This past weekend marked the initial network tests for Elden Ring Nightreign, the highly anticipated standalone multiplayer game branching from FromSoftware’s iconic Elden Ring. Unlike the expansive world of last year’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, Nightreign diverges significantly from its predecessor by adopting a survival-based structure. In this game, teams of three players parachute into progressively shrinking maps, battling waves of enemies and increasingly tough bosses. The design echoes the success of Fortnite, a battle royale sensation that has attracted over 200 million players this month alone.
However, Nightreign also draws intriguing parallels with a lesser-known and often criticized title: 2013’s God of War: Ascension. Released between God of War 3 and the Norse reboot of 2018, Ascension served as a prequel to the Greek mythology trilogy, exploring Kratos' journey before his epic confrontations. Despite not matching the grandeur of its predecessors, Ascension had its moments of brilliance, such as the mesmerizing Prison of the Damned level, and introduced a groundbreaking feature to the franchise: multiplayer.
Image credit: Sony Santa Monica / Sony
In Ascension, the multiplayer mode, Trial of the Gods, allows players to step into the shoes of an NPC they encounter during the single-player campaign. Players then pledge allegiance to one of four gods—Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, or Aries—each providing unique weapons, armor, and magical abilities. This mode offers five different multiplayer experiences, with Trial of the Gods being a cooperative PvE mode strikingly similar to Elden Ring Nightreign.
Previews from notable "Soulsborne" content creators like VaatiVidya and Iron Pineapple, along with coverage from IGN, have highlighted Nightreign's similarities to live service games like Fortnite. Nightreign features randomized loot, resource management, and environmental hazards that intensify the challenge as the game progresses. A nod to Fortnite’s iconic imagery, players are dropped into the map from the sky, guided by spirit birds.
Image credit: FromSoftware / Bandai Namco
While God of War: Ascension lacks the "where are we dropping?" thrill, its Trial of the Gods mode shares fundamental similarities with Nightreign. Both are cooperative experiences where teams tackle increasingly difficult foes, revisit iconic bosses from past games, and operate within constrained, time-limited environments. Both games also represent a departure for their studios, traditionally known for single-player masterpieces, and were developed without direct involvement from their series' original creators.
Feedback from participants in FromSoftware’s network test for Nightreign describes the gameplay as a frantic and exhilarating race against time, a stark contrast to the methodical pace of the original Elden Ring. Nightreign forces players to rely on instinct, with faster movement and higher jumps compensating for the absence of Torrent, the spirit steed from the main game. This approach mirrors Ascension’s multiplayer adjustments, which also enhanced player speed and introduced new mechanics like automated parkour and a grapple attack, all designed to maintain a brisk pace amidst relentless enemy encounters.
The Soulslike genre, to which Elden Ring belongs, initially presented a stark contrast to God of War's power fantasies. However, as players have honed their skills and developers have provided more potent tools, the challenge has evolved. Nightreign aims to reintroduce this sense of difficulty, offering players a chance to experience the thrill of a time-pressed Spartan warrior, reminiscent of Ascension's multiplayer mode.
