In a recent conversation with IGN, Saori Mizuno, an Environmental Artist at FromSoftware, shared insights into the intricate world design of Elden Ring Nightreign. While players may find themselves racing through boss fights, the attention to detail in the game’s environments is more profound than one might anticipate from a spin-off that reuses assets from the acclaimed 2022 title.
Exploring the Depths of Limveld
Mizuno emphasized the team’s intention to create a world that feels both familiar and progressively unfamiliar. “We didn’t want to make it feel too different from Elden Ring,” she explained. “It used that as a base for the design and the setting. One specific direction we received early on was to craft an environment that starts off as recognizable but gradually shifts into the unknown.”
The design team drew heavily on the themes of light and dark, day and night, to enhance the atmosphere. The environments in Nightreign are strikingly beautiful, yet they carry a moody, haunting quality. Mizuno noted, “Even when designing Limveld, I aimed for an initial beauty that, at first glance, feels inviting. However, it quickly becomes apparent that something is amiss.” This tension encourages players to yearn for the encroaching night, a clever twist on the game’s narrative.
Inspiration for the game’s ambiance also came from the beloved Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away. Mizuno sought to capture a sense of being trapped in a dream, a feeling of longing for home. “I wanted to harness that emotion while designing these worlds,” she said, aiming to convey this experience to players.
Contrasting the darker elements of the game, the Round Table Hold serves as a hub of calm and safety, reminiscent of locations from previous titles. Mizuno described the adjustments made to this area, stating, “We wanted it to feel more cozy, more welcoming, more at home.” Drawing inspiration from the Firelink Shrine in Dark Souls, the design aims to embrace players, providing a sense of refuge after their arduous battles.
The challenges presented in Nightreign are indeed formidable. Despite the potential for frustration, Mizuno’s world design invites players to immerse themselves in the beauty of Limveld. As one player noted, the desire to explore and absorb the environment is ever-present, even as the game propels you forward at a relentless pace. Perhaps this allure is what keeps players returning, eager to uncover the secrets of Limveld and confront the lurking dangers that await.
