Elden Ring: Nightreign is an interesting take on the soulslike formula that also throws in roguelike ingredients to the co-op-centric pot. However, the co-op part is a bit strange, as we’ve all seen groups of three people. While there is a solo mode and you can complete everything on your own (assuming you have the patience), not all gamers have two other friends to venture into Limveld. With that in mind, it is normal for players to wonder if Elden Ring: Nightreign has a 2-player co-op mode or if you’re stuck to playing with two other players.
Does Elden Ring: Nightreign Have a 2-Player Co-op Mode?
At the time of writing, no. Elden Ring: Nightreign does not have a dedicated 2-player co-op mode. However, recent information claims that the developers are looking for a way to add it after launch. The game already features a solo mode where enemies scale to one player. The “normal” mode includes a three-player party. So, duo play shouldn’t be challenging to pull off, as it is a middle point between the other two options.
Sadly, there isn’t a way to force the game to have a 2-player party. While you can edit your matchmaking settings and even create a group with a password, there isn’t a way to lock it to two players only. Ultimately, the game will look for a third member, even if two of you are using a password. It is a strange decision, to say the least, but one that we hope FromSoftware fixes once the game is out.
Even if You Make a Lobby for Two Players, the Game Will Fill Up the Third Spot
Despite the lack of a 2-player mode in Elden Ring: Nightreign, the game still offers a few interesting matchmaking options. One of those is the ability to create a private lobby for other players. You can put a password for it, and the other player will join you by having that password. Initially, this would seem like a way for two players to play alone, but the game will always fill that spot. When creating a password-locked lobby, Nightreign will force you to select how many players need a password, saying “the rest will join through matchmaking.”
The only way right now to play as a duo, and in an unofficial and unbalanced way, is if the third member leaves mid-game, which is not great. If the third Nightfarer abandons the game, the enemies will not scale down to a 2-player party. So, it will just make the expedition even more difficult.
Your only option is to play alone or get two friends to help you. If that doesn’t work, pray you get a few random Nightfarers that know the ropes and like working as a team, because the lack of communication and planning can lead to an early failed expedition.
