Elden Ring Nightreign Needs a Solo Mode for Hardcore Souls Fans

by

Nightreign offers exceptional cooperative boss-fighting experiences, yet it should also accommodate players who prefer to venture alone in their quests.

Since Demon’s Souls debuted on the PS3, sparking the entire Soulslike genre, cooperative play has been a key element of the series. This is why FromSoftware created Nightreign – they understand how enjoyable cooperative Souls games can be, and developing a game centered around it is a brilliant concept.

Engaging in cooperative battles against bosses with friends or strangers online is undeniably exciting, but it’s not the complete Souls series experience. Delving into the game world, unraveling its mysteries, and fulfilling quests for non-player characters are equally essential aspects of the challenge. However, for those seeking a more straightforward experience, Nightreign will likely cater to many players who prefer a speedier, less exploratory approach.

Nonetheless, there appears to be a conspicuous oversight on the part of FromSoftware regarding the Souls series community, an observation that even casual fans are aware of – we generally opt for solitary gameplay.

Souls players often prefer to fight solo

To clarify, I want to make it clear that long-time Souls series players (including myself) do enjoy cooperative play, and there’s nothing wrong with teaming up with others to tackle a challenging boss. In fact, some bosses are specifically designed for this purpose. However, we don’t approach the Souls games as if they were annual Call of Duty titles, focusing primarily on their multiplayer aspect.

For me, it’s clear that the multiplayer aspects are designed primarily as a rewarding bonus, coming into play once I’ve mastered every challenge within that universe – particularly the formidable boss battles.

As a gamer, I’ve found that lending a hand to fellow players in defeating foes isn’t just about the thrill of it; there’s a deeper satisfaction too. For instance, receiving an exuberant “Thank you!” message from another Tarnished when you assist them past a tough boss they’ve been battling for hours, well, that moment feels like a victory all its own.

In every gaming adventure, we’ve all taken on the role of the brave hero, and we’ve also been the character in need of that hero. When there are no more enemies to conquer, it’s then that we discover who truly is an Elden Lord, and who has merely been relying on fortune.

As a dedicated Souls series enthusiast myself, I crave the exhilaration that comes from conquering each boss battle single-handedly. It’s this sense of achievement that keeps me hooked. I yearn to decipher their patterns, endure defeats, and ultimately dismantle them with meticulous strategy.

It’s at this moment when dopamine kicks in strongly, and we realize that our success stems from perseverance and talent – even though it might drive us to throw the controller in anger sometimes. However, the essential truth remains: this isn’t about socializing; it’s about earning recognition as one of the elite.

Refusing to offer a solo play option means Elden Ring Nightreign is withholding the pleasure of playing alone from its players.

Single-player Nightreign

Of course! There’s still excitement and pride in taking down a boss as a group. Remember, Nightreign’s bosses have been boosted to surpass their initial strength, but if you yearn for a solo challenge, why not revisit the original Elden Ring instead? It’s just a suggestion that it would be enjoyable to have this team-based option available too.

In all Souls series games, from Demon’s Souls (2009) to Elden Ring, bosses have been adjusted in strength based on the number of players fighting them. Why can’t Nightreign follow suit? Does FromSoftware need us to be social? After so many years, it feels like you don’t truly understand our playing habits.

While most Souls series enthusiasts often prefer to embark on these journeys solo or have the flexibility to summon allies when necessary instead of fighting alongside them constantly, the absence of this feature in Nightreign might deter certain players. However, the emphasis on multiplayer could potentially draw in new fans, which is a positive development.

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but acknowledge that the network test has been marred by matchmaking issues, which underscores the importance of offering a solo play option for the game. From a practical perspective alone, relying on others’ availability and reliability to ensure my gaming fun is a swift recipe for driving Souls players away.

The primary concern I have with Elden Ring Nightreign is that it might push away its players. By offering a solo gameplay experience, it would show understanding towards us as gamers, since we’re the ones MonsterSoftware created – and we take great pride in that.

Read More

2025-02-14 20:20