If you’re deep into Elden Ring: Nightreign, you’ve probably mastered the combat mechanics and boss patterns. But even seasoned players often overlook simple yet powerful shortcuts and UI features that can streamline the experience and provide an edge in both solo and cooperative play.
Must-Know Hidden Features in Elden Ring: Nightreign
This guide breaks down the most useful and easily missed features in Nightreign, from faster matchmaking to real-time stat analysis and quick item usage. Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning Tarnished, these tips will enhance your journey through the shadow-drenched world of Nightreign.
1. Night Lord Selection Before Matchmaking
Before diving into a session, you can drastically improve matchmaking efficiency.
- Press X (PlayStation) or Square (Xbox) on a Night Lord during the selection screen to queue for multiple Night Lords at once.
- This is especially useful after progressing past major campaign points or bosses like the infamous “Sif on crack”– a boss known for its erratic behavior and difficulty spike.
- Press Back or Select to open advanced matchmaking options:
- Match with All Night Lords
- Filter for Undefeated Night Lords
- Copy last expedition settings to save time
Optimizing your queueing strategy means less waiting and more gameplay.
2. View Weapon Art Descriptions Instantly
If you’re not sure what a Weapon Art like Endure does, you don’t have to guess or search online.
- Open your Inventory
- Highlight a weapon
- Press R3 to instantly view the Weapon Art’s description
This small shortcut gives you valuable insight into how your weapon skills function, making it easier to plan builds and counter specific enemy types.
3. Compare Attack Ratings Quickly
With weapon scaling and AR (Attack Rating) being critical in Nightreign, it’s important to assess your loadout efficiently.
- Open the Inventory
- Press RB/R1 to switch to the Status tab
- Under Base Stats, view a list of your current weapons and their Attack Ratings
This lets you compare multiple weapons at a glance, without needing to remember each item’s scaling attributes or refer to external guides.
4. Check Buffs and Passives On-the-Fly
Understanding your current buffs and passive effects can make a major difference in combat performance.
- While in the Status screen:
- Look to the right-hand column to view all active effects
- If only icons are shown, press Y/Triangle to switch to a name-based display
- Press R3 on any effect for a description and percentage value (e.g., +20% to Incantation strength)
This feature is incredibly useful when managing buffs during boss fights or comparing equipment effects in PvP.
5. Ping Items to Teammates
Efficient communication in co-op sessions doesn’t require voice chat.
- When aiming at an item on the ground:
- Hold Y/Triangle
- Press L3 to ping the item to your team
This simple ping system helps you call out useful loot, key quest items, or dropped consumables during fast-paced sessions.
6. Cycle Through Items on the Ground
When several items are clustered together, selecting the right one can be frustrating. There’s a solution.
- While looking at ground items:
- Hold Y/Triangle
- Press Left or Right on the D-Pad to cycle between them
No more running in circles trying to grab the item you want—this shortcut keeps looting clean and frustration-free.
7. Use Items on the Ground Instantly
Inventory management is tight in Nightreign, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave useful consumables behind.
- To instantly use an item without picking it up:
- Hold Y/Triangle
- Press D-Pad Up while looking at the item
This allows you to immediately activate temporary buffs like Exalted Flesh or consumable heals without cluttering your inventory.
8. Instantly Discard or Drop Reward Items
When finishing an expedition, you might want to give away or make room for new loot fast.
- On the Reward Screen, highlight an item and press X/Square to discard it immediately
- You can also discard from your Inventory using the same command
This is great for trading, freeing up space, or simply skipping over junk without interrupting the flow of gameplay.
9. Access Emotes Quickly
Expressing yourself in-game can be both tactical and fun.
- Press Start, then Y/Triangle to access your emotes menu
Whether you’re taunting after a PvP win or celebrating a hard-earned co-op victory, this feature gives quick access to all available gestures.
Final Thoughts: Streamline Your Nightreign Experience
The world of Elden Ring: Nightreign is filled with mystery, danger, and discovery. Mastering its combat is only one part of the equation. Knowing how to navigate its systems efficiently can set you apart as a seasoned player and make your experience far more enjoyable.
By using these shortcuts and menu options, you can:
- Reduce downtime in matchmaking
- Improve your inventory and equipment management
- Communicate more effectively with allies
- Make smarter decisions mid-battle
Don’t let overlooked mechanics hold you back. Implement these tips and experience Nightreign the way it was meant to be played – fluid, strategic, and deeply immersive.
Last Updated on June 5, 2025
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