Bandai Namco and FromSoftware have released a free update for Elden Ring Nightreign, adding a new “high difficulty mode” called Deep of Night. This mode not only introduces enhanced enemies and hidden challenges but also features a ranking system that progressively raises difficulty as players advance.

A New Challenge for Veterans

To unlock Deep of Night, players must first defeat the Night Aspect Nightlord. After doing so, Limveld transforms into a harsher battlefield filled with stronger foes and unpredictable dangers. Furthermore, Bandai Namco describes it as a test of the “skills honed through countless nights,” requiring mastery of combat and survival.

Unlike standard play, expeditions begin without revealing the target Nightlord. Consequently, enemies hit harder and sometimes appear in powerful “red sheen” variants, creating a much higher level of tension.

Depth Ranking System

The mode’s core mechanic is the Depth rating, which increases every time a Nightlord is defeated. As the Depth rises, enemies grow stronger and new modifiers appear.

For instance, key map points can vanish, while the final Nightlord’s identity might stay hidden until the last battle. Additionally, multiplayer matchmaking ensures balance by pairing players with similar Depth levels.

Weapons, Relics, and New Effects

To endure these trials, Deep of Night introduces weapons with multiple added effects, some unique to this mode. Therefore, careful choices and forward-thinking strategies can make overwhelming enemies far more manageable.

Players can also earn Depths Relics, items exclusive to this mode. These relics provide both powerful abilities and risky drawbacks, encouraging clever experimentation. Moreover, the update expands inventory management by adding three new relic slots.

Strong Sales Despite Mixed Reception

Darkness fell over Limveld, and two million Nightfarers rose up against it.
Thank you for your support. #ELDENRING #NIGHTREIGN pic.twitter.com/VEUbLp5xiD

— ELDEN RING (@ELDENRING) May 30, 2025

Elden Ring Nightreign launched earlier this year to mixed reviews yet impressive sales. In fact, it peaked at 313,593 concurrent players on Steam, making it FromSoftware’s second-highest player peak after Elden Ring’s record-setting 953,426. Furthermore, the game sold 2 million copies on its first day and surpassed 5 million units by July, according to Bandai Namco.