Deep of Night seems designed to scratch the difficulty itch that only FromSoftware fans keep chasing.

FromSoftware has announced a new mode for Elden Ring: Nightreign, unveiled on Friday (29 August) through the official Elden Ring X (formerly Twitter) account and the game’s website.

The mode, titled Deep of Night, is described as a “high-difficulty challenge mode designed for seasoned players who have navigated through the Night many times.” It will be available on 11 September.

What players can expect in Deep of Night

In Deep of Night, enemies appear much stronger than in standard encounters, demanding greater precision and strategy from players. The mode removes the ability to designate a specific Nightlord as a target, and terrain changes that normally occur during battles are not reflected here.

The mode also features exclusive items such as Depths Relics, which can only be obtained within Deep of Night. Players will also encounter weapons that carry multiple added effects. While these can provide significant advantages, they may also introduce detrimental side effects, forcing players to balance risk and reward.

Difficulty increases with each descent, as the system uses a rating mechanic that fluctuates depending on wins and losses. These ratings directly influence how far a player can progress, with deeper levels presenting harsher challenges.

Datamined details ahead of release

Information on Deep of Night first appeared through datamining, which successfully revealed many of the details later confirmed in the official announcement. The same datamine also hinted at potential features that have not yet been formally announced. These include the possibility of skill-based matchmaking, special modifiers for certain enemies, such as becoming “magmafied” enemies covered in magma and an expansion to relic capacity. According to the datamine, players could gain access to three additional relic slots exclusive to Deep of Night, raising the maximum number of slots to six.

Deep of Night is positioned as a demanding mode designed to test endurance and skill. Depth 3 serves as a key benchmark, while Depths 4 and 5 unlock an endless battle format aimed at players seeking the most extreme challenge.