ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN – Starter Guide for PS5 (2025)

How to Start the Game

When you start the game, you can select from the following menu.
When you play for the first time, you cannot select “CONTINUE” or “LOAD GAME”.

▼ CONTINUE
Continue playing with the data from your last session.

▼ LOAD GAME
Choose a profile to load and resume the game.

▼ NEW GAME
Start playing the game from the beginning.

▼ SYSTEM
Configure various settings. You can change these settings at any time by going to ［Main Menu］＞［System］.

▼ INFORMATION
If you are online, you can check various notifications, such as server status.

Quitting the Game

In “ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN Network Test Ver.”, the game will be automatically saved at specific times (auto-save). At such times, the auto-save icon will appear in the upper right corner of the screen.

To quit the game, make sure to go to ［Main Menu］＞［System］＞［Quit Game］> [Return to Title Menu]. If you exit without selecting ［Quit Game］> [Return to Title Menu], you may not be able to resume the game from where you left off.

About Online Play

“ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN Network Test Ver.” is an online-only game, which automatically enables online play when you sign in to the PlayStation™ Network and connect to the dedicated Network Test game server to play. In online play, you can see what other players are doing and enjoy cooperative play with them.

▼ Ports required to allow communication
Depending on the configuration of the network devices, it may be necessary to set up the ports that are allowed to communicate.

The following ports are used for online play.

"TCP : 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480, 10901
UDP : 3478, 3479, 8571, 49152～65535"

Game Screen

About the Head-up Display (HUD)

When the HUD configuration is set to Auto, the HUD will be automatically hidden, except for the Compass and Player Level. The HUD can be temporarily displayed and checked by pressing the [△] button.

[A] HP Gauge
Your current HP. It decreases as you receive damage, and you die when it reaches 0.
HP can be recovered by resting at a Site of Grace or using Flasks or Incantations.

[B] FP Gauge
The power to stay focused in order to use skills and sorceries. It decreases as you use skills and sorcery, and loses its effect when it reaches 0.
FP can be recovered by resting at a Site of Grace or using Starlight Shards.

[C] Stamina Gauge
This is your current Stamina. When it reaches 0, you will not be able to perform any actions that consume Stamina, such as attacking, dashing or dodging. Stamina recovers automatically as time passes. Stamina is not consumed when in a non-combat condition.

[D] Level
Indicates your character's current level.

[E] Sacred Flask
Indicates the remaining number of Sacred Flasks in your character's possession.

[F] Status Icons
When there is a special effect, such as an ability increase, the corresponding status icon will be displayed.

[G] Ally Status
Shows the ally's information, such as name, HP, etc.

[H] Compass
Indicates the direction. The location of Runes dropped at the time of death and the landmarks placed on the Map will also be displayed.

[I] Enemy HP
Indicates the enemy's HP.

[J] Lock-On Marker
A white dot will appear in the middle after locking onto a nearby enemy as a target.

[K] Runes In Possession
The number of runes you currently have.

[L] Currently Selected Item
The currently selected item. It also displays the next selectable item.

[M] Currently Selected Left-Hand Armament
The currently equipped weapon for the Left Hand. If it includes any Skill/Sorceries/Incantations, they will appear on the upper left side of the weapon.

[N] Currently Selected Right-Hand Armament
The currently equipped weapon for the Right Hand. If it includes any Skill/Sorceries/Incantations, they will appear on the upper left side of the armament.

[O] Player's Status Ailment Gauge
Indicates how much more it will take for you to suffer a status ailment, and how long it will take to recover from it. There are different kinds of status effects:

Poison
If you are affected by the Poison status, you will take continuous damage.

Scarlet Rot
If you are affected by the Scarlet Rot status, you will take continuous damage.

Blood Loss
If you are affected by the Blood Loss status, you will take heavy damage proportional to your maximum HP.

Frostbite
If you are affected by the Frostbite status, you will take damage, and the damage you take will increase for a certain amount of time.

Sleep
If you are affected by the Sleep status, you will fall asleep on the spot and become defenceless.

Madness
If you are affected by the Madness status, you will take heavy damage to your HP and FP.

Death Blight
If you are affected by the Death Blight status, you will die immediately.

[P] Character Skill Gauge
You will be able to use a Character Skill once this gauge is full.

[Q] Ultimate Art Gauge
You will be able to use your Weapon Arts once this gauge is full.

Controls

You can check/modify the controls by going to the [Main Menu］＞［System］＞［Controller Settings］.

Left Directional Button
Switch Left-Hand Armament

Right Directional Button
Switch Right-Hand Armament

Up Directional Button
Use Item

Down Directional Button
Switch Item

［○］ Button
Backstep, Dodge Roll, Dash

［×］ Button
Jump

［△］ Button
Event Action (Examine, Open, etc.) / Display HUD

（Hold down and press L2） Use Character Skill
（Hold down and press R2） Activate Ultimate Art
（Hold down and press L1/R1）Switch between one-handed and two-handed weapon
（Hold down and press L3） Set player's position Pin
（Hold down and press Directional Button: Up） Use dropped items on the spot
（Hold down and press Directional Button: Down) Toggle items (reverse order)
（Hold down and press Directional Button: Left/Right） Toggle obtained items

［□］ Button
Use Sacred Flask

Left Stick
Move

Right Stick
Move Camera/Change Target

［L3］ Button
Surge Sprint

［R3］ Button
Reset Camera/Lock-On/Remove Target

［L1］ Button
Left-Hand Armament Action/Use Magic/Incantation
Guard when equipped with a Shield in the Left Hand/Two-Handed Armament

［L2］ Button
Left-Hand Armament Action/Use Skill

［R1］ Button
Right-Hand Armament Action （Normal Attack）/Two-Handed Armament Action/Use Magic/Incantation

［R2］ Button
Right-Hand Armament Action (Strong Attack)/Two-Handed Armament Action
Hold down：Charge Attack

Options Button
Open/Close Main Menu

Touch Pad Button
Open Map

Game Basics

Roundtable Hold

Area that serves as the player's base. You can change your character here and use the Sparring Grounds to try out your character's Skills.
The large Site of Grace located in the middle of the Roundtable can be used to team up with Nightfarers from other worlds and commence expeditions into Limveld.

Explore the Map

Explore the map and strengthen your character as you prepare to battle powerful bosses. There are various items scattered throughout the map, which can be examined or picked up. An action prompt will be displayed when approaching such items. Press the ［△］ button to interact with them through the displayed actions.

Night's Tide

The Night's Tide surrounding the map will draw in as time passes. Characters who stay inside an area covered by the Night's Tide will lose HP gradually.

Fighting Enemies

The enemies scattered throughout the map will attack the players. Press the [R1]/[R2] button to attack with your right-hand weapon, and [L1]/[L2] to use your left-hand weapon.

You can equip a shield in your left hand and press [L1] to guard. You can also use your weapon's Skill by pressing the [L2] button.

Runes

Runes can be obtained by defeating enemies. Runes are used to level up your character and purchase items.

Near Death State & Rescue

Players will enter a Near Death state when their HP reaches 0. A gauge will appear for the character who enters this state, reducing the overall moving speed and restricting any actions besides basic movement. Also, the character will die if time runs out.

Players in the Near Death state can be rescued by other players if attacked by them until the Near Death gauge disappears.

The Near Death gauge will increase in size each time, but this can be reset by resting at a Site of Grace.

Death & Revival

The player's character will lose one level upon dying, and will respawn in a nearby area. In addition to losing one level, any Runes acquired will be dropped at the place of death. These Runes will be lost entirely if the players dies again before retrieving them.

If the Runes are stolen by a nearby enemy, they can still be retrieved by defeating the enemy who stole them.

Sites of Grace

When you rest at a Site of Grace, your HP, FP, and Status Effects will be completely restored, as well as Sacred Flask uses.

By interacting with a Site of Grace, you can access the level-up menu and use Runes to level up your character.

The character's attributes will also increase automatically when levelling up. Each character has different attributes that are easier to increase.

Map

Can be used to check the current location of your allies and information about points of interest. It is also possible to place pins in target areas and share these locations with your allies.

Spectral Hawks

You can find Spectral Hawks from spectral trees that grow throughout the field, and use them to travel across the map. Their moving direction can be slightly adjusted by using the Left Stick while flying.

Shop

You can talk to the Merchants and use Runes to purchase items from them.
Smithing Table

Smithing Table

You can use Smithing Stones to strengthen your armaments at the Smithing Table. One Smithing Stone will be required to strenghten an armament further.

Roundtable Hold

Area that serves as the player's base. While at the Roundtable Hold, the Map and the Shortcut Menu can be accessed by pressing the Touch Pad button.

Things that can be done at the Roundtable Hold

Expeditions
Select the area you want to challenge and commence an Expedition. You can also set up a password.

Characters Section
You can choose the characters you want to use.

Relic Rites
Can be used to equip Relics.

Visual Codex
Allows you to check various types of data and game info.

Sparring Grounds
Here you can check the battle controls and hone your combat skills.

Setting Up an Expedition Password

Setting up a password before commencing an Expedition makes it easier to connect with specific players.

Multiplayer Password
When you set up a Multiplayer Password, the matchmaking will be done only between players using the same password.

Number of Players Per Password
Set up the number of players who can participate in the matchmaking using a Multiplayer Password. If the number is set to 2, the matchmaking will be done with another player besides the one who created the Multiplayer Password.

Group Password
Using a Group Password makes it more likely to see the Phantoms and Red Phantoms of other players who are using the same password.

Phantoms/Red Phantoms
Sometimes, you will see players from other worlds moving around as Phantoms. Touching them will increase your Ultimate Art gauge. Also, by touching the Red Phantoms of players from other worlds who failed to survive, you can obtain the equipment they were carrying before they died in that same spot.

Relics

You can equip the Relics you obtain by going to the Relic Rites menu. By doing so, you can gain special effects, such as attribute boosts.

The effects of the equipped Relics will be activated at the start of the Expeditions, and they will not be consumed.

Sparring Grounds

You can go to the Sparring Grounds to check the combat controls and to hone your combat skills.

Sparring Grounds Equipment Menu
You can use it to equip the weapons and equipment you want to try out. You can consult the manual to check combat-related information.

Any equipment changed at the Roundtable Hold will be reset when starting an Expedition, returning to the original setup.

Sparring Grounds Settings Menu
Allows you to change the current Level and Skills, as well as configuring Skills and changing characters.

Actions

Movement

Walk/Run
The character moves in the direction you tilt the left stick. If you tilt the left stick slightly, the character walks, and if you tilt it further, the character runs.

Dash
Hold down the [○] button and control the left stick to dash.
Pressing the [R1] button while dashing will turn it into a dash attack.

Surge Sprint
Hold down the left stick and press the [L3] button to do a Surge Sprint, which enables you to dash faster. Using it during combat will consume stamina.

Roll
If you press the [○] button while holding down the left stick, the player will roll in that direction. Using it during combat will consume stamina.

Jump
Press the [X] button to jump. If you jump while dashing/during a Surge Sprint, you can jump further.

Wall Jump
Jump towards a wall and press the [X] button again to do a Wall Jump. Moving the left stick during a Wall Jump enables you to jump in that direction.

Spiritstream Jump
Press the [X] button while on top of a Spiritstream to do a Spiritstream Jump, which enables you to jump greater distances.

Backstep
Pressing the [○] button while the left stick is not tilted will cause a quick backstep. Pressing the [R1] button after a backstep will turn it into a dash attack.

Attack/Defense Basics

Locking To a Target
Pressing the [R3] button will lock on to a nearby enemy. While an enemy is targeted, you can change the target by moving the right stick.

When the target is locked on, you move with the target always in front of you.

Right-Hand Armament Action
Press the [R1]/[R2] buttons to attack with the weapon equipped in your right hand.

Left-Hand Armament Action
Press the [L1] button to attack with the weapon equipped in your left hand.

Other options depending on the situation

Switching Equipment
You can use the Equipment Menu to switch between what you have equipped and what you want to use instead. Use the ← directional button to change the left-hand weapon, the → directional button to change the right-hand weapon, the ↑ directional button to use an item, and the ↓ directional button to change the item.

You can move items (or magic) to the first slot by holding down the ↑ (or ↓) directional button.

Using the Flask

Press the ［□］ button to use the Flask and recover your HP.

Using Items
Press the ↑ directional button to use the currently equipped item. Some items can also be used while jumping.

Switching Between One-Handed and Two-Handed
While holding down the [△] button, press the [R1] button to switch the right-hand weapon and the [L1] button to switch the left-hand weapon to two-handed.

If you hold the weapon with both hands, you will not be able to use the weapon in the other hand, but the attack will be more powerful and it will be easier to break the opponent's guard.

Material Effects
You can pick up the materials scattered throughout the Lands Between and use them to obtain temporary effects, such as HP recovery.

Materials obtained by allies will remain active for a certain period of time, and other players can also receive these effects by being in the vicinity when the materials are activated.

Special Attacks

Character Skills/Ultimate Arts
You can hold down the [△] button and press the [L2] button to use a Character Skill, or hold down the [△] button and press the [R2] button to use an Ultimate Art.

Skills
Equip a weapon that comes paired with a Skill and press the [L2] button to activate it.

When carrying weapons with Skills in each hand, the left armament will be prioritized, but you can switch to the right hand by using two-handed mode in order to activate that weapon's Skill.

If you have no armaments equipped in the left hand, depending on the armament equipped in the right hand, its Skill might be used in both two-handed or one-handed modes.

Depending on the Skill, it might be possible to unleash several derivative attacks by pressing the ［R1］/［R2］/[L2] buttons after activating the Skill.

The FP gauge decreases when using Skills. If the FP gauge is reduced to 0, it will not be possible to activate any Skills.

Guard Counters
Pressing the [R2] button immediately after guarding an enemy attack will create a guard counter attack that can easily break the enemy's stance.

Dual Weapon Attacks
Pressing the [L1] button when both hands are equipped with a weapon of the same category will perform a special attack.

Stance Breaks & Critical Hits
The enemy's stance might break depending on the attack. Pressing the [R1] button after parrying, behind an enemy, or against a fallen enemy will cause a Critical hit. Some enemies can't be parried, and some enemies can't be hit with a Critical hit even if you are behind them.

The enemy's stance is more likely to break if you press the [R2] button while jumping to do a Jump Attack. Hold down the [R2] button while jumping to do a Charge Attack.

Use of Sorceries and Incantations

If you want to use Sorceries or Incantations, you need to equip the corresponding catalyst (Staff or Seal). You will also need to have FP to cast them.

Attacking with Ranged Weapons

Press the ［L1］ button while holding ranged weapons, such as Bows or Crossbows, with both hands to enter the Precision Aiming mode, where you can take aim and attack.

Main Menu

Press the Menu button while playing to open the Main Menu. You can switch between categories by pressing the [L1] or [R1] buttons.

Main Menu Categories

Map
Check the map and place pins.

Equipment
Change equipment and check/use/discard items.

Status
Check the status of the characters.

System
Adjust various settings.

To quit the game, make sure to go to ［Main Menu］＞［System］＞［Quit Game］. If you exit without selecting ［Quit Game］, you may not be able to resume the game from where you left off.

Map

You can check the map and place pins. You can also open the map directly by pressing the Touch Pad Button.

Map Controls
Right Stick: Move the position of the cursor
[R3] Button： Place pin on the map
[R2] Button: Zoom in on the map
[L2] Button： Zoom out of the map
↑/↓Directional Buttons： Switch between map layers

Equipment

You can use this menu to change equipment and check/use/discard items.

[A] Equipped Items
Displays the equipped items.

[B] Information About The Selected Item
Displays the details about the currently selected item.

[C] Gestures Menu
Press the [△] button to open the Gestures menu.

Change Equipment Slot
Select an equipped weapon and press the [X] button to switch the weapon's equipment slot.

Status

You can use this menu to check the condition of the characters.

[A] Current Equipment Information
Displays information about your allies, such as their equipment and level.

[B] Status
Displays the status of the currently selected character. Press the [R3] button to check the Special Effects and Passive Effects.

System

You can choose the following items:
・ Game Options
・ Camera Options
・ Display
・ Sound
・ Network
・ Controller Settings
・ Quit Game

To quit the game, make sure to go to ［Main Menu］＞［System］＞［Quit Game］. If you exit without selecting ［Quit Game］, you may not be able to resume the game from where you left off.

Expand your knowledge and get ready for the Network Test by exploring our Gameplay Guide.