Elden Ring Nightreign, the thrilling co-op spin-off from FromSoftware, launched on May 30, 2025, and it’s already captivating players with its intense three-player expeditions in the haunting world of Limveld. Unlike the original Elden Ring, this standalone title focuses on cooperative gameplay, blending Soulslike challenges with roguelite and battle royale elements. Fans eager to dive into Elden Ring Nightreign with friends, rather than random players, will find a streamlined yet slightly tricky matchmaking system. With the game’s release, players are buzzing about how to team up effectively, so let’s break down the steps to ensure you’re battling Nightlords alongside your chosen crew.
Setting Up for Co-Op Success
To play Elden Ring Nightreign with friends, you’ll need to navigate the game’s matchmaking system, which is more user-friendly than past FromSoftware titles but still has quirks. After completing the 20-minute tutorial and reaching the Roundtable Hold, interact with the Table of Lost Grace to access the Expedition menu. Here, you’ll find the Matchmaking Settings tab. The key is ensuring your game is set to Online mode in the Networking settings; Offline mode blocks all multiplayer features, so double-check this first.
You’ve got two main ways to connect with friends. The first is the Invite Members option, which pulls up your platform’s friend list (Steam, PlayStation Network, or Xbox). Select your friends, send invites, and wait for their names to appear in the top-right corner under “Preparing…” Once everyone’s ready, choose the same Expedition and hit “Commence Expedition.” This method is straightforward but requires everyone to be on the same platform, as crossplay isn’t supported—PlayStation, Xbox, and PC players can’t mix.
Using the Password System for Elden Ring Nightreign
The second method involves the Multiplayer Password system, a FromSoftware staple that’s back in Elden Ring Nightreign with friends. In the Matchmaking Settings, select the Multiplayer Password field and enter a unique phrase—something like “Nightfarer2025” works well. Share this password with your friends, who must enter it exactly in their own settings. You can also adjust the “No. of Password Players” slider to either two or three, depending on your group size. If you set it to two, the third slot fills with a random player, which isn’t ideal if you’re aiming for a private session. For a full trio, set it to three and ensure all friends input the same password.
This system isn’t flawless. Some players report delays in matchmaking, especially if Remembrance mode is active for multiple party members—only one player per session can have this mode on, or matchmaking fails. If you hit snags, check your internet connection or restart the game. FromSoftware’s recent patch on May 29, 2025, improved server stability, but checking the official Elden Ring Nightreign X account for server status updates is a smart move.
Key Multiplayer Rules to Know
Understanding a few matchmaking rules can save you headaches when playing Elden Ring Nightreign with friends. You must defeat the Tricephalos Expedition before matchmaking for other Nightlords, unless you’re using direct invites. If a friend has a Shifting Earth event active, like Mountaintop, you need to have unlocked it yourself to join their session. Cross-generation play is supported—PS4 with PS5, or Xbox One with Series X|S—but cross-platform play remains absent, a choice that’s sparked some fan frustration. For communication, the game relies on map pinging and gestures, though external voice chat apps like Discord are popular for coordinating strategies.
| Multiplayer Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Party Size | Solo or three players (no duos) |
| Crossplay | Not supported; cross-generation play allowed |
| Communication | Map pings, gestures; external voice chat recommended |
| Password System | Match with specific players using a shared password |
| Remembrance Mode | Only one player per session can activate |
Tips for a Smooth Co-Op Experience
To maximize fun, coordinate with your friends beforehand. Decide who’s hosting, as the host sets the Expedition’s objective. Voice chat helps you strategize, especially since Nightreign’s fast-paced gameplay demands quick decisions. The shrinking map and 40-minute sessions keep the pressure on, so plan your routes and prioritize loot or bosses based on your team’s strengths. If matchmaking lags, try direct invites over passwords, as they’re more reliable. Also, ensure everyone’s on the same page about which Nightlord to tackle—mismatching Expeditions can stall your session.
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Why Playing with Friends Rocks
Playing Elden Ring Nightreign with friends transforms the experience. The game’s design encourages teamwork, with each Nightfarer’s unique abilities creating powerful synergies. Unlike random matchmaking, friends can align their playstyles, making it easier to tackle Limveld’s brutal challenges. While solo play is an option, the cooperative thrill of facing a Nightlord as a tight-knit trio is unmatched. FromSoftware is even considering post-launch support for a two-player mode due to fan feedback, but for now, grab two buddies and dive in.
Join the Nightfarer Crew
Ready to conquer Limveld? Gather your friends, set up your matchmaking, and face the night together. Share your best Nightreign tips or epic moments in the comments below, and let’s build a community of Nightfarers ready to dominate!