As a seasoned Tarnished who has braved the depths of the Lands Between, I can attest that the silence within the eerie landscapes of Elden Ring Nightreign can be both haunting and isolating. With no traditional text or voice chat to bridge the gap between strangers, coordinating with random teammates on perilous expeditions could easily devolve into a confusing, silent struggle. Thankfully, FromSoftware, in their infinite wisdom, has preserved and expanded the beloved gesture system from the base game. I've found that a well-timed 'Triumphant Delight' after surviving a brutal ambush, or a solemn 'Deep Respect' for a fallen comrade, can communicate more than words ever could, forging instant camaraderie in the heat of chaotic runs. It's a silent language that every Nightreign adventurer must learn.

Your Expansive Emote Arsenal 🎭

Unlike the base Elden Ring experience, where you must scour the world for gestures, Nightreign equips you with a generous starter pack right from the beginning. I remember booting up the expansion and being pleasantly surprised to find over two dozen emotes already at my disposal. This immediate access is crucial, as communication needs to be instantaneous during high-stakes expeditions. You can use these expressions freely in two primary locations:

• During Active Expeditions: To signal danger, point out loot, or celebrate small victories.

• Within the Roundtable Hold: To interact with other players in the social hub before or after a run.

How to Use Emotes: A Simple Guide

Executing the perfect gesture mid-combat requires muscle memory. Here’s the foolproof method I use:

1. Open the Menu: Press Esc on Keyboard or the Start button on an Xbox controller to bring up your Equipment menu.

2. Locate the Emote Icon: On the right side of the screen, you'll see a small icon of a waving figure. It's your gateway to expression.

3. Expand the Menu: Press 1 (Keyboard) or Y (Xbox) to open the full list of available emotes.

4. Select and Perform: Navigate to your desired emote and confirm your selection to see your character perform it instantly.

Pro-Tip: You can—and absolutely should—curate your favorites. By pressing 2 (Keyboard) or X (Xbox) on an emote, you can pin it to a quick-access slot at the top of your list. I keep 'Point Forward,' 'Help Me,' and 'Applause' readily available for efficient teamwork.

Expanding Your Collection at the Small Jar Bazaar 💰

The initial selection is robust, but true connoisseurs of communication will seek more. About halfway through my first major expedition, I discovered the secret to expanding my gestural vocabulary. Nestled within the Roundtable Hold is a unique merchant location.

Step	Action	Details
1	Open your Map from the Roundtable Hold.	Look for the Small Jar Bazaar marker.
2	Select it to teleport.	You'll be transported to a merchant area run by friendly living jars.
3	Browse and Purchase.	The merchant stocks over 15 additional emotes, from the playful to the profoundly respectful.

Here’s the best part: the economy of expression is incredibly fair. Each new emote costs a mere 200 Murks, the common currency found throughout Nightreign's depths. After a couple of successful, deeper runs, I had accrued enough Murks to buy every single one. It’s a rewarding investment that pays dividends in teamwork and fun.

Strategic Timing: When to Emote (And When Not To) ⏱️

While emotes are fantastic, Nightreign is a game of brutal efficiency. Through trial and (many) errors, I've learned there is a strict etiquette and strategy to their use.

• 🛡️ Safest Zone: The Roundtable Hold. This is your social playground. Experiment, greet new allies, or host impromptu dance parties without fear.

• ⚠️ High-Risk, High-Reward: During Expeditions. Time is your most precious resource. A poorly timed emote can mean the difference between life and death. However, strategic use is key:

  • After Surviving the First Night: The game often grants a brief respite. This is a perfect moment for a collective sigh of relief (via emote).

  • Before Confronting the Nightlord: The calm before the storm. My team always uses a synchronized 'Fellow's Duty' for a morale boost.

• 🚫 Critical Moments to Avoid: Never emote during active enemy pursuit, while solving time-sensitive environmental puzzles, or when your team is desperately low on healing. A second's distraction can wipe the party.

Why Emotes Are More Than Just Fun in 2026

As we move further into 2026, Elden Ring Nightreign continues to be a benchmark for cooperative play. The emote system has evolved from a novelty into a core gameplay mechanic. It mitigates the lack of direct chat by fostering a unique, wordless culture of cooperation. I've seen entire strategies conveyed through a sequence of points and waves. It creates memorable, shared stories—like the time my random party formed a conga line with the 'Happy Dance' emote all the way to a boss fog, utterly disarming the tension.

For newcomers and veterans alike, mastering this silent language is not optional; it's essential. It transforms a group of strangers into a cohesive unit, capable of taking on the Nightreign's most terrifying challenges. So, practice your gestures, visit the Small Jar Bazaar, and remember: sometimes, a simple bow says everything.

According to articles published by Polygon, a strong co-op experience often depends on fast, readable nonverbal cues as much as raw mechanics; in Elden Ring Nightreign, the expanded gesture kit effectively fills the no-chat gap by letting squads “call” directions, signal readiness, and reinforce team morale between encounters—making smart emote pinning and timing part of practical run efficiency, not just roleplay flavor.