Explore our in-depth review of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – Nightreign. From its haunting landscapes to brutal new bosses, find out if this DLC is FromSoftware's best yet.
📅 Posted on May 29, 2025 | 🎮 Category: Game Reviews | 🕹️ Tags: Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree, Nightreign, FromSoftware, Soulslike, DLC Review
🌑 Introduction
When Elden Ring launched in 2022, it redefined the open-world RPG with its blend of deep lore, punishing combat, and breathtaking exploration. Now, in 2025, FromSoftware returns with Shadow of the Erdtree – Nightreign, an expansion that plunges players into the most twisted corners of the Lands Between yet. But is this DLC just another tough-as-nails romp, or does it truly expand the Elden Ring mythos in meaningful ways?
⚔️ A New Chapter of suffering
Nightreign begins with a mysterious message beckoning the Tarnished to the Shrouded Vale, a cursed realm untouched by light. From the moment you step into this desolate land, the tone is clear: this is a descent into madness, not a triumphant journey.
Highlight:
-
New Regions: The Shrouded Vale, Obsidian Marshes, and the Forsaken Cathedrals offer rich verticality, environmental storytelling, and that classic Elden Ring sense of mystery.
-
Nightborne Enemies: Think you've mastered every foe? The Nightborne laugh at your parries. From illusion-casting assassins to shadow-stitched beasts, every encounter is a death sentence in disguise.
👁️ Visuals And world design
FromSoftware has outdone itself with Nightreign's art direction. The sky is forever veiled in twilight, and the atmosphere drips with gothic horror. The Eclipse Citadel, a towering fortress veiled in cursed flame, stands as one of the most visually striking areas in Soulsborne history.
Screenshot Tip: Use photo mode near the Weeping Ember Trees—it’s hauntingly beautiful.
🧙 New Gear And mechanics
Nightreign introduces 13 new weapon types, including the highly anticipated Moonlight Reaper Scythe and Cursed Flail, each with unique Ashes of War. There’s also a new Dark Blessing System, allowing builds focused on “Twilight Faith” – a stat exclusive to this DLC.
Build Idea: Try a hybrid Dex/Faith build with the Nightreign Talisman for faster spellcasting and bleed scaling!
💀 Boss Fights
Let’s be clear: Nightreign doesn’t pull punches. The Tenebrous Warden, Mother of Crows, and the final boss – Malrik, the Black Flame King – are some of the hardest bosses in the franchise.
"I thought Malenia was bad… until Malrik pulled out a second phase AND reversed gravity." – One terrified Redditor
Each fight demands precision, patience, and preparation. It's punishing but fair – the hallmark of a FromSoftware masterpiece.
🔥 Pros & Cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible world-building | Extremely difficult (even for veterans) |
| Gorgeous new environments | Some recycled enemy animations |
| Deep lore expansion | Long loading times in certain areas |
| Innovative new weapons & spells | Story still vague without external lore |
📝 Final POV
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Elden Ring: Nightreign isn’t just more of the same—it’s a beautifully twisted, emotionally draining, and masterfully designed piece of content that enriches the world of the Erdtree. If you’re a fan of FromSoftware’s storytelling and challenge-driven design, this DLC is a must-play.
📢 Leave us a comment
Have you braved the Shrouded Vale yet? Share your favorite boss fight, build, or frustration in the comments below!
🔍 :
Elden Ring Nightreign review, Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, Elden Ring boss fights, FromSoftware expansion, Nightborne enemies, Moonlight Reaper Scythe, Dark Blessing System, Soulslike RPG
© 2025 RPD GAMES Reviews. All rights reserved.
0 Comments