It’s not every day that a studio like FromSoftware, best known for redefining single-player action RPGs, steps into the pure multiplayer arena. When I first saw the news about Elden Ring Nightreign finally going live, I was genuinely intrigued-not just because the base game is a decade-defining hit, but because this is FromSoftware’s big leap into large-scale co-op. The player numbers out of the gate are eye-popping, but can Nightreign live up to that hype… or will performance hiccups keep it from becoming the multiplayer game of the summer?
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | FromSoftware / Bandai Namco |
| Release Date | June 20, 2024 |
| Genres | Action RPG, Multiplayer, Co-op |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series |
Let’s cut past the PR spin: Nightreign’s launch is already a wild success by the numbers. Over 313,000 simultaneous players on Steam within hours of release isn’t just impressive—it’s a show of force that puts most live-service launches to shame. And that’s just PC. Factor in PlayStation and Xbox, and it’s clear that FromSoftware has struck a nerve with the core Elden Ring audience, most of whom have been starving for a reason to return to the Lands Between with their friends.
But—and it’s a big but—the technical issues are the real boss fight now. Steam reviews are coming in lukewarm, not because the core gameplay loop is broken, but due to stuttering, frame drops, and long load times. FromSoft games have always had an “it’ll get patched eventually” vibe, but for a competitive multiplayer expansion, that attitude won’t cut it. In a genre where split-second timing can make or break co-op runs, snappy performance isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
What’s also fascinating here is how Nightreign marks a shift in FromSoftware’s philosophy. This is a studio famous for tightly curated single-player experiences—think Dark Souls’ silent isolation and Bloodborne’s oppressive atmosphere. Now, they’re betting big on community-driven chaos, unpredictable alliances, and shared triumphs. It’s a radical move, and honestly, I’m here for it. If you’ve been following the evolution of action RPGs, this feels like a natural next step… assuming the team can actually deliver a smooth, stable experience.
The timing is smart too: there’s no major new hardware or AAA rival dropping in the immediate window (at least until the Switch 2 rumors materialize), so Nightreign has the stage to itself. The question is whether those record-breaking player counts will hold up past launch weekend if the studio doesn’t iron out the tech kinks fast. Elden Ring’s original release already set a near-unbeatable Steam peak of over 950,000 players—Nightreign probably won’t touch that, but it’s not out of the question if the game stabilizes soon.
For us as gamers, this launch is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. On one hand, it’s a chance to dive back into one of the most beloved worlds of the last decade—but this time, with a squad. On the other, there’s nothing more frustrating than a hyped multiplayer drop bogged down by lag and crashes. If you’re on the fence, it might be worth waiting a patch cycle or two before going all in. But if you’re the type who loves being part of gaming history—even the messy parts—there’s no denying Nightreign is the game to watch right now.
What really matters is how quickly FromSoftware responds. The Elden Ring community is passionate and loyal, but also brutally honest. If the devs can push out performance fixes fast, Nightreign could absolutely become the must-play co-op experience of 2024. If not, well, we’ve seen even bigger titles stumble at launch and lose their window forever. The next week or two will be critical—not just for Nightreign, but for FromSoftware’s reputation with a whole new generation of multiplayer gamers.
Elden Ring Nightreign’s launch is an undeniable multiplayer event, breaking records on Steam and bringing FromSoftware’s signature world to co-op players everywhere. But technical issues are threatening to overshadow the fun. If you’re itching to return to the Lands Between with friends, keep your eye on the patch notes—because the real test is only just beginning.
Source: FromSoftware / Bandai Namco via GamesPress