Elden Ring: Nightreign isn’t done with us yet. During the November 2025 PlayStation State of Play, Bandai Namco revealed a brand-new trailer for its upcoming DLC, The Forsaken Hollows — and it didn’t disappoint.
The expansion is set to launch on December 4, 2025, promising a mix of nostalgia and chaos: returning legendary bosses, new playable characters, and a haunting new setting beneath the Lands Between.
Following a wave of teasers earlier this year, this trailer finally delivers what fans have been waiting for — and if the first reactions are any indication, Nightreign might be stepping into its most ambitious chapter yet.
Knight Artorias Returns — and He’s Not Alone
Perhaps the biggest shocker of the new trailer is the reappearance of Knight Artorias, the Abysswalker — one of the most beloved figures in FromSoftware’s entire history.
Originally introduced in Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss, the knight became a symbol of honor, tragedy, and sheer combat brilliance. His arrival in The Forsaken Hollows marks a bridge between eras — a nostalgic callback for long-time fans and a brutal new challenge for Nightreign veterans.
But Artorias won’t be the only nightmare stalking the depths. The Forsaken Hollows also introduces two new Nightlords and brings back iconic foes from Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, including the Divine Beast Dancing Lion and Astel, the cosmic terror with two different variants.
Exploring the Forsaken Hollows: What Lies Beneath Limveld
While some fans speculated about a brand-new region, the PlayStation Blog confirmed that The Forsaken Hollows doesn’t introduce a fresh map — at least not in the traditional sense.
Instead, it reimagines the Shifting Earth variant of Limveld, inspired by Elden Ring’s subterranean world — specifically the eerie beauty of the Eternal Cities of Nokron and Nokstella.
These underground expanses are known for their alien architecture and dreamlike atmosphere, which fits perfectly with Nightreign’s tone: a world constantly shifting between light and darkness, beauty and decay.
Expect oppressive corridors, cosmic enemies, and lore-rich storytelling that digs deeper — both literally and thematically — into the mythology of the Lands Between.
Two New Nightfarers Join the Hunt
Since launch, Nightreign has built a roster of eight playable heroes — each with their own personality, playstyle, and connection to the game’s mythos. With The Forsaken Hollows, two more Nightfarers step into the fray:
The Scholar
A mysterious academic from the Lands Between, the Scholar excels in arcane arts and tactical precision. His unique ability to observe and manipulate the battlefield gives him a cerebral edge — a character built for players who value intelligence over brute force.
The Undertaker
In stark contrast, the Undertaker embodies faith and fury. Once an abbess charged with destroying the Nightlord, she now wields divine strength to banish her enemies with righteous brutality.
The trailer even gives a glimpse of her power: she’s seen soaring through the air and smashing into Astel, stunning the cosmic beast in an explosion of celestial energy.
Each new Nightfarer promises a radically different gameplay experience, and, just like the original cast earlier this year, they’re expected to receive detailed spotlight trailers ahead of release.
Expanding the Nightreign Experience
For existing players, The Forsaken Hollows is available as part of the Deluxe and Seekers Editions of Elden Ring: Nightreign.
Those who own the Standard Edition can purchase the expansion separately for $15, and pre-orders are already open.
Bandai Namco has maintained a consistent post-launch support cadence for Nightreign, but this DLC looks poised to be its most transformative update yet — not just a content drop, but a reinvention of what Nightreign can be.
A Bridge Between Shadows and Legends
What makes The Forsaken Hollows so intriguing isn’t just its gameplay additions — it’s the thematic bridge it builds. By reintroducing Knight Artorias, the Abysswalker, FromSoftware isn’t merely playing the nostalgia card.
It’s linking the DNA of Dark Souls and Elden Ring, reminding players that the two worlds are more spiritually connected than ever. Artorias’ return feels less like fan service and more like destiny fulfilled — the circle closing on a legacy that began over a decade ago.
As December approaches, one question lingers in the minds of fans:
If Artorias walks among us once more… what darkness is awakening in the Hollows?
Elden Ring: Nightreign – The Forsaken Hollows isn’t just another DLC — it’s a love letter to FromSoftware’s past and a promise for its future.
With new heroes, iconic bosses, and the haunting echoes of the Abyss, this expansion could easily redefine the Nightreign experience when it lands on December 4, 2025.
Whether you’re a long-time Souls veteran or a fresh Tarnished still learning the ropes, the call of the Hollows is one you won’t want to ignore.
