Elden Ring Nightreign is set to launch players into the ever-changing realm of Limveld, where survival hinges on exploration, strategy, and combat—whether you're braving the dangers alone or teaming up with others. The game supports solo play and cooperative sessions for three players, but there’s a catch for duos: you won’t be able to lock your session to just two.
In a recent interview with IGN, Elden Ring Nightreign director Junya Ishizaki addressed why the game doesn’t allow dedicated two-player squads. According to Ishizaki, the omission was unintentional.
"The simple answer is that a two-player option was overlooked during development, so we're very sorry about that," Ishizaki admitted. "From the beginning, our focus was on creating a co-op experience centered around three players—balanced for three, designed for three. That vision was at the core of Nightreign."
He went on to explain that while the team prioritized crafting a viable solo experience, the duo option slipped through the cracks. "As a player myself, I understand the desire to play solo, and we made a conscious effort to ensure that single-player gameplay remains engaging and feasible within the game’s systems. But in focusing so heavily on solo and trio dynamics, we inadvertently neglected the duo setup. That said, it’s something we’re actively considering for post-launch updates."
This means that if you’re playing with just one other person, your session may be joined by a third player through matchmaking. While it might disrupt the intimacy of a duo run, it could also bring an unexpected advantage against the brutal challenges lurking in Limveld.
For solo adventurers, the game adjusts accordingly. Ishizaki confirmed that Nightreign’s parameters "change dynamically based on the number of players in a session," ensuring that solo players aren’t overwhelmed. Additionally, self-revive mechanics have been integrated specifically to support those tackling the world alone.
Trios, however, remain the ideal setup—Nightreign is built and balanced around three-player cooperation, making group coordination key when facing its most fearsome bosses.
Elden Ring Nightreign releases on May 30, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S.
