Full Experience of Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test: Full of Surprises and Great Potential

The Nightreign network test of Elden Ring has become a hot topic among gamers. What seemed like an ordinary test at first glance turned out to be an extraordinary gaming adventure, far surpassing initial expectations.

Test Schedule: A Rollercoaster of Anticipation

The test schedule was filled with twists and turns.
The first attempt was brief yet exciting, leaving players craving for more.
The early - morning sessions on the East Coast were a challenge for many, described as "grueling".
However, the final testing window from 10 PM to 1 AM on the last night was the most anticipated, providing the perfect opportunity for an immersive experience.
An unedited recorded video documented the entire journey, from the initial clumsy exploration to the triumphant co - op clearance with randomly matched teammates.

In - game Hub: The Roundtable Hold

Upon entering the game, the Roundtable Hold serves as the central hub with multiple functions:

Teleportation: Players can teleport to the Erdree Great - Rune site, a crucial location for further exploration.
Character Customization: It allows for character changes, enabling players to experiment with different builds.
Exploration Preparation: A place to get ready for the upcoming adventures.

Some amusing moments occurred during exploration:

For instance, some players couldn't resist smashing all the chairs in the hall right after entering.

In the character - changing interface, the "Visual Codex" is a notable feature:

It enables players to browse unique skills.
The "Hookclaw" skill, in particular, draws comparisons to the prosthetic tools in Sekiro, hinting at interesting combat possibilities.

Controls and Gameplay: Familiarity Meets Innovation

Control Similarities and Differences

The control buttons maintain a similar layout to the original version, offering a sense of familiarity.
However, the running speed is incredibly fast, almost giving the impression of using a speed - boost cheat, which adds a new level of excitement to movement.

Sparring Grounds and Skill Mechanics

The sparring grounds act as a training area where players can adjust their equipment settings.
The combination of various skills and weapons presents a high level of strategic depth:
- Activating the Hookclaw feels like swinging through the environment, similar to Spider - Man's movements.
- The ultimate skill "Claw Strike" not only deals significant damage but also has a visually stunning effect.
On the flip side, features such as the relatively small health bar and the long cooldown of ultimate skills add challenges, requiring players to be more strategic in their gameplay.

Actual Combat: The Heart of the Test

Encountering Familiar Enemies

Teaming up with randomly matched teammates, players faced the classic "Crucible Knight" from Elden Ring.
As level - one characters with limited health, the familiar mechanism of obtaining Runes upon defeating enemies added a nostalgic touch.

New Skills and Mechanics

The "Death Fraud" skill was a game - changer, allowing players to resurrect even after death, providing a safety net in intense battles.
The convenience of using health flasks, with an easily accessible but somewhat small icon in the top - left corner, streamlined the healing process.

Teamwork and Challenges

During the battles, teamwork was essential. Although some players got lost or died from falls, the fast - paced combat was reminiscent of an "Arcade version of Elden Ring", full of excitement and challenges.

New Elements Introduced

The Storm Circle Mechanism

Similar to the battle royale genre, the "Storm Circle" mechanism added a sense of urgency:
- Players lose health when outside the circle, forcing them to constantly move towards the safe zone.
- This created dynamic and intense gameplay scenarios.

New Enemies and Combat Strategies

New enemies like the "Flame Chariot" and the "Centipede Demon" emerged, introducing fresh combat strategies:
- The "Flame Chariot" required players to find its weak points, often by attacking from the rear.
- The "Centipede Demon" with its teleportation ability demanded quick reactions and strategic positioning.

Weapon Mechanics and Progression

The "Stagger Value" mechanism of weapons enhanced team - based combat, making focus - fire more effective.
As players leveled up, high - tier weapons and skills were gradually unlocked:
- The "Lightning Great Hammer", for example, dealt massive damage, becoming a favorite among players.
The ability to share loot among teammates added an extra layer of cooperation and fun.

The Final Battle: Conquering the Lord of the Night

The "Lord of the Night" was a formidable boss, characterized by its huge size, wide - ranged attacks, and a challenging second phase.
Through multiple wipes and strategic adjustments, the team finally managed to clear the stage, relying on the "Death Fraud" and resurrection mechanisms.
The sense of achievement was immense, and the rewards of a large amount of Runes and equipment made the effort worthwhile.

Conclusion: A Promising Future

In summary, the Nightreign network test of Elden Ring impressed players with:

Fast - paced combat that kept the adrenaline pumping.
Smooth co - op experience, fostering teamwork and camaraderie.
A rich weapon system offering diverse playstyles.
The innovative blend of "battle royale and Souls - like" gameplay, creating a unique gaming experience.

Despite some areas that could be improved, the test has shown great potential. If the official version can further optimize the map design, enrich the storyline, and balance the classes, Elden Ring is poised to become a dark horse in the gaming industry this year. All Elden Ring fans and lovers of co - op games should definitely keep an eye on this promising title!