Summary: Elden Ring: Nightreign is a fan-made expansion mod, not an official DLC, offering new content, mechanics, and challenges that build upon the base game experience.

Elden Ring: Nightreign has sparked curiosity among fans of FromSoftware’s iconic action RPG. With its rich lore, challenging gameplay, and expansive world, many are wondering if Nightreign is an official DLC or something else entirely.

In this article, we’ll explore what Nightreign really is, how it differs from the base Elden Ring game, whether you need the original to play it, the possibility of new bosses and characters, and how players can access free trainers and mods to enhance their experience.

Table of Contents

1. Is Elden Ring Nightreign A DLC? How Is It Different from the Base Game?
2. Do You Need to Have Elden Ring to Play Nightreign?
3. Will Elden Ring Nightreign Get DLC Bosses and Characters
4. How Can You Get Free Trainers and Mods for Elden Ring Nightreign
5. Conclusion

Is Elden Ring Nightreign A DLC? How Is It Different from the Base Game?

At first, many fans believed Nightreign was another DLC for Elden Ring, much like Shadow of the Erdtree. This assumption made sense, given FromSoftware’s history of releasing expansions for their Soulsborne titles, such as:

• Dark Souls 3 – Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City
• Bloodborne – The Old Hunters
• Elden Ring – Shadow of the Erdtree

However, Nightreign is not a DLC. It is a standalone title, meaning it does not require the original Elden Ring to play. The connection between Nightreign and Elden Ring is more akin to the relationship between Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3—similar in style and tone, but distinct games.

• Base Game Requirement: DLCs need the original game; Nightreign is fully independent.
• Content Scope: While DLCs expand existing mechanics and stories, Nightreign introduces entirely new gameplay systems, environments, and possibly a revamped combat style.
• Narrative and World: Nightreign may touch on familiar lore, but it’s expected to offer a new story, unique characters, and a fresh progression system.

Though details remain limited, early teasers hint at an open-world design, darker themes, new enemies, and innovative combat—promising a bold evolution of the Soulslike formula rather than a mere extension of Elden Ring.

Now that you’ve known what Elden Ring Nightreign is, let’s figure out if it’s a necessary to have Elden Ring to play Nightreign.

Do You Need to Have Elden Ring to Play Nightreign?

No, you don’t need to own Elden Ring to play Nightreign! Since Nightreign is a standalone title, it runs independently of the base game.

• New to the series? You can dive right into Nightreign without any prior Elden Ring experience.
• Returning fans may notice familiar lore references, but the game offers a completely new adventure.
• No prerequisites—just like Dark Souls 3 and Bloodborne, which shared themes but had separate stories and gameplay, Nightreign is designed to stand on its own.

Whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer, Nightreign is built to be accessible and engaging from the start.

In the next part, let’s explore if Elden Ring Nightreign will get DLC bosses and characters.

Will Elden Ring Nightreign Get DLC Bosses and Characters

Yes, Elden Ring: Nightreign is expected to receive additional DLC content post-launch, including new bosses and playable characters. This was hinted at through a now-removed line from the game’s Steam page, which briefly listed “Additional DLC — Additional playable characters and bosses.” While the listing has since been taken down, it strongly suggests that more content is planned.

Given Nightreign’s focus on online and live-service elements, future updates with new content make sense. FromSoftware has a solid track record of releasing post-launch DLCs for titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, so it’s highly likely Nightreign will follow suit.

Fans are already speculating about potential boss returns from past games—like the Nameless King, Gwyn, or Lady Maria—especially since Nightreign already features enemies from previous titles. With its co-op gameplay and evolving roster, there’s also room for exciting new characters and dream matchups.

Elden Ring: Nightreign launches May 30, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC—so stay tuned for more post-launch announcements as the world expands.

If you want to elavate your gameplay experience, the following part would give you some advice.

How Can You Get Free Trainers and Mods for Elden Ring Nightreign

If you’re looking to enhance your single-player experience in Elden Ring: Nightreign, consider using Xmod—a tool that offers free cheats and trainers to customize your gameplay.

1. Download the Xmod app to your device.

   

2. Search for Elden Ring: Nightreign within the app’s game library.

   

3. Launch the game directly through Xmod.

   

4. Activate your preferred mods or trainers to enjoy features like unlimited health, custom stats, or enemy tweaks.

Xmod makes it easy to personalize your Nightreign experience, especially if you’re focused on single-player or offline gameplay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Elden Ring: Nightreign appears to be a major expansion or DLC rather than a standalone game, meaning you’ll likely need the base game to play it. It brings new content, mechanics, and possibly new bosses and characters that distinguish it from the original experience. For those looking to enhance gameplay, there are free trainers and mods available, offering customization and new ways to enjoy the Nightreign journey.