On September 11, 2025, FromSoftware and Bandai Namco released a free update adding the new high-difficulty mode Deep of Night to Elden Ring: Nightreign. Designed for players who have thoroughly experienced Nightreign’s content, the mode goes beyond a simple numbers tweak, with changes that significantly affect combat systems and strategic decision-making as a whole. 

The defining feature of Deep of Night is that players cannot pre-select which Nightlord they’ll face. Where pre-planned builds and weapon loadouts used to carry the day, the mode now demands flexible responses built around a wide range of possible encounters. In addition, the Shifting Earth system present in standard Nightreign runs is disabled here, forcing players to win on raw skill and strategy without leaning on environmental assists.

A newly introduced element, Depths Relics, is another core pillar of the mode. Unlike existing relics, Depths Relics offer potent benefits paired with potential drawbacks, requiring careful deliberation before equipping them. Depending on which relics you wear, your playstyle can change completely, and the composition and application of relics can dramatically alter the flow of battle. 

The mode spans five difficulty tiers (Depth 1–5), with enemy HP, damage, and AI ramping up sharply at each step. From Depth 4 and above, the concept of Endless Battle comes into play, where your performance is evaluated by how long you survive and how many enemies you fell. On top of that, a system adjusts your difficulty level based on combat outcomes, challenging players to test—and grow—their skills within a loop of repetition and progression.

This article was translated from the original that appeared on INVEN.