Elden Ring Nightreign has stormed onto the scene as FromSoftware’s boldest multiplayer experiment yet, and the community is abuzz. Released just days ago, Nightreign has already attracted nearly 300,000 Steam players and is being hailed as a “mini supercharged Elden Ring for co-op fanatics.” But with its new roguelike structure and a relentless focus on three-player teamwork, many fans are asking: How do you actually play Elden Ring Nightreign with friends, and not just random people? Let’s dive deep into the latest features, news, and practical steps so you can squad up and take on the Nightlords together.
Table of Contents
What Makes Elden Ring Nightreign Different?
Nightreign is not just another expansion—it’s a radical reimagining of the Elden Ring formula. Instead of a sprawling open world, you’re dropped into fast-paced, hour-long “expeditions” with a hard three-player limit. The game is built around tight coordination, rapid loot collection, and a permadeath system: if your whole squad wipes, you’re reset to the beginning. This high-stakes structure means that playing with friends isn’t just fun—it’s essential for success.
Multiplayer Basics: Friends vs. Randoms
Nightreign’s multiplayer is designed around three-player co-op. While you can play solo (for a punishing experience), or be matched with randoms, most players will want to coordinate with friends for the best chance of survival.
Here’s how it works:
- Default Matchmaking: By default, starting an expedition will pair you with two random players. Each player picks a unique class, and you’re off.
- Playing With Friends: To avoid random matchmaking, you need to use the game’s “Invite Members” feature or set a multiplayer password. This ensures you’re grouped with your chosen allies, not strangers.
Step-by-Step: How to Play Elden Ring Nightreign With Friends
1. Use the Invite System
- Open the Matchmaking Settings menu in the main hub (Roundtable Hold).
- Select “Invite Members.” This brings up a list of your online friends on the same platform.
- Send invites to your friends. Once they accept and everyone is ready, start the expedition together.
2. Set a Multiplayer Password
- In the multiplayer menu, set a unique password for your group.
- Share this password with your friends.
- Only players using the same password will be matched together, so you won’t get randoms.
- You can set the number of players to fill your party (up to three). If you choose fewer than three, the remaining slots will be filled with randoms.
3. Group Passwords for Larger Communities
- Nightreign allows up to five group passwords, making it easier to see bloodstains, phantoms, and records from your community.
- This is useful for larger friend groups or gaming communities who want to coordinate runs and share progress.
4. Platform Limitations
- No Cross-Play: Nightreign does not support cross-platform play at launch. You can only play with friends on the same system.
- Cross-Generation Supported: Players on PS4 and PS5, or Xbox One and Series X|S, can play together.
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What You Can—and Can’t—Do With Friends
Allowed:
- Full three-player co-op expeditions.
- Invite friends directly or use passwords for private sessions.
- Share rune rewards for every enemy defeated.
- Revive each other using the unique “attack to revive” system.
Not Allowed:
- Two-player only squads. The game always fills to three players—if you invite one friend, the last slot will be filled with a random.
- Cross-platform play (at least for now).
Unique Multiplayer Features in Nightreign
- No PvP: Nightreign is strictly PvE, so you won’t be invaded by other players.
- Limited Communication: There’s no in-game text chat. Instead, you use map pings and gestures. External voice chat is recommended for coordination.
- Permadeath: If your squad is wiped, you all restart from scratch, losing all loot and progress from that run.
Tips for a Smooth Co-Op Experience
- Coordinate Classes: Only one player can pick each class per run. Have backups in mind.
- External Voice Chat: Since in-game communication is limited, use Discord or your console’s party chat for real-time strategy.
- Progression Sync: Friends can join even if they haven’t unlocked all bosses or events, but some content may be locked for them.
- Revive Smartly: Use ranged attacks to revive downed teammates from a safe distance.
The State of Nightreign’s Multiplayer in 2025
Nightreign’s launch has been met with excitement but also some frustration over the lack of a two-player mode and no cross-play. FromSoftware has acknowledged the oversight regarding duos and may address it in future updates, but for now, three-player squads are the only way to play with friends. Despite these quirks, the game’s innovative approach to co-op and its roguelike structure have made it a standout multiplayer experience.
Conclusion: Elden Ring Nightreign Is Best With Friends
Elden Ring Nightreign is a thrilling, challenging, and sometimes chaotic ride—especially when you’re playing with friends. By using the invite system or setting a multiplayer password, you can ensure your expeditions are filled with allies you trust, not unpredictable randoms. While the lack of cross-play and two-player squads is a limitation, the shared victories and defeats in Nightreign’s punishing world make every run memorable. Gather your team, set your strategy, and prepare to face the Nightlords together.