Elden Ring Nightreign: Day and Night Cycle, Explained

Day and Night cycle in Elden Ring Nightreign is a unique feature that forms the structure of an Expedition.

Expeditions in Elden Ring Nightreign span across three days. This system serves as the framework that tests players in two different situations. The first two days must be spent preparing and leveling up for the fight ahead on the third day.

However, when night falls, players must defeat a Night Boss to proceed to the next day. This cycle continues till Day 3 when the Nightfarer(s) finally get to take on the Night Lord of that particular expedition. Let’s take a deeper look at how the Day and Night cycle in Elden Ring Nightreign works.

ERN Day 1 and Night 1

Elden Ring Nightreign Day 1 and Night 1 (Image via Bandai Namco)

The gameplay during the day is fast-paced and action packed as players constantly have to engage in battle, collect runes, and level up. One of the major goals during this time is to take on as many bosses as possible.

Players can increase the charges of their flask by going to the Churches, gather Smithing Stone to upgrade their weapons, and find treasure and mini bosses scattered across the map that help you get stronger before the Night falls. During this phase, it is recommended for players to be in the range of Level 6-7.

As the night comes closer, the Night’s Tide (rain circle) starts shrinking, forcing players to go to the final location for the Night Boss fight. Defeat the boss to move on

ERN Day 2 and Night 2

Elden Ring Nightreign Day 2 and Night 2 (Image via Bandai Namco)

Not much changes during Day 2 as players are teleported to another location where they continue their progress after beating the preceeding day’s Night Boss. The main goal during this day is to gather additional flask charges, clear as many camps, mines, and other locations to take on the mini bosses and level up further. It is recommended to ignore general enemies as they are not rewarding enough to spend time on.

To make things difficult (or easier, depending on your level), the Fell Omen might raid your party on Day 2. If you are underleveled during this time, Margit will delay your progress by taking up your time or killing you. Thus, completing Day 1 on Level 7 or 8 gives players a good chance at comfortably taking on the OG Elden Ring boss.

At the end of the day again, at nightfall, defeat the Night 2 boss to proceed to Day 3 and face the Night Lord. Players must finish Day 2 at Level 11 or more to stand a chance against the Expedition’s final boss.

ERN Day 3

Elden Ring Nightreign Day 3 (Image via Bandai Namco)

During Day 3, players are teleported to the Spirit Shelter where you face the final boss of the Expedition. On defeating the Night Lord, you get rewarded with Relics, new characters (occasionally), Memory Fragments, and more.