Action RPG

Elden Ring Nightreign’s Traversal Can’t Fill the Torrent-Sized Void

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Summary

  • Elden Ring Nightreign ramps up the pace with a roguelike structure and a race against the clock.
  • New traversal mechanics include wall jumps, but players miss the faithful mount, Torrent.
  • Torrent’s absence in Elden Ring Nightreign highlights the loss of companionship and strategic advantages.

Stepping away from the traditional gameplay style that FromSoftware is known for, I find myself immersed in the unique, fast-paced world of Elden Ring Nightreign. Unlike their previous titles, this game adopts an unconventional roguelike structure, focusing on a cooperative experience. Each playthrough in Elden Ring Nightreign is essentially a thrilling race against time, spanning three in-game days and culminating in the defeat of formidable bosses en route to encountering various Nightlords. The tension never subsides due to a constantly shrinking ring of death reminiscent of those found in games like Fortnite and Apex Legends, ensuring that players are always on the move.

In the fresh design concept for Elden Ring Nightreign, there are novel navigation techniques to explore. Players can now perform wall jumps, enabling them to scale greater heights, and they won’t sustain damage from falls. These new traversal methods are enjoyable and enhance the gameplay of Elden Ring Nightreign. Yet, the absence of Torrent, the loyal steed that accompanied players in Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, is deeply missed, creating a noticeable gap.

Torrent’s Absence in Elden Ring Nightreign Is Sorely Felt

Torrent Was More Than a Mount

One unique aspect that set Torrent apart in Elden Ring and its expansions was his role extending beyond merely being a mount. While he could transport players swiftly between areas, what truly distinguished him was the opportunity for players to form a special bond with him, unlike other non-player characters (NPCs) in the game. This bonding process was evident with Torrent from Elden Ring, whose reserved and humble personality was quite endearing.

Despite enjoying the fresh navigation features in Elden Ring Nightreign and finding they enhance the game’s design, it’s deeply noticeable that Torrent, the loyal steed from Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, is missing. This absence leaves a significant gap behind, making the experience less complete.

As a seasoned gamer, I can attest that Elden Ring stands out among FromSoftware titles for being more accessible, yet it doesn’t shy away from the challenging, gloomy, and demanding moments it’s known for. What truly sets Elden Ring apart is the addition of Torrent, a companion who’s been missing in previous FromSoftware games as we navigated their atmospheric realms alone. Having Torrent by my side offers a sense of comfort, knowing he’s always ready to leap into action when I need help in a pinch. This becomes particularly evident during boss battles in vast arenas, where Torrent’s agility grants me an edge that makes those intense encounters more manageable.

Elden Ring Nightreign’s Movement Could Benefit From Torrent’s Inclusion

Contrasting other games, Elden Ring Nightreign puts players in vast battlefields that seem perfect for mounted combat, yet they are forced off their horses and vulnerable, with minimal space to move around freely. Not only this aspect, but the game’s swift tempo makes it tailor-made for a speedy mount like Torrent. Critics may argue that adding a mount would undermine the ring of death concept, but proper balancing can address such concerns. At minimum, a mount similar to Torrent would streamline players’ ascent to higher locations more smoothly, as the wall jump can sometimes be clumsy.

In the game Elden Ring Nightreign, players can still perform a technique called Surge Sprint, which enables them to run faster than their normal walking pace, similar to how they do in Elden Ring. However, it should be noted that the speed provided by Torrent far surpasses both these methods.

The fast-paced exploration mechanics of Elden Ring: Nightreign might be innovative, yet they seem to have sacrificed something profound beyond mere mobility. Torrent wasn’t merely a speed or height tool; he was a reliable companion, a tranquil anchor in a world that relentlessly threatened to overpower the travelers within it. The traversal mechanics of Elden Ring: Nightreign function well, but they still lack the personal touch, the subtle camaraderie that made traversing Elden Ring’s open world feel less isolating.

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2025-06-03 04:33

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