The latest Elden Ring Nightreign update, App Ver. 1.02 and Regulation Ver. 1.02, has rolled out across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. It is not just a small hotfix; it is a meaty patch that changes how expeditions work, sharpens relic management, and cleans up a laundry list of bugs. In 2026, with the game's online ecosystem still active, this update matters for every Nightfarer who wants smoother co-op and fewer face-palm moments. The headline change is simple: expeditions can now be started with two players, and the old 'Expedition Type' setting has been renamed 'Number of Players.' The game balance also adjusts to the current player count, which means duos can dive in without feeling like they are playing a watered-down version of the full trio experience.

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Two-Player Expeditions Change the Flow

The shift to two-player expeditions is more than a checkbox. It rewires the social rhythm of Nightreign. Trios have always been the default, but duos now get a tailored experience. The balance adjustments mean enemy health, damage, and other hidden knobs likely scale to the number of players, so two friends can hit the ground running. For players who have struggled to assemble a full squad, this is a sight for sore eyes. It also opens the door for tighter, more tactical runs where every revive and every relic choice carries extra weight.

Relic Filters and Presets Get a Huge Upgrade

Relic management has long been a rough-around-the-edges part of the Nightreign loop. Patch 1.02 tackles that with new filtering options on the Relic Effect filter screen. Players can press the left stick or the '4' key in the Relic Rites menu to access it. The filter now supports multiple effects under one condition, and relics that match any of the selected effects will appear. That means less scrolling and more actual build-crafting.

The update also raises the number of relic presets that can be registered to 100. On top of that, players can now sell and favorite acquired Relics directly in the rewards and purchasing menus. When opening the All Presets list in the Character Selection menu during Expeditions, the currently selected character's presets appear first. These changes are not flashy, but they are the kind of quality-of-life improvements that save hours over a season.

Feature What It Does
Relic Effect filter Supports multiple effects per condition; matches any selected effect
Relic presets Increased to 100 registered presets
Sell and favorite Available in rewards and purchasing menus
Preset sorting Current character's presets shown first during Expeditions

The Results Menu now shows Passive and Special Effects, giving players a clearer post-run breakdown. The Small Jar Bazaar and Collector Signboard menus have tabs, which makes navigation less of a wild goose chase. Limveld merchants now include a 'Detailed Description' option in their Shop Menu, opened by pressing the right stick or the '3' key. That is a small touch, but it helps players avoid buying a weapon that does not fit their build.

One of the most welcome additions is the ability to skip directly to the ending cutscene after defeating the Night Aspect. Players can choose 'Skip' in the 'Quit Game' option of the System Menu. It is a nice nod to veterans who have seen the finale more times than they can count. The patch also adjusts the probability of shifting earth occurring in Limveld, increases the visibility of the mark left by Ironeye's Character Skill, and removes the idle disconnect when the expedition participant count is set to '1.'

Combat and Co-op Bug Fixes That Matter

The bug-fix list is long, and several fixes target real co-op headaches. Revenant players will be happy to know that a Standard Attack from behind an enemy while holding the Lira no longer prioritizes a backstab animation over summoning a Family Member. The red circle indicating some enemies' targets now displays properly on Revenant's summoned spirits. Smaller Nightfarers, such as Revenant, should also have an easier time hitting enemies with Fist and Dagger weapon types.

Other fixes include:

  • Rock Blaster no longer fails to consume FP.

  • Bow attacks now benefit from 'Partial HP Restoration upon Post-Damage Attacks.'

  • Guarding no longer causes sudden, large movement from brief input.

  • Roiling Magma now generates affinity residues on hit.

  • Recluse affinity residue bugs tied to enemy attacks, ally deaths, and revives have been addressed.

  • Executor's Ultimate Art now removes the Parasite condition and applies Roar and Breath bonuses to some transformed attacks.

  • Dark Moon Greatsword unintended effects and passive-effect triggers on guard counters and spell casting have been fixed.

  • Near-death players downed by grab attacks can now be saved, and revived players are no longer ignored by enemies.

  • Adel, Baron of Night's grab attack no longer traps players in terrain.

  • Caligo, Miasma of Night stays in the battle area and syncs ice block positions between players.

  • Draconic Tree Sentinel attacks no longer reach farther than intended.

  • Spectral Hawk Tree animation no longer causes unintended movement.

  • Small Pouch purchases are blocked at max item slots.

  • Equilibrious Beast network errors, Scale-Bearing Merchant deal exploits, Nameless King leash issues, and early second-night enemy spawns have been fixed.

  • Wending Grace revives, night rain respawns, duplicate dropped items, Rotted Woods blessing display, Shifting Earth resets, and Copy Last Expedition Settings exploits have all been cleaned up.

  • Relic effects that add Attribute Attack Power or Status Ailments now reflect correctly in the Status menu.

  • Results Menu ally positions, Twiggy Cracked Tear codex listing, skill attack stability, crashes, graphics, effects, sound, text, and performance have all received attention.

Platform and Update Notes

The update is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. On consoles, Regulation files can be downloaded by logging into the server. If the Regulation Ver. in the lower right corner of the title screen is not 1.02, players should select LOGIN and apply the latest regulation before playing. Online play requires the update. After downloading, restart the game to apply it. The developers have also promised further updates in the future, so the road ahead is likely to bring more refinements.

The Bottom Line

Patch 1.02 is a solid step forward for Elden Ring Nightreign. Two-player expeditions give duos a proper seat at the table, relic filtering and presets reduce menu friction, and the bug fixes address dozens of annoying edge cases. It is not a full expansion, but it is the kind of patch that makes the game feel smoother, fairer, and more fun to revisit in 2026. For Nightfarers who have been waiting for a reason to jump back in, this update is the perfect excuse to gather a partner and hit the ground running.