Do You Need Elden Ring To Play Elden Ring Nightreign?

Explore this article to learn if you need Elden Ring to play Elden Ring Nightreign, including the differences between both games.

Elden Ring & Elden Ring Nightreign (Image via FromSoftware | Bandai Namco Entertainment)

Elden Ring Nightreign is a fast-paced, multiplayer-focused Soulslike title with roguelike elements. This marks the first time FromSoft has ventured in a unique direction with their game, differing from all their previous titles.

Moreover, Elden Ring Nightreign shares many assets and mechanics with Elden Ring. Consequently, many people are confusing Nightreign with a DLC or an extension of the base Elden Ring. Fortunately, you do not need Elden Ring to play Elden Ring Nightreign.

Here’s an article to help you understand this further.

Also Read: Elden Ring Nightreign: 5 Tips and Tricks for Solo Expeditions

Should You Buy Elden Ring Before Playing Elden Ring Nightreign?

Nightreign is a much faster-paced game (Image via FromSoftware | Bandai Namco Entertainment)

Back in 2024, during the Game Awards, when Elden Ring Nightreign was first revealed, Geoff Keighley introduced Nightreign as a standalone game. A standalone title refers to a game that is entirely separate from any other game. Although both games are very similar, the distinction between them is clear. Nightreign is a multiplayer roguelike, while Elden Ring is an action-adventure game.

Therefore, you do not have to buy any other game before playing Elden Ring Nightreign. If you end up loving the gameplay in Nightreign, you can also play Elden Ring. As mentioned earlier, Nightreign shares many assets from Elden Ring, such as structures, weapons, and bosses. Additionally, Nightreign features bosses from previous Soulslike titles as well, such as the Nameless King and The Duke’s Dear Freja from old Dark Souls titles.

Key Differences in Elden Ring and Elden Ring Nightreign

These are some of the key differences between the games that you should know about:

Elden Ring	Elden Ring Nightreign
Large open world action adventure.	Much smaller map with roguelike progression.
You can build your characters.	There are set characters for you to choose from.
There are over 300 weapons.	There are fewer than 100 weapons.
Slow and methodical combat that involves a lot of dodging and rolling.	Fast-paced combat, which utilizes character skills and ultimate abilities.
Heavy focus on solo gameplay.	Heavy focus on multiplayer gameplay.
Your movement mostly relies on your horse, Torrent.	You can run much faster and don’t take fall damage.