The gaming community’s response to Elden Ring Nightreign paints a striking picture, one that deviates from the typically lauded status of FromSoftware titles. In less than two decades, this game’s earliest Nightreign reviews have become a notable outlier. The user rating currently sits at a perplexing 73% on Steam, making it the lowest score for any game released by FromSoftware in recent memory. While it is presently experiencing a player count that far surpasses the collective numbers of the Dark Souls trilogy, the enthusiasm is noticeably absent when one delves into player feedback. It’s a troubling juxtaposition; an expansive player base characterized by lukewarm reviews.
Identifying the Pains of Play
A critical examination reveals three predominant complaints that have emerged from the player base. First on the list is the glaring omission of duo support. In an age where co-op gaming experiences are widely embraced, the absence of a two-player option in Elden Ring Nightreign feels like an oversight that undermines potential collaborative gameplay. While the developers have hinted at possible future updates to address this, the initial lack raises eyebrows — especially given FromSoftware’s rich history in creating multifaceted multiplayer experiences.
The second key criticism revolves around limitations in display support. As gamers increasingly invest in ultrawide monitors for immersive experiences, the game’s lack of such compatibility is a frustrating misfire. Moreover, a cap at 60 frames-per-second has left many players feeling jaded. In a world where performance metrics continually shift towards higher resolutions and smoother frame rates, sticking to 60 in 2025 feels decidedly archaic, turning away graphics enthusiasts who demand more from their gaming experiences.
Keyboard and Control Conundrums
The third area of concern rests with input management. Players have voiced significant dissatisfaction with keyboard support, a factor that’s simply unacceptable in today’s gaming environment, where precision and reliability are paramount. Though one can bypass these issues with a controller, to restrict those who prefer keyboard navigation is a disservice to a large portion of the gaming community. It calls into question the developers’ understanding of their audience’s preferences and needs.
The Noise of Feedback
It is essential to acknowledge that not every negative review stems from thoughtful criticism; some represent personal bias or technical discrepancies tied to individual setups. Such variability complicates the assessment of the game’s overall quality. Nonetheless, the general sentiment aligns with our review and Metacritic scores, suggesting that Elden Ring Nightreign may prove to be an acquired taste, inviting players to confront its unique mechanics and features while grappling with the apparent shortcomings. The transition from high expectations to discontent within the community showcases the vast chasm that can exist between ambition and execution. In a landscape where FromSoftware has garnered a reputation for excellence, it is disappointing to witness this faltering step.