Elden Ring: Nightreign Introduces the Ring of Fire and Strategic Map Features

Elden Ring: Nightreign brings a new twist to the Soulslike experience with a Fortnite-style shrinking circle known as the Ring of Fire. This feature forces a faster-paced exploration style, and to accommodate it, the game’s map functions differently from the base Elden Ring.

Strategic Map Features for Faster Gameplay

Unlike the original Elden Ring, where exploration is guided by curiosity and vague clues, Nightreign opts for a more structured approach. Since it’s a roguelite with battle royale elements, every point of interest is marked on the map from the start, allowing players to devise a strategy as soon as they land in Limvelt.

Players must choose whether to venture to the outskirts to upgrade their healing flask—risking getting caught in the Ring of Fire—or head inwards to battle bosses for loot and Runes. Having all map markers enabled from the beginning is essential for this tactical approach, ensuring players don’t get lost or overwhelmed by the encroaching circle.

Enhanced Co-Op Map Features

For the first time in a Soulsborne game, Nightreign features seamless co-op gameplay. To support team-based play, map markers have been refined: if a teammate marks the same location as you, it turns white, indicating mutual agreement. This is particularly useful for coordinating strategies with strangers who aren’t using voice chat.

Additionally, the map highlights the flight paths of Spectral Hawks, which can be triggered by activating blue trees on cliff edges.

No Fast Travel, But Easier Site of Grace Activation

In Nightreign, fast travel between Sites of Grace has been removed. However, since the map is smaller and constantly shrinking, players must traverse it efficiently, hitting as many key locations as possible. To assist with this, Sites of Grace now activate automatically when approached, restoring health and FP without the need for interaction.

Closed Beta Details

The Nightreign closed beta begins on February 14 and runs until February 17. Players eager to experience this high-intensity twist on Elden Ring will have the chance to test the new mechanics and cooperative gameplay firsthand.