Shacknews Best Co-Op Game of 2025 – Elden Ring Nightreign

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As a big fan of co-op games, I was so excited to see something totally new from FromSoftware! It’s amazing because while it feels like an Elden Ring game – the movement, the combat, those incredible bosses are all there – it also throws in some really unexpected stuff like a shrinking battle circle and randomized gear. But the best part? It’s built around a three-player squad. You team up with two friends and tackle some of the most challenging stuff FromSoftware has ever created, all while working together to survive.

Cooperative play has always been possible in FromSoftware games, but setting it up used to be complicated. Nightreign simplifies this with normal invite and party features, clearly demonstrating FromSoftware’s commitment to making it easy for players to team up with their friends.

Now that you’ve built your team, you can choose an expedition and start your journey to reach the Nightlord. First, though, you’ll need to decide on the best combination of characters. Nightreign offers ten different classes, and players are encouraged to pick characters that complement each other – or at least, to play classes they’re skilled with. Remember that your team’s strengths can change as you earn and equip relics during each run and purchase items from the merchant.

Starting Nightreign might seem easy, but don’t be fooled – it’s a fast-paced game, unlike older Souls-like titles. Success relies on quick thinking and teamwork. You’ll need to coordinate with your friends, planning several steps ahead to efficiently explore the world. You might be in the middle of a location when a teammate points out a chain of opportunities – a special dungeon, a safe haven, and then the castle – to quickly gather resources and stay ahead of the encroaching storm.

If you make it through the first day, the rain will stop, and you’ll repeat the process, eventually reaching the final boss arena. Before that, you’ll likely have defeated several bosses—from those hidden in castles to challenging end-of-day encounters like the Nameless King—all to improve your character’s level. By the time you face the Nightlord, your team should be well-prepared with the random weapons and unique abilities you’ve collected along the way.

Nightlords are among the most challenging enemies FromSoftware has created. They’ll really push even experienced Souls players to their limits, demanding strong teamwork – coordinating special attacks, carefully controlling the boss’s attention, and quickly reviving teammates who fall in battle.

While past FromSoftware games were mainly single-player with some online multiplayer features, Elden Ring Nightreign is a dedicated cooperative game. It’s a unique and stunning addition to the developer’s impressive collection, and we’re thrilled to recognize it as Shacknews’ Best Co-Op Game of 2025.

Check out more of the Shacknews Awards in our Year of the Games: 2025 article.

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2025-12-27 17:58