Modder releases 2-player co-op in Nightreign before FromSoftware

In less than 24 hours after the release of Elden Ring: Nightreign, an independent modder did what FromSoftware itself "forgot" to offer: a functional multiplayer mode for two players. The achievement, carried out by LukeYui, a veteran of the Elden Ring mod scene, not only highlights the agility of the community, but also exposes the technical limitations (or lack of priority) of the Japanese developer.

The new standalone expansion arrived with support for solo or trio groups, but without the option for sessions exclusively with two players. A curious limitation, considering that cooperative mode between two friends is one of the most common ways to play online RPGs. In an official statement, FromSoftware only stated that "the multiplayer experience will be expanded with post-launch updates," without specifying deadlines or priorities.

Meanwhile, LukeYui has already presented a functional prototype on his blog:

"I played a little tonight and managed to put together a functional multiplayer system without connecting to matchmaking servers."

The post was made only 12 hours after the official release of Nightreign, which took place on May 21. The PC Gamer article, which highlighted the mod, was published when the game had not yet completed 16 hours on the market. The impressive speed of development is partially explained by the modder's history: he is also the creator of the popular Seamless Co-op Mod for the base game, a project that revolutionized the multiplayer of the original Elden Ring in 2022.

For now, the mod still has not been made publicly available, although the author has signaled that he will do so if there is enough interest from the community:

"I haven't committed to making it public yet, but if there is demand, I can get it ready for release. Otherwise, I'll keep it as a side project."

More than just a temporary solution, the mod could pave the way for a new wave of multiplayer mods. According to the creator himself, by working outside FromSoftware's matchmaking servers — and consequently the embedded anti-cheat system — the mod may allow the use of other modifications simultaneously, including those that alter gameplay, balance, or visual content.

This technical freedom could make Nightreign a new "platform for experimentation" for modders, as happened with Skyrim, XCOM 2, or even Dark Souls III. However, without official support or guarantees of stability, the risks are inherent. It remains to be seen whether FromSoftware will react quickly or maintain its usual pace — letting the community do the dirty work.

Meanwhile, those who want to play Nightreign with their favorite duo... may already have the chance. Just not officially.