Elden Ring Nightreign Players Struggle with Muscle Memory, Accidentally Use Original Controls

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of Elden Ring Nightreign, you’re likely already immersed in its enigmatic world, facing off against the formidable Nightlord. However, seasoned players of the original Elden Ring might find themselves slightly disoriented by some subtle yet impactful control adjustments introduced in this latest installment.

While the core mechanics remain familiar, a few tweaks have been implemented to either introduce new abilities or streamline existing ones. For instance, certain moves have been updated or replaced with enhanced alternatives, offering a fresh twist to combat encounters. One notable change that seems to be catching players off guard is the handling of the iconic flask system.

In previous FromSoftware titles like the Souls series and the original Elden Ring, the flask served as a vital resource, acting as a portable healing mechanism during intense battles. Traditionally, players would cycle through various consumables using different buttons. In Elden Ring Nightreign, however, the flask has undergone a transformation. By default, you press the left-most face button (either X or Square depending on your controller) to consume it, while the Up direction on the D-Pad now triggers the 'Use Item' function.

“I keep pressing ‘X’ to use items.”
— byu/The_Mudddler in Nightreign

This shift has led to some confusion among veterans accustomed to the original control layout, resulting in unintentional flask activations during crucial moments.

Another adjustment involves the introduction of a Nightreign-exclusive super-sprint mapped to L3. Without Torrent by your side, this sprint provides a swift alternative for navigating the battlefield. Interestingly, there remains another sprint option via the traditional dodge mechanic. Some players find themselves reverting to the older sprint method, leading to occasional missteps.

Perhaps the most unexpected change is the absence of a crouch feature. After verifying across controller settings, it became evident that this functionality has been removed entirely. While this aligns with the game’s emphasis on speed and aggression over stealth, it marks a significant departure from prior entries.

Mouse-and-keyboard users have also noted inconsistencies between the original Elden Ring and Nightreign. Despite these variations, rest assured that all controls are customizable, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preference. As a friendly reminder, take some time to acquaint yourself with the new control scheme and adjust it accordingly before embarking on your journey. After all, even the most seasoned players occasionally find themselves gulping down Estus mid-battle—a universal struggle!

For additional guidance, explore our collection of Nightreign tips and tricks to conquer the eight Nightlord Bosses. Curious about unlocking the two locked Nightfarer Classes? Discover How to Unlock the Revenant and How to Unlock the Duchess, along with instructions on How to Change Characters.