Elden Ring Nightreign update adds Deep of Night mode with new difficulty tiers and relic system

FromSoftware and Bandai Namco released a free update for Elden Ring: Nightreign on September 11 2025, introducing Deep of Night, a new high-difficulty mode designed for experienced players.

The update expands on Nightreign’s existing systems, adding mechanics that alter both combat strategy and overall gameplay approach.

Unlike standard runs, Deep of Night prevents players from pre-selecting which Nightlord they will encounter. This change shifts the focus from pre-planned builds to adaptable strategies, requiring flexibility in combat preparation.

Additionally, the Shifting Earth system, which previously provided environmental advantages, is disabled in this mode, forcing players to rely solely on skill and tactics.

A major feature of the update is the introduction of Depths Relics. These items provide strong benefits but are paired with drawbacks, making each choice impactful.

Depending on which relics are equipped, a player’s style and approach to battles may change significantly. The interplay of these relics creates varied encounters and replayability across runs.

The mode is divided into five tiers of escalating difficulty, labelled Depth 1 through Depth 5. Each level increases enemy health, damage, and artificial intelligence complexity. At Depth 4 and above, the Endless Battle system is activated, evaluating players on survival time and the number of enemies defeated.

Furthermore, an adaptive difficulty mechanism adjusts challenges based on performance, encouraging progression through repeated attempts.

The addition of Deep of Night builds on Nightreign’s reputation for demanding gameplay while offering new ways for players to test their abilities.