Elden Ring Steam debut slammed over missing co-op, voice chat

Elden Ring Nightreign has achieved a massive launch on Steam, though player reception has been divided. FromSoftware's cooperative spinoff peaked at 313,593 concurrent players, making it one of Steam's most-played titles. However, the game currently holds a "Mixed" rating with only 67% positive reviews, primarily due to the lack of two-player co-op and voice chat functionality.

Design Choices Spark Controversy

Elden Ring Nightreign immerses players in the ever-changing realm of Limveld, where they must explore and fight for survival either alone or in three-player teams. Notably absent is any two-player co-op option, a decision that has drawn significant criticism.

As noted in IGN's review: "Let's address the primary concern upfront: Nightreign isn't ideal for solo players unless you're an expert seeking extreme challenges. While technically possible, the poorly balanced single-player experience will likely receive adjustments post-launch."

Developer Response to Feedback

Game director Junya Ishizaki explained the design philosophy: "We focused on creating a balanced three-player co-op experience, inadvertently overlooking the demand for two-player options. We're exploring solutions for future updates."

Player Complaints Highlight Key Issues

Negative reviews consistently cite three major concerns:

• "Mandatory three-player requirement forces unwanted matchmaking"
• "Lack of voice chat severely limits coordination with random teammates"
• "Single-player mode feels disproportionately difficult"

One reviewer noted: "The absence of voice chat makes item sharing and strategy coordination nearly impossible with random players." Another added: "This essentially limits the experience to pre-formed groups with voice communication."

Technical Performance Considerations

Prior to launch, FromSoftware cautioned that players using current-generation graphics cards might experience frame rate issues. The developers recommended reducing settings from High to Medium or Low and ensuring updated GPU drivers.

For those venturing into Limveld, IGN's Nightreign tips and tricks guide and comprehensive wiki provide valuable resources to navigate the challenging experience.

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