Summary
- Unlike most modern Soulsbornes, Elden Ring Nightreign won't feature an in-game messaging system.
- FromSoftware has decided to omit this signature feature in Nightreign due to the game's design not allowing enough time for players to read and write messages.
- Despite this, Nightreign is set to retain and enhance other asynchronous features from Elden Ring.
Elden Ring Nightreign will not include the ability for players to leave messages for one another, as confirmed by a senior FromSoftware official. The decision to exclude this iconic feature from Elden Ring Nightreign is described as a practical choice by the developers.
The feature of crafting messages from pre-approved words, a staple in FromSoftware's games, has traditionally fostered significant player engagement. Whether used to guide others, mislead with hints of "hidden paths ahead," or share humorous quips, this system has been a cherished part of the Soulsborne experience.
However, according to game director Junya Ishizaki in a January 3 interview with IGN Japan, this feature will not be part of Elden Ring Nightreign. Ishizaki explained that the game's focus on multiplayer and its shorter gameplay sessions—approximately 40 minutes each—would not mesh well with an asynchronous messaging system. Players simply won't have the time to engage with written notes during these intense, compact sessions.
Nightreign Isn't Ditching All of Elden Ring's Asynchronous Features
While Elden Ring sessions can last for hours, FromSoftware expects Nightreign to be played in much shorter bursts. This shift to a more intense, streamlined experience led to the exclusion of the in-game messaging system. Nevertheless, not all asynchronous features are being removed. For instance, the bloodstain mechanic will return in Elden Ring Nightreign, enhanced to allow players to not only witness how others died but also to loot their ghostly remains.
FromSoft Wants Elden Ring Nightreign To Be 'Compressed'
The removal of player-to-player messaging aligns with FromSoftware's vision for Elden Ring Nightreign, aiming for a more intense and multiplayer-centric experience than its predecessor. The game's three-day structure is part of this vision, as articulated by Ishizaki to IGN Japan, to create "a compressed RPG" packed with variety and minimal downtime.
Elden Ring Nightreign's reveal trailer at TGA 2024 confirmed a 2025 release target, though FromSoftware and Bandai Namco have yet to announce a specific release date.
