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What is PNG 3.0 and Why PNG is Making a Comeback
What is PNG? PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics. It’s a type of image file that supports lossless compression, meaning it keeps all the image data without sacrificing quality. Unlike JPEGs, which compress by removing detail, PNG files are perfect for images where clarity and sharp lines matter, like logos, charts, or screenshots. They also support transparent backgrounds, which is why they’re often used in web design and digital art.
When people search for how to make a PNG, they usually mean creating an image with a transparent background or saving a high-quality version of a picture without losing detail. Most modern photo editors like Photoshop, GIMP, or even online tools like Canva let you export images as PNGs in just a few clicks.
Why did PNG lose the spotlight?
Although PNG files remained popular for things like screenshots, UI assets, and transparent images, the format started to feel outdated. While other image formats like WebP, HEIF, and AVIF pushed forward with better compression and new features, PNG hadn’t seen a major update since 2003. For over two decades, the PNG spec stayed mostly the same, even as the internet, software, and display technology changed around it.
Formats like WebP offered smaller file sizes with good quality, which made them ideal for websites trying to load faster. AVIF brought built-in HDR support. PNG, by comparison, lacked animation, didn’t officially support Exif metadata, and had no HDR options. So while it was never abandoned, PNG slowly lost its edge in areas where innovation mattered most.
That’s what makes PNG 3.0 such a big deal. It’s a long-overdue refresh that brings the format back in line with modern expectations.
What is PNG 3.0 and what does it bring to the table?
PNG 3.0 is the biggest update to the format in over 20 years, and it’s more than just a version bump. It brings key upgrades that make PNG competitive with modern image formats again, while still keeping what made it great in the first place.
Here’s what’s new:
* HDR support: PNGs can now display High Dynamic Range images, which means brighter highlights, deeper shadows, and a wider range of colors, especially useful on newer displays. This is done efficiently, adding just 4 bytes to the file plus standard chunk overhead.
* APNG support: What is APNG? It stands for Animated Portable Network Graphics. Think of it as a PNG with multiple frames, allowing for smooth, high-quality animations. It’s like a modern upgrade to the GIF, but with better color, sharper images, and full transparency. While APNG has existed unofficially for years, mainly in Firefox, it’s now officially part of the PNG spec. This opens the door to more consistent support across browsers and creative tools.
* Exif metadata support: Just like JPEGs, PNGs can now include Exif data: info like camera settings, GPS coordinates, copyright notices, and more. This is a major improvement for photographers and digital asset management.
* Spec cleanup and fixes: The update also includes general tidying up, fixing old errors, clarifying language, and aligning with how the format is actually used in real-world software.
All of this makes PNG 3.0 not just a refresh, but a serious step forward for a format many thought had stopped evolving.
What does this mean for us?
For bloggers, designers, and web developers, the return of PNG is more than just technical news. It’s a practical upgrade to a tool many of us already use every day.
* Better visuals without changing formats: You don’t need to adopt a new file type to get modern features. With HDR and animation now supported, PNG 3.0 lets you do more with the same trusted format. Think sharper images on Retina and HDR displays, smoother UI animations, and cleaner visuals without relying on WebP or AVIF.
* Simplified workflows: Support for Exif metadata makes PNGs more useful for photo-heavy blogs and design portfolios. You can now include copyright info, camera settings, and geotags without switching to JPEG.
* Consistent browser and tool support: Most modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) and creative tools (Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve) already support the new spec. You can start using PNG 3.0 features right away without waiting on ecosystem adoption.
* APNG for lightweight animations: Want to animate a button, logo, or banner without loading a bulky video or third-party plugin? APNG gives you high-quality, transparent animations that are ideal for responsive websites and mobile apps.
* Future-proofing your content: The spec is now actively maintained, with more updates like better compression and parallel decoding already in the works. PNG is no longer standing still. It is evolving with the web.
In short, PNG is no longer just the safe choice. It’s the smart one too.
How to start using PNG 3.0
You don’t need a special file extension or a “Save as PNG 3.0” button to begin using the new features. If you’re using up-to-date software, you’re likely already producing PNG 3.0-compliant files. Programs like Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, and Aseprite support many of the new capabilities, including HDR color, animation, and metadata. For HDR images, exporting with modern color profiles like Rec. 2100 will automatically embed the necessary data. If you’re working with animation, tools like APNG Assembler or ffmpeg allow you to create high-quality animated PNGs with transparency and smooth playback. To include metadata such as GPS location, copyright, or camera settings, apps like ExifTool or modern photo editors can embed that information directly into the file.
Even though the files still use the standard .png extension, they now carry more advanced features under the hood. If you want to check what’s inside your PNGs, you can use tools like ImageMagick, ExifTool, or pngcheck to inspect the color space, metadata, and animation chunks. The key is to keep your tools updated and explore the new options available during export. As the ecosystem catches up, PNG 3.0 will quietly become the new default in many workflows.
Conclusion
PNG was never truly gone, but with the launch of PNG 3.0, it’s more capable and future-ready than ever. With support for HDR, animation, and metadata now officially part of the spec, this long-standing format is stepping back into the spotlight. Whether you're a designer looking for cleaner visuals, a web developer adding lightweight animations, or a blogger managing image-heavy content, PNG 3.0 gives you modern features without forcing a shift to unfamiliar formats. It’s a quiet revolution, but one worth paying attention to.
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How to Get Free Extended Security Updates for Windows 10
Want to get Windows 10 extended security updates for free? Well, you’re in the right place! If you’ve been following the Acer corner blog, or tech news in general, you’ll have heard that the Windows 10 EOS (end of support) is fast approaching. Being a wise, forward thinking individual, you’ll likely be swiftly figuring how to get Windows 10 extended security updates for free.
This article will drop the knowledge on how to update Windows 10, as well as answering the burning question many Windows 10 users are asking: where can I get Windows 10 extended security updates? We’ll also cover timelines and how much Windows 10 extended security updates cost. The clock is ticking, so let’s jump in and see what we can do to be future-ready for the Windows 10 EOS!
What is the Windows 10 EOS?
It’s been almost a decade since the first release of Windows 10 OS (operating system) way back in July 2015, and most users have already made the switch to Windows 11. As we mentioned above, the end of support, or end of life (EOL) for Windows 10 is not far away: October 14, 2025. After this date, your Windows 10 PC won’t die, but it will no longer be able to access security updates, technical support, or software updates from Microsoft.
If you’re curious, here’s an in-depth article explaining what to do before Windows 10 ends support in October, and if you’re serious about understanding the dangers of skipping the upgrade to Windows 11, here’s a short piece covering the risks. Let’s make no bones about it: the Windows 10 EOS gives users three options: upgrade to a (Windows 11) supported OS, buy new hardware, or run the risk of running an unsupported system.
Why upgrade?
Ideally, you’ll make the choice to upgrade to the latest, greatest iteration of Windows and enjoy a worry free OS for the next few years. If you're still on the fence about upgrading to Windows 11, here are a few unpleasant surprises waiting for you, especially if the only thing October 14 means to you is Eisenhower’s birthday.
* Security vulnerabilities. Lacking hardware-based security updates, you’ll be a sitting duck to evil-doers. As you well know, unsupported systems are easy targets for viruses, ransomware, and hackers.
* Software compatibility issues. If the security risks aren’t enough to convince you, consider increasing software compatibility problems. New apps are built for the latest OS and may not even install, let alone run on outdated Windows systems.
* Loss of technical support. Remaining with Windows 10 also means losing access to Microsoft’s official technical support. Without updates, patches, or help desks, troubleshooting will rely on third-party tools and forums.
* Decreased productivity and performance. The latest apps are optimized for Windows 11, so older systems may run slowly or crash. You’ll also miss out on better multitasking and performance enhancements built into the new OS.
* Compliance and regulatory risk. Using outdated Windows may put your business at odds with regulations like GDPR or PCI DSS. Failing to meet data security standards could result in legal trouble or costly fines.
How to get a free 1 year security update for Windows 10?
Yes, you read correctly, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel: a possibility of getting a free one year extended security update (ESU) for all you Windows 10 loyalists out there. There are currently two ways to go about this, via backup and cloud sync, here’s how to get it sorted.
* Windows Backup and cloud sync. Microsoft recently introduced a Windows Backup app to sync your PC settings (documents, pictures, apps, credentials) to the cloud via your Microsoft Account. Simply use Microsoft OneDrive to store up to 5GB for free, then enroll in the ESU program through the Windows Update section in Settings or through notifications. After enabling Windows Backup and syncing your settings, you’ll automatically get a free one-year extension of security updates, no questions asked.
* Redeem yourself with Rewards points. If you want the update, but aren’t ready for the cloud, then get ready to cash in 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to get the free ESU. How to get these points? There are actually a bunch of different approaches to earning Microsoft Rewards points, from simple Bing searches to playing selected games and completing quests on Xbox One.
Wizards and patches
If you’re still unsure how to get the ESU, don’t worry, Microsoft will release an ESU wizard sometime in July to help users enroll in the extended security update. While the above options may take the heat off your Windows 10 device until 2026, bear in mind that the free ESU only delivers security patches, and does not include any other tech support. So, how about other options?
How much does the security update cost?
If you insist on sticking with Windows 10 and want to skip the cloud sync and rewards points, there is always the option of dropping $30 for the ESU, recently released on July 10. This one time payment provides a 1 year extension per device for individual users, and Windows 10 Home users. There’s a tiered pricing structure for organizations, costing $61 per device for the first year, while Windows 10 endpoints connecting to Windows 365 Cloud PCs benefit from ESU for up to three years with an active Windows 365 subscription license.
Should I get a new PC?
It might sound obvious, but if your current PC supports the upgrade, then simply updating to Windows 11 for $139 is a smart way to keep your system safe and sound. If your old computer can’t handle Windows 11, or perhaps it's simply time for a new device, then we have some great news for you. Acer has some fantastic laptops that come pre-installed with Windows 11. Take a peek at the Acer Aspire range of versatile, feature packed laptops, including Copilot+ PCs. The Aspire range are truly inclusive everyday laptops, delivering effortless on the go productivity. If you’re looking to go light, then the Acer Swift family of thin, elegant laptops may be your cup of tea. With OLED and AI PC options, as well as ARM architecture powered devices, performance meets portability to help you excel, swiftly.
Time and tide wait for no PC
We hope that you’ve enjoyed discovering ways to get free extended security updates for Windows 10 today. October 14 is not too far away, so be sure to plan ahead, and take advantage of the ESU via Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards points. If you’d rather pay for the 1 year extension, fair play to you, and if you’ve got a device that’s able to upgrade to Windows 11, then that’s another viable option. Finally, perhaps it’s time for a new device, pre-loaded with Windows 11, so check out the Acer Store and find your next favorite computer today.
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How to Upcycle or Recycle Your Old Windows 10 PC
With the Windows 10 EOS (End of Service) nearing, it’s time to start thinking about upcycling ideas for your old PC. From recycling your PC for parts, to repurposing your Windows 10 PC as a media and gaming center, or even a NAS server, there are several things you can do with your old PC. Read on to get the lowdown on the Windows 10 EOS and discover how to recycle old computers. First though, let’s discuss the short future of Windows 10.
End of the line for Windows 10?
A hot topic that’s getting hotter as Windows 10 nears its 10th birthday, soon Microsoft will no longer provide official updates, security patches, and security support for the outdated OS (Operating System). Alas, from October 14 2025 devices still running Windows 10 will be at risk of security vulnerabilities, software compatibility issues, and loss of technical support, leading to a likely decrease in productivity and performance. Thankfully there are several routes you can go down with your old PC, we’ll cover the best options below.
1. Upgrade to Windows 11
Biting the bullet and dropping $140 or so for Windows 11 is the fastest way to keep using your Windows 10 device. This simple upgrade will ensure that your PC is running the latest, most efficient version of Windows, providing you with a secure, future-ready OS. The catch is that some older devices, as well as newer lower spec models that don’t meet the minimum system requirements simply won’t be able to run Windows 11. To upgrade to Windows 11, your PC must meet these minimum requirements:
* Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor. The processor must be on Microsoft’s list of approved CPUs.
* RAM: 4 GB or more.
* Storage: 64 GB and above
* System Firmware: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
* TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 is required.
* GPU: Your graphics card must be compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
* Display: A high-definition (720p) display that is greater than 9 inches diagonally and supports 8 bits per color channel.
* Internet Connectivity and Microsoft Account: For Windows 11 Home edition, an internet connection and a Microsoft account are required to complete the setup on first use.
* Current Windows Version: Your device must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade via Windows Update.
2. Install Linux
Grab some pizzazz for your old PC by installing Linux. Lightweight and secure, this open source OS is the perfect way to extend the life of mature hardware without slowing it down. Choose from a range of distros (complete Linux OS) suited to older PCs, such as Linux Mint, Zorin OS Lite, or Ubuntu MATE for faster performance, free open-source software, and solid community support. To get started on this alternative OS, you’ll require a USB flash drive (4GB+), free disk space, and the ability to change boot settings in BIOS/UEFI. After choosing the distro -not bistro that suits you, download the ISO from their website. Next, use Rufus or Balena Etcher to make a bootable USB, then reboot, install, and enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc7orrqlrC8
3. Buy Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10
If your device isn’t suitable for a Windows 11 upgrade, then a short-term solution is to purchase extended security updates for Windows 10. Take note that ESUs are not a long term solution: they don’t include new features or non-security fixes, or design change requests. And there’s a slight sting in the tail of ESUs, as their price doubles every year, for a maximum of three years.
4. Turn it into a NAS server
NAS (Network-Attached Storage) is a dedicated file storage system allowing multiple users and devices to access data over a local network. Using a free tool like OpenMediaVault you can easily centralize your file storage for easy access from any of the devices on your network. A NAS server is a great way to backup your files, stream media and also a personal cloud storage solution. On top of this, you can skip paying subscription fees for commercial cloud services, and improve security by keeping your data on local hardware. What’s not to like?
5. Media and Gaming Center
Another snazzy method to repurpose your old PC is to turn it into a dedicated media and gaming center. Load the beast up with your favorite movies, then install VLC or a similar media player for endless movie madness. You can also add emulators for retro console gaming. If you go down this route be sure to stay offline after setting the system up for privacy, security and overall performance.
6. Strip it for parts
If your old PC is a desktop, then stripping it for parts is another possibility. Pulling the old PC apart to salvage useful components is a smart way to repurpose cases, RAM, hard drives, and other parts for future builds or experiments. Take what you need from your old PC, and Frankenstein your upcoming builds, while reducing the scourge of e-waste.
7. Donate
Be a hero and donate your old PC to Computers with Causes. Donating your computer is easy, and can even be written off on your taxes! This is a responsible, meaningful alternative to recycling that will help provide much needed technology to those in need. Before you donate make sure to hard reboot your device to get rid of all your personal data.
8. Get a new Windows 11 PC
What could be more fine and dandy than a brand new Windows 11 PC from Acer? Future proof your computing until the next EOS with a new computer pre-installed with Windows 11. Versatile and packed with features, the Acer Aspire range are great everyday laptops, including Copilot+ PC options. For power and business users, lightweight, durable devices from the TravelMate family will help you win at work.
Final thoughts
We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s article on how to upcycle or recycle your old Windows 10 PC. Remember the EOS for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, so sort your devices out before then! From donating your PC, to turning it into a gaming and media station, there’s an option for every user. If you’re looking for a new device, be sure to check out the Acer Store where you’re sure to find a Windows 11 PC to call your own.
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What is Microsoft PowerToys and Why You Should Download it Today
Windows 11 is great, but it doesn’t give you full control over how your PC works. That’s where Microsoft PowerToys comes in. This article will show you what PowerToys is, why you should download it, and how it can help you do more with your computer.
What is Microsoft PowerToys?
Microsoft PowerToys is a set of free tools designed to help you get more out of Windows. It was first released in the 1990s for Windows 95, made by Microsoft engineers to give advanced users extra ways to control their computers. After disappearing for a while, PowerToys made a comeback for Windows 10, and it now works even better on Windows 11.
Today’s PowerToys is an open-source project, which means anyone can look at the code, suggest changes, or help build new features. It includes a growing list of small but powerful tools that improve how you use your PC. You can pick and choose which tools you want, and Microsoft updates the app often to fix bugs and add new features.
Who is PowerToys for?
PowerToys is made for people who want more control and options than what Windows gives by default. If you like to customize how your computer works, improve your workflow, or save time on simple tasks, PowerToys is for you.
It’s great for:
* Power users who want shortcuts and faster ways to do things
Productivity fans who want to stay focused and organized
* Developers and IT pros who use advanced tools daily
* Curious users who want to explore what their PC can really do
Even if you’re not an expert, many of the tools are simple to use and can make everyday tasks easier.
Why you should download PowerToys
PowerToys is a free app from Microsoft that helps you get more out of your Windows 11 experience. It adds useful features, improves how your system works, and gives you more control over everyday tasks. Here are five clear reasons to install it.
1. Adds features not included in base Windows 11
Windows 11 is a solid operating system, but it leaves out some practical tools. PowerToys brings them back. For example, “Always on Top” lets you pin a window so it stays visible while you switch between apps. “PowerRename” helps you rename many files at once, and “Image Resizer” adds a quick image resize option to your right-click menu.
2. Gives you better control and customization
PowerToys lets you change how your computer behaves. You can remap keyboard keys, set custom shortcuts, and use window layouts with “FancyZones” to keep your desktop organized. These small tweaks help you set up your system exactly how you like it.
3. Lightweight and modular
The app is easy on your system and doesn't slow it down. It runs quietly in the background and only uses a small amount of memory. You can also turn off any tools you don’t want to use. That makes PowerToys feel light, even when you install all its features.
4. Boosts your productivity
Many PowerToys tools are designed to save time. “PowerToys Run” is a fast search bar that helps you launch apps, open files, or run commands without digging through menus. “Text Extractor” lets you grab text from images and screenshots in just a few clicks.
5. Updated often by Microsoft
PowerToys is still being actively developed. Microsoft adds new tools and improves old ones on a regular basis. Since the project is open source, users and developers can also suggest changes or contribute new ideas.
If you want to do more with your Windows PC without installing a bunch of extra apps, PowerToys is a smart first step.
Next: 10 Cool Things You Can Do with Windows PowerToys
Is PowerToys safe to use?
Yes, PowerToys is safe. It is developed and maintained by Microsoft and is also open source. This means anyone can view the code, report bugs, or suggest improvements. Thousands of users, including developers and IT professionals, use it every day without problems.
There are no ads, no hidden software, and no data collection. If you install it from the Microsoft Store, you also benefit from Microsoft’s built-in security checks. It’s a trusted tool from a trusted source.
System requirements and compatibility
Before you install PowerToys, make sure your computer meets the basic requirements. PowerToys works on:
* Windows 11
* Windows 10 (version 1903 or later)
* 64-bit systems only
It will not run on 32-bit systems or versions of Windows older than 1903. Most modern computers should be compatible. If you're already using Windows 11, you should have no issues.
How to contribute to PowerToys
PowerToys is an open-source project, and Microsoft welcomes help from the community. If you want to get involved, there are several ways to contribute, even if you're not a developer.
You can:
* Write a technical plan for a new tool or feature
* Submit design feedback or concepts to improve usability
* Help improve PowerToys documentation
* Identify or fix bugs in the source code
* Create new utilities or add features to existing ones
Before you begin, read the Contributor’s Guide. It explains how the process works and offers guidance on how to start. The PowerToys team often works directly with contributors to ensure ideas fit well and effort isn’t wasted.
Whether you're writing code, offering feedback, or just fixing typos, your input can help improve the Windows experience for users around the world.
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10 Alternative Search Engines to Google in 2025
Some users are looking for alternative search engines to Google because of privacy concerns and changing user behavior due to the introduction of AI search bots. This article will cover 10 Google alternatives that support web searches and offer additional features. Although Google processes 16.4 billion searches every day, there are alternative search engines available, which we will outline here.
1. Bing
Bing is an AI search engine powered by Microsoft, racking up 100 million daily users and taking up 3.98% of the worldwide search engine market share. With roots in Windows Live Search and MSN Search, Bing was rebranded in 2009. It now includes nifty AI features, such as creating images from the address bar by typing prompts or providing high-quality images with Bing Image Search. It is a robust Google alternative with powerful features.
2. DuckDuck Go
DuckDuckGo is an independent free browser that promises to protect our personal information. Users can search and browse the web privately, keeping sensitive data away from hackers and invasive companies. DuckDuckGo has an average rating of 4.8 on Apple and Google Play, making it a solid choice for browsing. It is designed for data protection and blocks ad trackers and cookies, accumulating 3 billion searches every month.
3. Brave Search
Brave Search provides AI-powered answers to most user questions. It is a high-speed search engine that does not collect or store user information. Brave Search delivers search results from its own index, avoiding bias and censorship, and is available to use in any browser.
4. Kagi
Kagi is an ad-free paid browser that delivers quality searches without tracking. It offers a cleaner search experience that is free from ads and additional clutter. The free version supports 100 searches per month, and paid packages start from $5 USD for 300 monthly searches. Payments will be reimbursed if users do not use their monthly search quota.
5. Ecosia
Users wishing for a search engine that has a greener impact are in luck. Ecosia dedicates its profits to helping the planet, including planting trees and climate action. It also has solar panels that produce the amount of energy required to power user searches twice over, helping to generate more renewables into the energy grid. Ecosia has 20 million active users and its community has planted over 234 million trees.
6. Dogpile
Dogpile is powered by Metasearch technology and offers comprehensive and relevant search results by compiling information from other popular search engines. Each search engine has a unique search method and therefore produces different results, however, Dogpile eliminates duplicates and gives a complete list of relevant results.
7. SearXNG
SearXNG aggregates results from up to 247 search services without tracking or profiling its users. It is a metasearch engine and is supported by an open community, making it user-focused and inclusive. SearXNG combines search queries with searches on other platforms and does not store data, and it is also compatible with Tor for ultimate anonymity.
8. Mullvad Leta
Leta is a privacy-focused search engine provided by Mullvad, and is a front-end to Google and Brave Search APIs. This means that their search engine performs searches on behalf of its users, making requests through the Leta server. Mullvad Leta is suitable for text search results, but does not yet support images, news, or other types of searches.
9. Togoda
Togoda is an AI-infused search engine that provides more meaningful insights to users. It works to emphasize knowledge through intelligent searching, helping users explore interconnected themes and ideas. Togoda has a privacy-first approach and utilizes an encrypted proxy to ensure searches are anonymous.
10. Qwant
Qwant is an AI-supported search engine that does not store search history or resell personal data. It offers a summary feature that offers short and precise responses to searches and questions, helping to streamline the search process. Qwant is available as a browser extension and can be used as the default search engine, although its use is limited to countries within Europe.
Should you find a Google alternative?
Although Google remains a popular search engine, users are becoming increasingly concerned about privacy and advertisements. Google does not sell personal information but uses it to show personalized ads that promote products or services. Many of the alternative search engines to Google highlighted in this article emphasize privacy and do not track or store user information. Whether or not you should find a Google alternative depends on your own personal preferences, so be sure to fully understand the terms of each search engine before switching.
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Elden Ring Nightreign Character Story and Secret Endings Explained
Elden Ring Nightreign reimagines the Lands Between through the lens of a dying world blanketed in eternal rain and shadow. Set in an alternate timeline, it introduces a new setting, Limveld, and a cast of eight Nightfarers summoned to end the night and defeat the monstrous Nightlord. But true to FromSoftware’s tradition, its narrative is layered, cryptic, and steeped in tragedy. This article explores how Nightreign connects to the original Elden Ring, unpacks the stories of its playable champions, and breaks down its regular ending and three hidden ones, shedding light on one of the studio’s most intricate timelines yet.
The beginning of Nightreign and how it ties into Elden Ring
Nightreign takes place in a parallel world known as Limveld, a warped mirror of the Lands Between. While it shares motifs, ruins, and even echoes of familiar names, this is not a direct sequel to Elden Ring. Instead, it imagines a different outcome following the same Shattering. The Golden Order has collapsed, not in fire but under an eternal night brought by a force known only as the Nightlord.
Much like the original game, Nightreign begins in the aftermath of a great war. The “Shattering” here may not reference a literal Elden Ring, but rather the breaking of order that allowed the Night to emerge. Heavy rains scour the land. Buildings rot, beasts mutate, and time itself begins to collapse. This apocalyptic state is blamed on Heolstor, the Nightlord, a cursed figure who cloaked the world in a veil of night.
Despite the differences, Nightreign shares more with Elden Ring than it seems. The Roundtable Hold reappears, though in a ruined, grayscale state. The Erdtree is gone, or rather, still growing. References to Golden Order relics, Crucible Knights, and the curse of those who “live in death” continue to link both timelines. Most importantly, Nightreign ends with a post-credit sequence showing the Erdtree restored. This implies that Limveld and the Lands Between may not be separate at all, but layered over each other through the cycle of night and dawn.
The Nightfarers: Stories of redemption and ruin
The Nightfarers are the eight champions summoned by a formless master to challenge the Nightlord. Bound by a shared purpose rather than origin, each carries a tragic past and a unique motivation. As their memories return over the course of the game, their stories reveal how deeply they are tied to the night and the lands they aim to save.
1. Wylder
The Wylder is a warrior from Windwhale Null, a coastal region far from Limveld. He arrived in search of vengeance after the Night swept through his homeland and wiped out his tribe. Though he initially seems like a lone survivor, his memories gradually reveal a deeper connection to the Roundtable. He is the twin brother of the Duchess. The two were separated in childhood after their mother was infected by the Night during childbirth. She died giving birth to the Duchess, who unknowingly carried the Night within her.
Wylder’s story is grounded in personal loss. He carries a broken earring tied to the memory of two horses galloping side by side, symbolizing the bond he once shared with his sister. When the Iron Menial sends him on a quest to retrieve a whetstone, the Wylder receives the matching earring as a reward. This event, along with the discovery of a pocket watch and a recipe for pita bread from their childhood, helps reunite the siblings.
However, the Wylder is dying from injuries sustained during his journey. The only way to preserve his life and save his sister from vanishing with the Roundtable is to merge with the Nightlord. In one of the special endings, he uses a larval tear to become the new vessel of the Night. He sacrifices his identity so that his sister may live.
2. Duchess
Duchess serves as the priestess of the Roundtable Hold. She is a calm and composed figure who guides the other Nightfarers, but her role ties her existence to the Hold. If the Nightlord is defeated, the Roundtable will disappear, and she will vanish along with it. When she learns that the Wylder is her twin brother, the emotional burden of her duty grows heavier.
Her personal journey is one of quiet resistance. While she initially considers abandoning the mission to save her brother, a conversation with the Revenant helps restore her focus. The Raider also shares his regrets, reminding her that sometimes the greatest mistake is doing nothing.
Eventually, she finds a way to do both. Using her powers as a priestess, she blesses an iron coin that the Wylder once gave her. This creates a bond between the Iron Menial and the Wylder, allowing the Menial to protect him after the final battle. The Duchess remains behind and fades with the Roundtable, comforted by the knowledge that her brother will live on.
3. Revenant
Revenant is a spellcaster inhabiting a porcelain doll named Daphne. Her story begins in the Northerncroft Manor, a wealthy estate known for crafting lifelike puppets. During the early days of the Night, the manor was attacked. A girl named Kloe, the daughter of the household, was murdered while trying to protect Daphne. The trauma awakened a spirit within the doll, fusing the soul of the girl with the object.
Now calling herself Revenant, she is driven by vengeance and confusion. Her memories are fragmented. At first, she refers to Kloe and the doll as separate beings, but over time, she accepts that she has inherited the will of the child who died. Her hatred for the Nightlord stems from this event, though it remains unclear whether the killer was truly the Nightlord or a human intruder.
In combat, Revenant is notable for her unique summons. She can call forth Helen, Frederick, and Sebastian, who appear to have served the Northerncroft household in life. These spirits act as a butler, a cook, and a page, reinforcing the idea that the Revenant was once part of a noble lineage. Her spiritual abilities, along with her use of both holy and death-related magic, suggest a connection to the Golden Order and forbidden soulcraft rituals.
4. Guardian
Guardian is a winged demihuman born among the Pinionfolk, a race known for their ability to fly. He once served in the Scapular Regiment, defending his homeland with his shield while the Talon Regiment struck from the skies. Their peaceful realm was destroyed when invaders unleashed cursed blades that severed the joints of their wings, grounding them permanently. The Guardian lost his entire flock that day. Stripped of purpose and flight, he wandered until the Roundtable called to him.
At the Roundtable, he found new meaning through study and companionship. He became the pupil of the Recluse, hoping to understand the weapons that ruined his people. Over time, he forms bonds with the other Nightfarers, who become a new kind of flock for him. His story takes a turn when he discovers that the cursed blades were created using a magical brooch designed by the Recluse herself. She had originally crafted it to calm the winds of her land but it was repurposed for war.
Faced with betrayal, Guardian can choose to forgive his teacher or destroy the brooch in silence. His choice reflects his growth. Though he cannot reclaim what was lost, he embraces the present. Donning the helmet once given by the Raider, he recommits to protecting his companions and defeating the Nightlord, not for revenge, but for those still living.
5. Recluse
Recluse is a witch from the Deep Woods who arrives in Limveld seeking someone precious, an infant born of shadow who later becomes the Nightlord. This child, created through unknown magical means, is her own. Though the details of the birth are never made fully clear, she believes the child was consumed by the Night after biting into a cursed shard. Haunted by guilt and a sense of responsibility, she joins the Nightfarers not only to end the Night, but to confront what she helped create.
Her journey is filled with cryptic discoveries. She uncovers a shard marked with tooth-like etchings, suggesting the infant consumed it during its transformation. She also finds signs of her long-lost sister, the Witch of the Wheel, who accuses the Recluse of unleashing the child’s hunger. Despite these accusations, the Recluse does not flee or make excuses. Instead, she continues searching for a way to reach her child.
Eventually, she receives a relic described as the bone of an Outer God. This artifact, gifted in a dream by the Nightlord, carries the power to dispel divine essence. With it, the Recluse travels to the true Roundtable Hold, where she finds the infant resting quietly. Unlike the other Nightfarers, she does not hand over the Nightlord’s Rune or kill the corpse.
6. Iron Eye
Iron Eye is a disciplined assassin from a secretive order known as the Fellowship. He arrives in Limveld under contract, assigned to root out a traitor responsible for the destruction of the Dusken Valley. Following standard procedure, he is expected to work alone, covering all his own expenses and gathering intelligence without support. His investigation leads him to the Roundtable Hold, where the priestess delivers an unexpected truth. The traitor is not a stranger, it is another version of the Iron Eye himself, a failed Nightfarer who succumbed to the Night’s corruption.
These twisted reflections, called the Condemned, are Nightfarers from alternate timelines who were overtaken by the Night. They appear across Limveld, wearing gear from other worlds and leaving behind phantom traces. The Fellowship, it turns out, has been sending countless versions of its agents to die, using them as disposable tools. Worse still, the Iron Eye learns that he and the Fellowship’s assassins are undead. As people who “live in death,” they are anathema to the Golden Order and denied rest until the Night is broken.
Eventually, Iron Eye locates the real traitor and discovers that he cannot be killed by normal means. Using the Edge of Order, a sacred weapon tied to the laws of the Golden Order, he ends the Condemned version of himself. Before dying, the traitor reveals that the Night was not their enemy but a form of liberation, a way to break the endless cycle of orders and betrayal.
7. Raider
Raider is a towering, battle-hardened pirate known for his love of glory and combat. He comes from the coastal waters and joins the Roundtable in search of a worthy opponent. After hearing tales of the Nightlord's power, he sails to Limveld to challenge it head-on. Unlike the other Nightfarers, the Raider embraces conflict without hesitation and quickly earns a reputation for his fierce energy and unshakable confidence.
Behind his bravado is a story of unfinished rivalry. Raider once formed a pact with another pirate, White Horn. They exchanged a helmet and a necklace as a promise to meet again in battle. Before that duel could happen, the Night overtook the western seas and White Horn vanished. In Limveld, Raider discovers that White Horn has returned, now transformed into a corrupted tree spirit.
Their long-awaited clash takes place in a ruined arena. After the battle, Raider returns the armor to White Horn in a final act of respect, reclaiming his old title, Black Claw. He later visits the grave of his navigator, Weathervane, and reflects on the cost of pride and missed opportunities. His journey is one of resolution, shaped by respect for rivalry and the weight of what is left unsaid.
8. Executor
Executor is the most mysterious of the Nightfarers. He comes from the distant Land of Reeds and speaks very little, often found painting visions of the Erdtree or staring silently at unfinished canvases. His journal entries describe him as a guest, an executioner, and a painter. As his memories return, it becomes clear that he has lived as all three.
His past is shaped by a single, tragic event. Long ago, he was sent to kill a woman who had been painting the Erdtree. Instead of carrying out the execution, he allowed her to continue her work. Her painting was never finished. In a later memory, two Crucible Knights are shown. One lies dead, and the other, Executor, takes his own life in despair. Whether he failed to protect her or completed the act and could not live with the guilt is left ambiguous.
The Executor carries the Aspect of the Beast, a Crucible transformation that allows him to assume the form of a horned creature in combat. He also wields the Suncatcher, a sentient blade that remains loyal to its master. It is suggested that the weapon once belonged to the woman he could not save.
His story centers on identity, regret, and the search for meaning through creation. By the end of the journey, the Executor completes his long-abandoned sketch of the tree. It is not drawn from memory, but imagined anew as a symbol of hope and possibility.
The endings of Elden Ring Nightreign
Nightreign concludes with multiple endings, each shaped by the choices made throughout the journey. After defeating Heolstor, the Primordial Nightlord, players arrive at a crumbling version of the Roundtable Hold. In its center lies a mysterious corpse, and with the Nightlord’s Rune in hand, the player must decide how to proceed. While every ending brings the Nightfarers’ expedition to a close, three secret resolutions allow specific characters to take the final step themselves.
1. The regular ending: Dawn
In the standard ending, the player offers the Nightlord’s Rune to the corpse within the Roundtable Hold. The selected Nightfarer dissolves into golden strands of light that swirl through the chambers, passing each familiar space before rising through the open roof. Outside, the world is changed. The ashen waters and darkened skies give way to daylight. A new Erdtree has taken root and begun to grow, glowing faintly with spectral light.
This ending implies that the Night has been lifted, and the world has returned to a point before its destruction. The lands between are restored, not only physically but possibly through a full timeline reset. The Nightfarers’ memories, sacrifices, and even their existence may be erased, as if their struggle never took place. But their mission succeeded. The veil is lifted, and the cycle begins again.
2. Secret ending: Recluse
If the player completes the Recluse’s questline, discovers the cursed shard marked with teeth, and acquires the bone of an Outer God, a unique option appears after defeating the Nightlord. Instead of handing over the Rune, the player may choose to rest.
In this ending, the screen fades to black. When it returns, the player finds Recluse standing in a quiet, candlelit room deep within the true Roundtable Hold. A cradle lies at the center, draped in deep red cloth. Inside rests the infant she once lost. There is no combat, no dialogue. Recluse lifts the child into her arms and holds it close.
A final journal entry appears:
"The crying hath now ceased. The gentle knight within its breast knoweth now a peaceful slumber."
This is the only ending that resolves the story through nurture instead of death. The Night is not destroyed by force but calmed by a mother’s care. Whether the world is saved remains ambiguous, but for the Recluse and her child, the cycle ends in stillness rather than sacrifice.
3. Secret ending: Iron Eye
To unlock the Iron Eye’s secret ending, players must complete his assassination target, use the Edge of Order to eliminate the Condemned, and learn the truth of the Fellowship’s undead lineage. If all conditions are met, a hidden choice appears.
After the final battle, the Iron Eye approaches the corpse meant to receive the Rune. Instead of offering the power, he unsheathes his blade and destroys the vessel. The Rune fades. The Roundtable collapses. The world remains shrouded in Night.
This ending does not bring peace or renewal. Instead, it denies the system that demanded obedience and sacrifice. The Iron Eye walks away alone, unchained from the Fellowship, the Golden Order, and the need to fulfill anyone’s command. Though the Night persists, the freedom he gains is real. It is the first time he has acted by his own will.
4. Secret ending: Wylder
To access Wylder’s secret ending, players must fully reunite him with the Duchess, restore his memories, and use a larval tear on the dying Nightlord’s body. Wylder’s injuries from earlier in the story leave him too weak to continue, but with this path, he finds a way to endure.
In this version, Wylder merges with the Nightlord, not as a tyrant but as a vessel of mercy. His form reshapes into a shadowed figure crowned with horns. The world does not burn. Instead, the Night settles into a quiet dusk. The Duchess remains alive, protected by the bond they forged and the Iron Menial’s blessing.
The Wylder’s final thoughts echo through the Hold:
"If this is what must be, then let it be me."
This ending accepts the Night as a permanent part of the world. It does not seek to destroy it, only to hold it gently. Wylder becomes a new kind of Nightlord, one who watches but does not conquer.
The night ends
Elden Ring Nightreign is not a tale of chosen heroes destined to win, but of broken people walking into the dark with no guarantee of return. Each Nightfarer brings their own history, regrets, and quiet hopes to the Roundtable. Some seek redemption. Others just want answers. What unites them is not a prophecy, but a choice, to face what the rest of the world has already surrendered to.
Through its eight protagonists and multiple endings, Nightreign explores the cost of perseverance in a world already lost. Whether players bring about a new dawn, embrace the Night, or find a gentler path somewhere in between, their decisions leave an imprint far deeper than victory alone. The Night may pass, or it may remain, but the stories told along the way make it matter either way.
In the end, Nightreign doesn’t just expand the lore of the Lands Between, it reframes what it means to fight in a world where hope itself feels like a myth.
