The developers have noted that the game is still in development, which may limit access to certain areas, enemies, and features during the playtest.