Start by reading the objective and failure conditions shown for that trial, then make one safe attempt to learn its layout or enemy waves. Nightmare Trials include combat and traversal, so a build that helps in one is not automatically the best choice in another. You can revisit discovered trials from Nightmare Cabin and improve the score later.
Start by reading the objective and failure conditions shown for that trial, then make one safe attempt to learn its layout or enemy waves. Nightmare Trials include combat and traversal, so a build that helps in one is not automatically the best choice in another. You can revisit discovered trials from Nightmare Cabin and improve the score later.
This guide is for PS5 and describes general preparation, not a guaranteed score. Trial names and later unlocks can reveal story details.
Find and reopen a trial
During the story, look for Nightmare Doors; a published collectible guide describes purple roots leading to them. Interact with a door and read the trial’s rules before starting. As the story progresses, Nightmare Cabin becomes available and lets you replay discovered Nightmare Trials. If a particular trial is missing, first check whether its door has been discovered; missed level-specific collectibles can be found through Mission Replay.
The published guide reports 14 doors and a further trial after the story. That later content is a spoiler and is not needed to understand the first attempt. The game’s tracker and available selection are the best way to confirm your own progress.
Prepare for the type of challenge
| Trial asks you to… | Prepare by… | First attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Fight enemies | Review available Techniques and defensive Adaptations; choose one crowd-control move and one survival aid if unlocked. | Notice which enemy attacks from range and which move ends your attempt. |
| Traverse under time pressure | Review movement controls and any accessibility settings you use. | Follow the route once and identify the jump or turn that costs the most time. |
| Meet a score or other specific objective | Read the trial’s own target and end conditions. | Record the result; change one part of the approach rather than assuming every trial scores identically. |
For combat, the official PlayStation guide describes Tornado Spin as a multi-hit attack against surrounding enemies and Knee Breaker as a stagger and interruption tool. Use the one you have unlocked and can control. For traversal, avoid changing several control settings immediately before the run; first find the precise obstacle.
After a failed attempt
Look at the result screen: did you run out of time, lose health, or miss a required action? Repeat the section with one adjustment. If the trial has a time limit, practise the difficult turn or jump before trying to move faster everywhere. If enemy pressure is the issue, use a safer opening and check whether ranged attackers can be dealt with first.
Trial rules and score thresholds can differ, so use the in-game instructions for the specific attempt. Return after unlocking more skills if the current setup is uncomfortable; a higher rank is not guaranteed by one build or a specific button sequence.
Sources: PlayStation overview of Nightmare Challenges and Techniques, PlayStation combat guide, PowerPyx Nightmare Door guide, Insider Gaming on replaying trials.