Elden Ring Update: Nightreign Patch Eliminates Beloved Feature

Elden Ring Nightreign: No In-Game Messages, But Enhanced Asynchronous Features

FromSoftware has confirmed that Elden Ring Nightreign will not include the in-game messaging system, a staple of the Soulsborne series. This decision, according to game director Junya Ishizaki, is purely practical. The fast-paced, multiplayer-focused design of Nightreign, with anticipated play sessions around 40 minutes long, leaves insufficient time for players to read and write messages.

The asynchronous messaging system, a hallmark of FromSoftware titles, has been instrumental in fostering community interaction, whether offering helpful hints, playful misdirection, or humorous observations. However, its exclusion from Nightreign aims to create a more streamlined and intense gameplay experience.

Despite this omission, Nightreign will retain and enhance other asynchronous features. The bloodstain system, for example, will be significantly improved, allowing players to learn from others' deaths and even loot their fallen counterparts.

FromSoftware's vision for Nightreign is a "compressed RPG," prioritizing intense, multiplayer-driven action with minimal downtime. This focus, along with the game's three-day structure, explains the decision to remove the messaging system. The goal is a more focused, varied experience.

The game, revealed at TGA 2024, is currently slated for a 2025 release, though a specific date remains unannounced.