Elden Ring Nightreign has launched to impressive player numbers but faces divided reviews from Steam users, with communication issues emerging as a major talking point among players. The multiplayer spin-off reached an all-time peak of 313,593 players on Steam, showing strong initial interest in FromSoftware’s latest experiment. However, user reviews tell a more complex story, with 67.2% of the 9,000+ reviews being positive while 32.8% are negative.

The main divide centers around the game’s team-based design. Positive reviewers praise the core concept, with one player describing it as “Risk of Rain but it’s Elden Ring” and calling the combination surprisingly effective. Many appreciate FromSoftware’s willingness to experiment beyond traditional Dark Souls gameplay, noting that the co-op focused approach captures the “jolly cooperation” spirit of earlier games.

However, the game’s requirement for tight teamwork has created frustration for many players. Multiple negative reviews highlight the same core issue: the game becomes extremely difficult without voice chat coordination between teammates. One reviewer bluntly stated, “if you don’t have 2 other friends to play with in voice chat, don’t waste your time.”

The communication problem appears particularly challenging for solo queue players who get matched with random teammates. Players report difficulty coordinating where to go, sharing items, and planning tactics without proper voice communication tools. This has led some to describe the solo experience as punishingly difficult.

Despite these concerns, supporters argue that players with established friend groups and good communication will find an excellent cooperative experience. The game’s mix of Elden Ring combat with roguelike elements and boss hunting mechanics has won over many players who embrace its team-focused design.