Elden Ring Nightreign shares a world and a look with Elden Ring, but it plays very differently. If you are not sure which to buy or try first, this table-based guide helps. Prices were checked on October 9, 2026 on the US Steam store and can change.
Key takeaways
- Elden Ring is an open-world action RPG you can play alone at your pace.
- Nightreign is a roguelike spin-off with sessions over three in-game days.
- Both are rated ESRB M 17+.
- You do not need one to play the other.
Side by side
| Elden Ring | Nightreign | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-world action RPG | Roguelike action RPG |
| Released | February 2022 | May 30, 2025 |
| Players | Solo, with optional co-op | 1 to 3 players |
| Steam US price | $59.99 | $39.99 |
| PC minimum | i5-8400 or Ryzen 3 3300X, 12 GB RAM, GTX 1060 3 GB, 60 GB | i5-10600 or Ryzen 5 5500, 12 GB RAM, GTX 1060 3 GB, 30 GB |
| ESRB | M 17+ | M 17+ |
These screenshots may contain violence.
Images are provided by Steam and belong to their publishers.
How they play
In Elden Ring you explore a large world, find bosses and gear, and level a single character over many hours. In Nightreign you drop into a randomized version of Limgrave called Limveld. Each run lasts three in-game days. The safe zone shrinks, and a boss waits at the end. Eight Nightfarers have different skills. The story is also set in a different timeline.
Extra content
Elden Ring has the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Nightreign has The Forsaken Hollows DLC, released December 4, 2025, which adds two Nightfarers and a new map. The Switch 2 version, Tarnished Edition, launched August 28, 2026. Nightreign on Switch 2 was not found in our checks.
Which should you pick?
- Want a long story and exploring on your own? Pick Elden Ring.
- Have two friends and short sessions? Pick Nightreign.
- Want to learn the combat first? Elden Ring teaches it better at your own pace.
Start with the Elden Ring beginner guide or the Nightreign beginner guide.
Livenä nyt: Elden Ring
Näytä kaikki →
LIVE
Twitch
2 264
BIEN LE BONSOUER, de retour après les vacances ✨ On rend visite à Malenia ?
Florencefr
LIVE
Twitch
341
🕺ELDEN RING MOD MIT HUNDEBEIN2🕺 !socials !voko
shakerde
LIVE
Kick
330
Official 24/7 @asmongold | ELDEN RING | WUCHANG | REACTS | DB SPARKING ZERO | SCHEDULE 1 | FIVE HEARTS UNDER ONE ROOF | BALL X PIT |
Asmongold247en
LIVE
Twitch
327
Beating Elden Ring with Every Weapon/AoW/spell !allweapons 37/734 Gelmir's Fury
bushyen