Elden Ring Nightreign: A Treasure Trove of Dark Souls Easter Eggs Hidden Behind Formidable Challenges

FromSoftware's Elden Ring Nightreign has emerged as one of the most unexpected gaming experiences of 2025, blending battle royale and roguelite elements with the studio's signature challenging gameplay. What's particularly fascinating about this expansion is how it serves as a celebration of FromSoftware's legacy, incorporating numerous references to the Dark Souls series that longtime fans will immediately recognize and appreciate.

When Nightreign was unveiled at The Game Awards last year, the gaming community was taken aback by its surprisingly modern concept. The expansion represents a significant departure from FromSoftware's traditional approach while simultaneously paying homage to its roots through a rich tapestry of references to previous Soulslike titles. The result is something of a crossover that many players never anticipated seeing within the Elden Ring universe.

A Cavalcade of Souls References

Nightreign doesn't merely tip its hat to Dark Souls—it embraces the legacy wholeheartedly through an extensive collection of unlockable character skins. While FromSoftware previously announced that Solaire would make an appearance as an unlockable Guardian skin, this merely scratches the surface of what awaits dedicated players.

Every character in Nightreign features two purchasable Dark Souls-inspired skins, each referencing iconic figures from the beloved series:

• Wylder: Channels Artorias the Abysswalker (Dark Souls) and sports the Faraam set (Dark Souls 2)

• Revenant: Pays homage to Sister Friede and the classic Sorcerer set

• Recluse: Features designs inspired by Karla (Dark Souls 3) and The Emerald Herald (Dark Souls 2)

• Guardian: Includes the previously announced Solaire skin and other yet-to-be-discovered references

The attention to detail in these skins demonstrates FromSoftware's dedication to rewarding longtime fans. Each design captures the essence of these memorable characters, transporting them from their original settings into the haunting world of Elden Ring.

The Challenge of Acquisition

These nostalgic treasures don't come easily, however. In typical FromSoftware fashion, players must overcome substantial challenges to access these cosmetic rewards. The Dark Souls skins are only purchasable after defeating Nightreign's final boss—a feat that requires first vanquishing four different Nightlords.

The journey to this point is arduous, testing even the most skilled players with increasingly difficult encounters. Each Nightlord presents unique mechanics and attack patterns that must be studied and mastered, creating a gauntlet of obstacles between players and their desired Dark Souls homages.

Once players have proven their worth by reaching the final boss and emerging victorious, they can purchase each skin for 7,500 Murk. This in-game currency price point is notably lower than many other cosmetic options, suggesting that FromSoftware acknowledges the considerable effort required to reach this milestone.

A Nostalgic Scavenger Hunt

The inclusion of these Dark Souls references transforms Nightreign into something of a nostalgic scavenger hunt for veteran FromSoftware enthusiasts. Each discovered skin or reference evokes memories of past adventures through Lordran, Drangleic, and Lothric. From the instantly recognizable silhouette of Siegward's Catarina armor (affectionately known as the "Onion Knight" set) to the imposing presence of Havel the Rock, these callbacks create moments of delightful recognition.

What makes this approach particularly interesting is how it weaves together FromSoftware's disparate worlds without explicitly connecting their lore. Instead, Nightreign presents these references as cosmetic celebrations of the studio's history, allowing players to embody their favorite characters without disrupting Elden Ring's established narrative framework.

The Evolution of FromSoftware's Design Philosophy

Nightreign's approach to incorporating these references reflects an evolution in FromSoftware's design philosophy. While the studio has always included subtle nods to its previous works, Nightreign takes a more direct approach to celebration. This shift suggests a growing comfort with acknowledging their own legacy while still pushing boundaries with new gameplay concepts.

The juxtaposition of these nostalgic elements against Nightreign's innovative structure creates an interesting tension. On one hand, the expansion introduces mechanics that feel distinctly modern and somewhat unexpected from FromSoftware. On the other, it grounds these innovations in familiar aesthetics that remind players of the studio's journey.

Looking Forward While Honoring the Past

As players continue to discover and unlock these hidden gems throughout Nightreign, questions arise about what this means for FromSoftware's future. Does this more explicit acknowledgment of their past titles suggest a greater willingness to revisit these worlds? Or is it simply a fond farewell as the studio continues to explore new creative territories?

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Nightreign's Dark Souls references isn't what they tell us about FromSoftware's past, but what they might hint about its future. Will we see more crossover elements in upcoming titles? Might the boundaries between these separate worlds continue to blur? Or is this a unique celebration that stands apart from the studio's broader vision?

Whatever the answers may be, Elden Ring Nightreign stands as both a formidable challenge and a loving tribute to the journeys that preceded it. For those willing to face its trials, the rewards extend beyond mere cosmetics—they offer a tangible connection to the experiences that have defined FromSoftware's remarkable legacy. And isn't that journey of discovery, after all, what these games have always been about? 🗡️ 🛡️ ✨

Recent analysis comes from Kotaku, a leading source for gaming news and cultural commentary. Kotaku's coverage of Elden Ring Nightreign has emphasized the expansion's innovative blend of roguelite and battle royale elements, while also celebrating the abundance of Dark Souls references that reward dedicated fans with nostalgic cosmetic unlocks and challenging gameplay milestones.