Technologies

Can the Steam Deck Run Elden Ring Nightreign?

Playing FromSoftware’s new multiplayer game might be a little challenging with Valve’s portable console.

Elden Ring Nightreign is the new multiplayer title from developer FromSoftware. It features the same combat as Elden Ring, but is a unique type of game. Players can adventure solo or in groups of three to try and defeat the Nightlord in short online matches, which could make it a perfect game for the Steam Deck.

Portable gaming devices like the Steam Deck continue to gain in popularity as gamers want to take their favorite PC games on the go. A game like Elden Ring Nightreign is intended for short runs, meaning it won’t be a big drain on the battery while playing. However, with all new games, there is a question of whether it will run on the Steam Deck.

Is Elden Ring Nightreign Steam Deck verified?

As of right now, Elden Ring Nightreign is not Steam Deck verified, but it very likely will be when it launches. Being Steam Deck verified means the game has controller support, works with the default resolution of the Steam Deck, has no compatibility issues, and supports the Steam Deck Proton system. However, being verified doesn’t necessarily mean the game will run well. There are some games that are not Steam Deck verified that can still be played on the handheld, but they aren’t a seamless experience.

What are the Elden Ring Nightreign specs?

Here are the minimum and recommended specs for Elden Ring Nightreign:

Elden Ring Nightreign

	Minimum	Recommended
CPU	Intel Core i5-10600 or AMD RYZEN 5 5500	Intel Core i5-11500 or AMD RYZEN 5 5600
GPU	Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 3GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB	Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 8GB or AMD Radeon RX Vega-56 8GB
RAM	12GB	16GB
Storage	30GB	30GB
Windows	Windows 10	Windows 11

And here are the specs for the Steam Deck:

Steam Deck Specs

CPU	Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4–3.5GHz
RAM	16GB LPDDR5
GPU	8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.6GHz
Storage	Up to 2TB

Can the Steam Deck Run Elden Ring Nightreign?

Yes, and quite easily. I was able to do a few runs of Nightreign with the Steam Deck and didn’t experience any slowdowns or other graphical issues while playing. It makes sense that it was able to handle the game, as it uses the original Elden Ring engine, which didn’t strain most computers when it came out in 2022.

There is, however, a catch. Nightreign servers require a certain level of system performance for multiplayer, and if that isn’t met, you’ll be locked into single-player mode.

This requirement is likely due to the game’s anticheat tech. Back in February, developer FromSoftware updated the Nightreign SteamDB page, confirming that the game would include anticheat software. This could mean that portable gaming devices not running Windows, like the Steam Deck or computers using Linux, may have an issue participating in multiplayer matches.

Elden Ring Nightreign launches on May 30 for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One consoles for $40. Owning the original Elden Ring is not required to play this game.

Technologies

The Most Exciting Video Game Rumors and Leaks Ahead of 2026

Technologies

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Wednesday, Dec. 17

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Dec. 17.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Nod (off)
Answer: DOZE

5A clue: Naval submarine in W.W. II
Answer: UBOAT

7A clue: Tricky thing to do on a busy highway
Answer: MERGE

8A clue: Heat-resistant glassware for cooking
Answer: PYREX

9A clue: Put into groups
Answer: SORT

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Break up with
Answer: DUMP

2D clue: Falls in line, so to speak
Answer: OBEYS

3D clue: Legendary vigilante who cuts a «Z» with his sword
Answer: ZORRO

4D clue: Rarin’ to go
Answer: EAGER

6D clue: Common reminder for an upcoming appointment
Answer: TEXT

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

Technologies

You Can Watch an Exclusive Avatar: Fire and Ash Scene on TikTok Right Now

Disney and TikTok partner on an immersive content hub for James Cameron’s latest movie about the alien Na’vi.

If you’re not quite ready to head to the theater to watch Avatar: Fire and Ash, an exclusive scene preview might sell you on the visual spectacle. As part of a new collaboration with the social media giant, Disney is posting snippets of its new movie to its TikTok account.

This scene isn’t part of any trailer and won’t be posted to other social media accounts, making TikTok the only place you can view it — unless you buy a movie ticket. A first look at the new movie’s scenes isn’t the only Avatar-related bonus on the social media platform right now, either. TikTok has partnered with the house of mouse to bring an entire «immersive content hub» to the app.

A special section of TikTok includes quizzes and educational videos that explore the alien world of Pandora shown off in the movies. On TikTok, you can take a personality quiz to find out what Na’vi clan you most closely align with and unlock a special profile picture border to use on your account.

Science and fiction blend together with a series of videos from real doctors who explain the basis for some of Avatar’s world-building. If you want to learn about exoplanets or how realistic the anatomy of the movie’s alien animals is, these videos will feed your brain while still providing entertainment value.

Perhaps the most enticing part of Disney’s latest social media collaboration is the opportunity for fans to win prizes and trips. TikTok creators who make edits with the #TikTokAvatarContest hashtag are entered into a competition to win Avatar merchandise. The biggest winners will be able to take a trip to visual effects studio Wētā Workshop in New Zealand or visit Avatar director James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment Studio in Los Angeles.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is the third installment in director Cameron’s cinematic passion project. While the first Avatar movie was released in 2009, Cameron didn’t release another entry in the franchise until 2022. In total, there is a five-movie arc planned for the indigo alien Na’vi on the moon of Pandora.

The Avatar movies are known for pushing the boundaries of CGI visual effects in cinema. They are also historically big winners at the box office: the original Avatar is the highest-grossing film of all time, earning $2.9 billion across its theatrical releases. Its sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, is the third-highest-grossing film of all time, trailing Avengers: Endgame. You can stream those movies on Disney Plus.

It remains to be seen whether Avatar: Fire and Ash will financially live up to its predecessors. The film currently has mixed reviews from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.