Elden Ring Nightreignwas 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 theNightreign-shaped void for the next couple of months.
Elden Ring Nightreignboasts 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.
10Remnant Or Remnant 2
Replayable Levels With Co-Op And A Gritty Feel
BothRemnant: From the AshesandRemnant 2offerNightreign-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?Remnantalso offers co-op, so players looking forward to playingNightreignwith friends will have a chance to practice.
BothRemnantgames 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 teamworkand prepare them to face whatever challengesNightreignwill throw their way. AlthoughtheRemnantgames don’t offer as much mobility asNightreignlikely will, these games are still great ways to pass the time untilNightreign’s release.
9Hyper Light Breaker
Releasing January 14, Heart Machine’s Third Title Promises High-Octane Roguelike Combat
Hyper Light Breakeris the third in theHyper Lightseries 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 theHyper Lightgames (Hyper Light DrifterandSolar 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 challengesNightreignwill 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 Breakerpromises 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 beforeNightreign’s release, making it the perfect game to pick up in the meantime.
8Risk of Rain 2
Moving Away From Traditional FromSoft Combat, ROR2 Prepares Players For Nightreign’s Mobility
Risk of Rain 2is a classic in the action roguelike genre, and while it’s got a lot more run-modifying items thanNightreign’s build-focused approach, it’s a great place to start for players who are unfamiliar with commonroguelike and roguelite mechanics. The world ofROR2is bright and colorful, but the fights and boss encounters get brutal quickly;for those who enjoyedElden Ring’s difficulty,ROR2won’t be a letdown.
Like many other games to play beforeNightreignreleases,Risk of Rain 2is 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 withROR2.
7Armored 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 classicSoulsstyle of boss fight,Armored Core 6is 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.AC6allows players to customize and pilot their very own mech, placing the fate of Rubicon into the hands of players.
“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 likeElden Ring’sdifficulty and hope for a similar difficulty inNightreign,AC6is sure to keep those combat skills sharp.The boss fights inAC6are notoriously difficult, and withNightreignstill being aSoulsgame 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 6is everything players could want and more.
6Gunfire Reborn
Build-Based Roguelike Gameplay With Friends, Plus Cute Animals
Players can step into the paws of their favorite furry friends inGunfire Reborn, which is a character-based action RPG. LikeNightreign,Gunfire Rebornhas fast-paced gameplay that encourages players to use all the tools at their disposal to clear levels.NightreignandGunfire Rebornboth feature procedurally generated worlds that will leave each run feeling fresh and interesting.
Elden Ring Nightreign: Release Date, Platforms, Trailer, Gameplay & Story Details
Elden Ring Nightreign was announced with a trailer, but more information is still coming, including a release date, and platform and gameplay details.
Additionally,GRis intended to be played with up to three friends, and combines roguelike and ARPG elements. There’s a lot going on in this game, andeach 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 withNightreign.
5RoboQuest
An FPS Roguelike With Punishing Difficulty
RoboQuestis dissimilar toNightreignin a lot of ways, but it’s most similar in that it has no mercy for players who just can’t keep up.RoboQuestwill throw players into fights whether they’re prepared or not, and this level of difficulty is something FromSoft is well known for. LikeNightreignwill presumably be,RoboQuestmanages to be extremely rewarding to beat while also being very fun to play with friends.
RoboQuestoffers 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 ofRoboQuestto save it once and for all.RoboQuest’s levels are more isolated from one another thanNightreign’sprocedurally-generated world, butRQ’s fast-paced gameplay should more than prepare fans for the punishing world ofNightreign.
4Astral Ascent
Astral Ascentis another hack-and-slash, platforming roguelite set in theDead Cellsuniverse, and if the complex and dramatic scenery of theElden Ringworld is appealing to players,Astral Ascentwill 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 thatNightreignsends their way. It’s tough enough to challenge even the most seasoned, and excellent to look at to boot.
Dead Cellsis one of the mostwell-known modern roguelikes, andAstral Ascentfollows in its footsteps in quality.
Thanks to split-screen co-op and dozens of unique spells for players to try, each session ofAstral Ascentwill 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 Ascentwill interest players who dove deep intoElden Ring’slore and can’t wait to exploreNightreign’s.
3Lies Of P
A Souls-like Rendition Of Everyone’s Favorite Puppet
Lies of Pis a Belle Époque soulslike experience that any big boss enjoyer won’t want to miss. For players unfamiliar with the game,Lies of Pis 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.
“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 mostSouls-like soulslikes on the market, and players looking forward to another entry in theElden Ringuniverse will feel right at home inLies 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.
2Sekiro: Shadow’s Die Twice
Sekiro Is Another FromSoft Masterpiece
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twiceis another enduring FromSoft masterpiecefrom whichElden Ringlearned 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,Sekirohas 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 inSekiro’swonderful storyof honor and ingenuity as they wait forNightreign.
1Modded Elden Ring
Modding The Base Game Will Make It Feel New Again
Anyone planning to playNightreignhas likely playedElden Ringalready, 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 forElden Ringplayers looking for a fresh take on the game are the seamless co-op and enemy randomizer mods.
For those who have run throughElden RingandShadow of the Erdtreetoo 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 forElden Ring: Nightreign.
