Elden Ring: Nightreign is already stirring up a buzz in the gaming world, drawing eager anticipation and plenty of questions. While the details are still under wraps, the little we’ve gathered about Elden Ring: Nightreign is enough to capture any gamer’s imagination. The blend of familiar and fresh elements from games like Dark Souls 3 offers a thrilling experience, yet it’s just as intriguing to note which elements haven’t transitioned over.
Currently, there’s just one trailer available for Nightreign, and from what’s been shown, there seems to be a glaring omission. Unlike previous iterations, Elden Ring: Nightreign appears to have moved on from Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree’s universe, despite the latter launching as late as June 2024. This raises a compelling question: What has become of the Erdtree in the world of Elden Ring: Nightreign?
### The Disappearance of the Erdtree in Elden Ring: Nightreign
The absence of the Erdtree in Elden Ring: Nightreign is a straightforward query, yet the answer is anything but simple. There are two fronts to explore; one is a structural analysis of Elden Ring: Nightreign, while the other hinges on a careful analysis of one specific trailer image.
### Familiar Yet New Setting in Elden Ring: Nightreign
Just like its forerunner, Elden Ring: Nightreign unfolds in The Lands Between. This choice marks a daring step for FromSoftware, as the developer often steers clear of revisiting old grounds or maintaining continuity across its games. Even though Nightreign is set in this known landscape, the game isn’t a replica of its predecessor.
The present circumstances reportedly take place in an alternate version of The Lands Between. Past events splintered the world into various timelines, possibly linking to the time loop players will confront in Nightreign. Consequently, players should brace themselves for notable differences in this timeline. Importantly, the developers have clarified that Nightreign stands as a distinct game rather than a direct sequel.
Shadow of the Erdtree granted players a sprawling new world to delve into. Despite being a DLC, it was grand enough to earn a nod for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024. Its setting, The Land of Shadow, was cleverly separated from The Lands Between by the Erdtree, thanks to Queen Marika’s intervention. Nightreign’s alternate universe setting could theoretically exclude the Erdtree entirely. Still, there’s compelling evidence to suggest otherwise.
### What the Trailer Hints About the Erdtree’s Fate in Elden Ring: Nightreign
Elden Ring is renowned for its rich lore, no matter the FromSoftware title. Naturally, many are curious about what role the Erdtree plays in the unfolding story and world of Nightreign. Fortunately, the game’s developers may have dropped just enough clues for fans to piece together its ultimate fate.
Most images from the game world don’t show a trace of the Erdtree, unlike in Elden Ring, where it dominated the skyline. Yet, the Erdtree wasn’t entirely absent from Nightreign’s gameplay teaser.
In a dramatic trailer finale, players can be seen gathering at a gate. Just outside, the teasing glimpse of an Erdtree branch can be glimpsed. Notably, this Erdtree is depicted with a silvery hue, as opposed to its recognized golden glow. These hints bolster the theory that the Night Lord has toppled the Golden Order in this iteration of The Lands Between, assuring fans the Erdtree will indeed be significant in some capacity in Elden Ring: Nightreign.
### A Fresh Adventure Awaits
Elden Ring: Nightreign presents itself as a standalone escapade in the Elden Ring universe, creatively reshaping the game’s core mechanics to offer something new. Players can band together in three-player co-op to face nighttime threats and the challenges that come with them. Each hero boasts unique skills, painting a vibrant picture of power when they collaborate.
Nightreign rolls out a relentless environmental challenge that transforms with each session, demanding players adapt to its changing nature and confront the night’s formidable boss together. Scheduled for a 2025 release, this multiplayer experience aims to engage players with new dynamics and thrilling cooperative gameplay. Whether you play solo or join forces with two friends, Elden Ring: Nightreign promises a captivating journey through its reshaped world.
