Well, the early 2026 hype for Elden Ring: Nightreign has hit its first major roadblock, and it's one familiar to fans of FromSoftware's unique brand of multiplayer. Following the game's stunning reveal, speculation ran rampant about whether the studio would finally embrace the modern standard of cross-platform play. Today, game director Junya Ishizaki stepped in to quell those rumors, delivering a definitive and, for many, disappointing answer: no, there will not be cross-play between platforms in Nightreign.
In a statement that echoes the design philosophy of the original title, Ishizaki confirmed that Nightreign will operate on a similar closed ecosystem. "PS4 players can play with PS5 players, and Xbox One players can play with Xbox Series S and X players," he clarified, "but not between platforms." This means friend groups divided by the PlayStation and Xbox divide will remain separated, forced to embark on their journeys through the Shadow Realm separately. While this outcome was widely anticipated based on FromSoftware's history, it feels like a missed opportunity in 2026, a time when even platform holders themselves are increasingly advocating for player connectivity across ecosystems.
For those holding out hope for a grand, unified multiplayer experience, the gaming calendar does offer an alternative on the horizon. The promised cross-play update for Baldur's Gate 3, slated for later this year, stands as a beacon for cooperative, platform-agnostic adventure. But for the Elden Ring faithful, the dream of a seamless, cross-platform jolly cooperation or invader showdown is, once again, deferred.
And if you're a PC player, I suggest you brace for a second wave of disappointing news.
It appears the separation extends beyond just the final game's multiplayer. According to official Bandai Namco communications, the upcoming Elden Ring: Nightreign network playtest—a crucial period for stress-testing servers and gameplay balance—will be exclusively accessible on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X consoles. PC players, who represent a massive and passionate segment of the Soulslike community, are once again left out in the cold during this early phase.
This decision, while not shocking to long-time observers, is nonetheless a bitter pill to swallow. FromSoftware has a well-documented pattern of excluding PC from early network tests, often citing practical development reasons. Industry analysts and journalists frequently point to heightened security concerns as a primary factor; data miners have a much easier time dissecting a PC test build, potentially leaking story details, mechanics, and assets long before the studio intends. While this hasn't completely stopped leaks from console versions, it undoubtedly raises the barrier, making the PC platform a perceived risk during these sensitive early stages.
The community reaction has been a mix of resigned acceptance and fresh frustration. On forums and social media, the sentiment mirrors Ishizaki's own implied acknowledgment: albeit this was expected, it is nonetheless disappointing news. Many argue that in an age where live-service games and major AAA titles routinely feature cross-play and inclusive betas, FromSoftware's continued adherence to these siloed practices feels increasingly archaic.
Beyond the immediate gameplay concerns, FromSoftware finds itself adjacent to larger corporate whispers. Rumors continue to swirl about Sony's potential acquisition of Kadokawa Corporation, FromSoftware's parent company. When pressed on the matter, director Junya Ishizaki offered a characteristically tight-lipped response, stating he has no knowledge of the negotiation's progress or even if they are still ongoing. Whether this is corporate secrecy or genuine unawareness is unclear, but it adds a layer of business intrigue to the studio's current chapter.
Ultimately, as Ishizaki himself alluded to, none of these controversies will matter in the long run if Elden Ring: Nightreign launches in stellar condition. The 2025 release is poised to be one of the biggest gaming events of the decade, and a polished, content-rich experience will likely soothe the sting of these early limitations. The core appeal—a vast, mysterious new realm to explore, fraught with deadly enemies and rich lore—remains untouched. For now, players must reconcile their excitement with the reality that their journey through the night will, in many ways, be a solitary one confined to their chosen platform. The Tarnished remain divided, at least until the fog of war lifts upon release.