Elden Ring Nightreign landed on Steam with an impressive burst of players, even though user feedback is mixed. It’s one of FromSoftware’s most daring experiments, and while it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, a large crowd has jumped in to see what the fuss is about.
According to SteamDB, Nightreign peaked at around 300,000 concurrent players shortly after launch. Since then, that number has settled to roughly 150,000, still a sizable audience for such a niche and challenging title.
That drop-off might seem sharp compared to other games like Helldivers 2, which took over a month to lose half its player base at peak, but Nightreign’s particular style might explain it. The game throws players into a chaotic, pressure-cooker environment rather than the usual measured pacing of traditional soulslike gameplay. It’s not exactly a gentle introduction.
Honestly, my first sessions felt confusing and overwhelming. It took quite a few attempts before I started to appreciate the game’s strange charm and unpredictable nature. I wouldn’t recommend going solo unless you’re up for a challenge—otherwise, it’s a wild ride that can feel like a mess at first.
Progression elements like new relic bowls and remembrance challenges are locked behind defeating the first Nightlord, which might add to the frustration for some players trying to push forward.
Will those who’ve stepped away return? I’d bet the dedicated souls fans will return for more, hungry to figure out the layers hidden beneath the chaos. I certainly did, and the payoff has been worth the effort. It’s a challenging game but rewarding once you start to get it. What do you think? Have you jumped into Nightreign yet, or are you holding off?
