10 Games To Play While Waiting For Elden Ring Nightreign

2 days ago 6

Elden Ring: Nightreign

Elden Ring Nightreign was announced at this year's game awards, and FromSoftware veterans and new players alike can't wait for this departure from the traditional, Soulslike form. Unfortunately, the game doesn't come out until later this year, so in the meantime, what games can be played to pass the time? Thankfully, there are tons of co-op and single-player games that can fill the Nightreign-shaped void for the next couple of months.

Elden Ring Nightreign boasts sweeping boss battles and an ability-based roguelike experience; this dopamine-filled format is sure to be a thrill, but FromSoft is making fans wait. In the meantime, fans can sink their teeth into the hundreds of other games that are on the market offering similar experiences. Whether players are craving quick action or a game to play with friends, there is no lack of options available.

10 Remnant Or Remnant 2

Replayable Levels With Co-Op And A Gritty Feel

Both Remnant: From the Ashes and Remnant 2 offer Nightreign-like experiences in their roguelike structures and darker worlds. FromSoft is known for its bleak settings, and what's bleaker than the remnants of humanity fighting to survive in an inhospitable world? Remnant also offers co-op, so players looking forward to playing Nightreign with friends will have a chance to practice.

Both Remnant games can be played fully through with a squad of three, and the game's difficulty can be scaled based on party size. This means players can experience a FromSoft-level challenge that will test their teamwork and prepare them to face whatever challenges Nightreign will throw their way. Although the Remnant games don't offer as much mobility as Nightreign likely will, these games are still great ways to pass the time until Nightreign's release.

9 Hyper Light Breaker

Releasing January 14, Heart Machine's Third Title Promises High-Octane Roguelike Combat

Hyper Light Breaker is the third in the Hyper Light series by developers over at Heart Machine, and this game offers the high-speed combat of any action RPG with the signature neon colors of the rest of the Hyper Light games (Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash). It's the first co-op experience that Heart Machine has made, and with squads of three being the party size, it is another way for fans to get their friends together and get ready for the challenges Nightreign will pose.

Hyper Light Breaker's price is likely to go up after early access, so those interested should make sure to grab it when it comes out January 14.

Hyper Light Breaker promises smooth, character-based combat with unique classes, builds, and equipment that will allow players to make the characters their own. While the game doesn't release until January 14, this is presumably long before Nightreign's release, making it the perfect game to pick up in the meantime.

8 Risk of Rain 2

Moving Away From Traditional FromSoft Combat, ROR2 Prepares Players For Nightreign's Mobility

Risk of Rain 2 is a classic in the action roguelike genre, and while it's got a lot more run-modifying items than Nightreign's build-focused approach, it's a great place to start for players who are unfamiliar with common roguelike and roguelite mechanics. The world of ROR2 is bright and colorful, but the fights and boss encounters get brutal quickly; for those who enjoyed Elden Ring's difficulty, ROR2 won't be a letdown.

Like many other games to play before Nightreign releases, Risk of Rain 2 is something to play with friends. It's a perfectly enjoyable solo game, but runs will be easier and more fun when played with pals. There are mods aplenty for this game, so for those who want a beyond vanilla experience, there's plenty of gameplay in store with ROR2.

7 Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubicon

A Single-Player Game With FromSoft-Classic Patented High-Stakes Boss Fights

For players who aren't interested in branching too far out of FromSoft's classic Souls style of boss fight, Armored Core 6 is a great place to go next. This game, released in August 2023, combines many touchstones FromSoft fans know and love with sweeping, mech-themed gameplay. AC6 allows players to customize and pilot their very own mech, placing the fate of Rubicon into the hands of players.

An AC shooting a Plasma Gun at the camera in Armored Core 6

"The Best Mech Game on Modern Consoles" - Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Review

Armored Core 6 is the best mech game on modern consoles and an absolute must-play for anyone who enjoys FromSoftware's distinct style.

If players like Elden Ring's difficulty and hope for a similar difficulty in Nightreign, AC6 is sure to keep those combat skills sharp. The boss fights in AC6 are notoriously difficult, and with Nightreign still being a Souls game in all but name, fans can look forward to this also being the case when it comes out. For FromSoft-style combat wrapped up in a space-faring mecha package, Armored Core 6 is everything players could want and more.

6 Gunfire Reborn

Build-Based Roguelike Gameplay With Friends, Plus Cute Animals

Players can step into the paws of their favorite furry friends in Gunfire Reborn, which is a character-based action RPG. Like Nightreign, Gunfire Reborn has fast-paced gameplay that encourages players to use all the tools at their disposal to clear levels. Nightreign and Gunfire Reborn both feature procedurally generated worlds that will leave each run feeling fresh and interesting.

Elden Ring Nightreign: Release Window, Platforms, Trailer, Gameplay & Story Details

Elden Ring: Nightreign was announced at The Game Awards, as well as a release window, platforms, the gameplay trailer, and limited story details.

Additionally, GR is intended to be played with up to three friends, and combines roguelike and ARPG elements. There's a lot going on in this game, and each level allows players to pick new buffs, abilities, and spells to help them take down the world's bosses. The roguelike elements will prepare players well for the mechanics that are likely to come with Nightreign.

5 RoboQuest

An FPS Roguelike With Punishing Difficulty

RoboQuest is dissimilar to Nightreign in a lot of ways, but it's most similar in that it has no mercy for players who just can't keep up. RoboQuest will throw players into fights whether they're prepared or not, and this level of difficulty is something FromSoft is well known for. Like Nightreign will presumably be, RoboQuest manages to be extremely rewarding to beat while also being very fun to play with friends.

RoboQuest offers a two-player co-op experience with both online and local co-op play. Players can team up with their very best brobot and jump into the world of RoboQuest to save it once and for all. RoboQuest's levels are more isolated from one another than Nightreign's procedurally-generated world, but RQ's fast-paced gameplay should more than prepare fans for the punishing world of Nightreign.

4 Astral Ascent

A Dead Cells Game That's As Gorgeous As It Is Tricky

Astral Ascent is another hack-and-slash, platforming roguelite set in the Dead Cells universe, and if the complex and dramatic scenery of the Elden Ring world is appealing to players, Astral Ascent will tickle their fancy in the same way. This action platformer is only single-player, but its lightning-fast combat will ensure that players are prepared to tackle any boss that Nightreign sends their way. It's tough enough to challenge even the most seasoned, and excellent to look at to boot.

Thanks to split-screen co-op and dozens of unique spells for players to try, each session of Astral Ascent will feel different from the last. There's no need to restart the game to try something new; instead, players can pick up new spells with each level and climb the tower as they beat the powerful Zodiac beasts that guard each level. Astral Ascent will interest players who dove deep into Elden Ring's lore and can't wait to explore Nightreign's.

3 Lies Of P

A Souls-like Rendition Of Everyone's Favorite Puppet

Lies of P is a Belle Époque soulslike experience that any big boss enjoyer won't want to miss. For players unfamiliar with the game, Lies of P is loosely based on the Pinnocchio story. Despite its childish-sounding premise, Lies of P's darkly ravaged world and steampunk aesthetics make it much grimmer than the children's tale.

A young man with medium length black hair, wearing a blue coat and white formal shirt with a broach around a handkerchief necktie. The background contains a wrought iron gate and stone buildings fading into the foggy distance.

"Not Perfect, But It's Shockingly Close" - Lies Of P Review

Lies of P is an exceptional dissection of the soulslike genre, bolstered by its strong setting and endearing cast, including its puppet protagonist.

This single-player experience is one of the most Souls-like soulslikes on the market, and players looking forward to another entry in the Elden Ring universe will feel right at home in Lies of P. Players can use different weapons, upgrades, and equipment to customize their combat experience while getting all the thrill of beating challenging bosses. Bright lights of a crumbling city await in this haunting twist on a classic story.

2 Sekiro: Shadow's Die Twice

Sekiro Is Another FromSoft Masterpiece

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is another enduring FromSoft masterpiece from which Elden Ring learned much, and its unique boss fights and truly excellent story are just a few of the reasons it deserves to be picked up again. Even for those who have already played it, who wouldn't want the chance to experience its story again? Set in Japan, players fight to restore their honor and take their revenge.

Named Game of the Year at the Game Awards in 2019, Sekiro has seen its fair share of accolades, yet there are still players who haven't braved its challenges. With soaring boss battles and satisfying power scaling, this game feels like nothing else, save for some of FromSoft's other titles. Players can re-immerse themselves in Sekiro's wonderful story of honor and ingenuity as they wait for Nightreign.

1 Modded Elden Ring

Modding The Base Game Will Make It Feel New Again

Anyone planning to play Nightreign has likely played Elden Ring already, but many players find themselves hesitant to step into the world of modding. However, mods bring out the best in games, given players use the right ones. Some of the best mods for Elden Ring players looking for a fresh take on the game are the seamless co-op and enemy randomizer mods.

For those who have run through Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree too many times to count, placing the bosses at different locations allows for a new sense of discovery and challenge. Fight later-game bosses at a lower level for an extra challenge, and the game will feel unique each time. Seamless co-op will enhance this experience, allowing players to join their friends on their journey to become the next Elden Lord in preparation for Elden Ring: Nightreign.