Meet the Nightfarers – Detailed Overview of Elden Ring: Nightreign’s Playable Characters

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FromSoftware has found success with multiplayer elements in its Soulsborne titles over the years, but a standalone multiplayer game isn’t typical for them. However, Elden Ring: Nightreign promises an interesting three-player co-op PvE roguelike action RPG experience, building upon the foundation of 2022’s hit Elden Ring while adding its own unique twist to FromSoftware’s familiar and acclaimed formula. At launch, the game will offer eight playable classes represented by distinctive characters known as Nightfarers, and ahead of its release, we’ll be exploring each one and sharing what is known about them. Here’s what we know so far:

1. Warrior: The Warrior is a versatile class that excels in close-combat. They are skilled in both sword and shield combat, making them a solid choice for players who prefer a more defensive playstyle.
2. Ranger: The Ranger specializes in ranged combat, using bows, crossbows, and other projectile weapons to take down enemies from afar. They also have access to stealth abilities, allowing them to sneak up on unsuspecting foes.
3. Mage: The Mage class is a powerful magic user who can unleash devastating spells and abilities on their opponents. They excel in crowd control and area of effect attacks, making them a valuable asset in group play.
4. Rogue: The Rogue is a stealthy assassin-like character that specializes in quick, agile combat. They have the ability to quickly dodge and evade enemies, as well as deal high damage with their daggers and other melee weapons.
5. Cleric: The Cleric is a support class that can heal and buff allies while debuffing enemies. They are also capable of dealing moderate damage in combat, making them a versatile choice for players who want to help their teammates.
6. Knight: The Knight is a heavy armor-wearing class that excels in close combat. They have high health and defense, making them a tanky option for players who prefer a more defensive playstyle.
7. Archer: The Archer is similar to the Ranger but specializes in using heavy crossbows and other slow-firing projectile weapons. They have longer range and deal higher damage than the Ranger, but at the cost of mobility and speed.
8. Sorcerer: The Sorcerer is a powerful magic user like the Mage, but focuses on casting spells with more destructive power. They are capable of dealing massive area-of-effect damage and have access to unique spells that can control the battlefield.

WYLDER

Kick things off with the Wylder, a versatile generalist class that doesn’t focus on a single skill but excels in various areas. This is typically the first class beginners will choose. The Wylder initially carries a greatsword and shield, and can wear medium armor into battle. Stat-wise, it offers a good balance between speed and combat prowess, and it also comes with a crossbow attached to its arm that can fire explosive bolts or a grappling hook for unique movement mechanics and enemy positioning. Its ultimate ability, Onslaught Stake, hurls an explosive iron stake dealing massive damage. Additionally, the Wylder’s passive skill, known as Sixth Sense, allows it to resurrect once upon death, which can be quite beneficial in a game like this (or really, any game), given its potential usefulness.

IRONEYE

In Elden Ring, the Nightreign’s Ironeye character stands out as a master of ranged combat, with a focus on agility (dexterity) being its primary attribute. The bows in this game have been specifically enhanced to make long-range builds more potent compared to the original version. This class excels not only at dealing significant damage from afar but also proves beneficial for reviving allies from a distance.

Moreover, Ironeye offers several helpful abilities that can benefit other players too. For instance, its passive ability boosts enemy drop rates, while Marking skill not only makes enemies more susceptible to damage but also functions as an efficient movement tool. Lastly, the Ironeye character can utilize its ultimate, Single Shot, to launch a high-damage supersonic arrow at an opponent.

RECLUSE

If you’re looking for a character that specializes in magic and sorcery, consider choosing the Recluse. Equipped with potent magical skills and a swift movement style, this class also comes with a lower health bar, making it ideal for players who are strategic and patient. It seems that mastering this class can lead to significant payoffs.

The passive ability, Elemental Defence, is particularly useful as it allows you to replenish your Focus Points (FP) by absorbing elemental residues in the environment, ensuring a steady supply of magic for spellcasting. As for the ultimate ability, Soulblood Song, it functions as a supportive power for your entire team. By marking enemies with blood sigils, each attack on them will gradually restore a small amount of health and magic for you and your allies.

DUCHESS

Completing the quartet of core classes is the Duchess, embodying the typical characteristics of a rogue or thief. She boasts high dexterity and agility, excelling in evading attacks with finesse, and delivering swift but not heavy blows. Her passive ability boosts her dodging skills in various aspects, ranging from executing double dodges to enhancing the invincibility frames (i-frames) of her basic dodge animation. The Duchess possesses the Restage skill, which multiplies the damage an enemy has sustained within a brief timeframe by two – a lethal tactic when used strategically. Lastly, her ultimate ability renders both herself and her allies invisible for a few seconds.

GUARDIAN

As a gamer, let me tell you, I’m one of the swankier and more soaring Nightfarers in Elden Ring Nightreign, if I do say so myself – the Guardian. With my bird-like humanoid form clad in heavy armor and wielding a colossal shield, I’m all about defense, but don’t underestimate my offense. I can deliver slow yet powerful blows with my halberd as a starting weapon.

My Whirlwind ability unleashes a strong wind attack on enemies, summoned by my mighty wings. And speaking of those wings, they also come in handy for my ultimate move, Wings of Salvation. This lets me leap to great heights (useful for getting around too), followed by a dive back down with a powerful strike.

REVENANT

One of the lesser-known Elden Ring character classes is the Nightreign, or The Revenant, which has been shrouded in mystery as Bandai Namco and FromSoftware have not disclosed much about the Nightfarer yet. However, we do know that the main ability of The Revenant will be summoning spectral skeletal allies using Spirit Ashes, who will then join you in battle. Primarily designed as a support class, The Revenant appears to offer an immersive gameplay experience that players may find themselves drawn to once they’ve mastered the more fundamental classes.

EXECUTOR

For fans of the game “Sekiro,” the Executor is an engaging melee class that specializes in katana combat. This class stands out with quick and powerful strikes capable of dealing significant damage. Deflecting and parrying enemy attacks are also essential to master for the Executor’s playstyle. The Cursed Sword skill will boost your deflection abilities, giving you a unique stance, while the class’ ultimate ability, Aspects of the Crucible, allows you to transform into a massive Primordial Beast temporarily, causing destruction for a brief period. From what we’ve seen so far, it seems that this class offers a distinct gameplay experience compared to other classes in the game.

RAIDER

This character, known as the Raider, is a swift, melee-centric class that masterfully blends quick maneuvers with intense close-quarters combat, capable of dishing out significant damage when utilized properly. Initially equipped with a large axe, it leverages its high strength stat to mete out hefty penalties to enemies. Its signature move, Retaliate, is a powerful punch that not only inflicts substantial damage but also has a high chance of stunning most opponents it hits. What’s more, the Raider remains upright when using this skill, thanks to its passive ability. The ultimate ability, Totem Stela, is equally impressive, as it summons a colossal tombstone that harms enemies, bolsters nearby allies, and can be scaled for a strategic vantage point, making it particularly useful for the Ironeye class.

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2025-05-28 07:42