Elden Ring Nightreign continues to captivate Soulslike enthusiasts with its punishing roguelite expeditions through the Lands Between. Priced at $39.99, this standalone expansion demands mastery of its unique two-day survival structure where players fend off the encroaching Night's Tide before clashing with formidable Nightlords. The adrenaline-pumping expeditions require sharp reflexes and strategic build optimization, especially with the recent Deep of Night update randomizing boss encounters. elden-ring-nightreign-expedition-times-nightlord-battles-completion-guide-image-0

⚔️ Nightlord Showdowns: The Core Challenge

Eight distinct Nightlords await players, each controlling themed expeditions. Initially, only the Tricephalos (featuring Gladius, Beast of Night) is accessible. Defeating four different Nightlords unlocks the final confrontation against the true aspect of Night. These battles aren\u2019t for the faint-hearted \u2013 mastering Relic Rites and movement mechanics is non-negotiable. With 15 main bosses including reimagined Dark Souls legends, victory requires more than button-mashing.

⏳ Expedition Duration Breakdown

Every expedition follows this relentless rhythm:

  • Day 1: Survive 15 minutes + Boss fight

  • Day 2: Survive 15 minutes + Boss fight

  • Finale: Nightlord battle (5-20 minutes)

Total runs average 35-50 minutes, though newbies often hit the 60-minute mark. That\u2019s the sweet spot \u2013 long enough for tension to mount, short enough for \u2018just one more run\u2019 sessions. FAMI magazine\u2019s 34/40 review praised this \u2018lightweight yet intense\u2019 design.

🏆 Main Campaign vs. 100% Completion

Completion Tier Requirements Estimated Time
Base Game Defeat 4 Nightlords + Final Boss 8-20 hours
100% All 8 Nightfarer stories + Final boss with each + Shifting Earth events 30-40 hours

Finishing the core campaign takes just five successful expeditions theoretically, but let\u2019s get real \u2013 most players face dozens of \u2018YOU DIED\u2019 screens first. The 100% grind? That\u2019s where things get spicy. You\u2019ll need Memory Fragments from repeated Nightlord wins to unlock eight Nightfarer backstories, plus clearing four Shifting Earth zones (Mountaintop, Rotted Woods, etc.). elden-ring-nightreign-expedition-times-nightlord-battles-completion-guide-image-1

🔄 Roguelite Replayability & New Updates

The 2025 Deep of Night update cranked unpredictability to eleven \u2013 Nightlords now appear randomly, demanding on-the-fly strategy changes. With progression loss after failures (that \u2018no do-overs\u2019 tension FAMI noted), each run feels high-stakes. Co-op veterans can carry newcomers, but solo players face a steep climb. Trophy hunters must conquer the final Nightlord with all eight Nightfarers \u2013 no small feat!

❓ People Also Ask

  • Q: Is Nightreign harder than base Elden Ring?

A: The roguelite permadeath mechanics amplify the difficulty curve exponentially.

  • Q: Can you farm Memory Fragments?

A: Yes, but only by replaying Nightlord fights \u2013 prepare for serious grinding!

  • Q: Do Shifting Earth events affect endings?

A: No, but they offer unique gear and are mandatory for completionists.

💭 Food for Thought

Given how the Deep of Night update transformed build viability, what\u2019s your go-to strategy when blindsided by a random Nightlord \u2013 aggression, defense, or good old-fashioned panic rolling?