The Forsaken Hollows is the next major update for ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN, and it lands on December 4, 2025. The DLC brings two new Nightfarers, new bosses, and a fresh Shifting Earth challenge that expands NIGHTREIGN’s endgame activities. If you’re planning to jump in right away, here’s everything you need to know about unlocking the new content.
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Unlocking New Nightfarers
The DLC introduces two new playable Nightfarers: Scholar and Undertaker. To unlock them, you’ll need to clear a key fight first.
The first step is taking down Tricephalos. Once that fight is out of the way, head back to Roundtable Hold. The Iron Menial will be waiting with a message sent by the Small Jar Merchant, and that conversation is what unlocks both new Nightfarers for use.
How to Unlock NIGHTREIGN’s New Bosses
The Forsaken Hollows adds the towering Balancers and the massive Shifting Earth event known as The Great Hollows. These won’t open automatically, so you’ll need to meet a few conditions:
- Defeat at least two bosses in the main NIGHTREIGN campaign. Tricephalos must be one of them.
- Unlock both new Nightfarers, Scholar and Undertaker.
When you’ve met those requirements, head to the chapel that appears behind the Small Jar Merchant. This area opens only after completing the conditions above.
Inside, you’ll gain access to:
- The Great Hollows Shifting Earth event
- The Balancers boss expedition
These encounters are some of NIGHTREIGN’s toughest additions, so be ready.
NIGHTREIGN DLC Content in Deep of Night
A post-release update will add the new Shifting Earth events, raids, and bases from The Forsaken Hollows into Deep of Night, even when you’re running base-game expeditions.
For these DLC-exclusive features to appear, your matchmaking group must include three other players who also own the DLC.
How to Activate The Forsaken Hollows DLC
Activate the DLC on PlayStation (PS5 & PS4)
Players who bought the DLC through a Deluxe Edition, Collector’s Edition, Seeker’s Edition, or a Deluxe Upgrade pack will need to download it manually.
- Open the PlayStation Store.
- Search for “nightreign”.
- Pick ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN The Forsaken Hollows (PS4 & PS5).
- Download and install the DLC.
Activate the DLC on Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One
If you pre-ordered or own a Deluxe Edition, you’ll also need to download the DLC manually.
Here’s the quickest way:
- Go to My Games & Apps from your Xbox home screen.
- Highlight ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN and press the Menu button.
- Select Manage Games & Add-ons.
- Choose the main NIGHTREIGN tile.
- Check the box for the DLC in the add-ons list.
- Select Save Changes and complete the installation.
You can also download it from your owned titles list after release.
Activate the DLC on Steam
Steam users will get the DLC automatically on December 4, 2025, at 8:00 AM JST / 0:00 UTC.
Before it unlocks, make sure Update File 1.03 is installed. That update arrives on December 3, 2025 and is required to access the DLC.
The Forsaken Hollows expands NIGHTREIGN with new characters, new fights, and more reasons to stay in Deep of Night. Once you follow the steps above, every part of the DLC will be ready to explore.
