Elden Ring Nightreign presents itself as a fascinating evolution within the realm of FromSoftware’s acclaimed Elden Ring. This game transforms the traditional RPG combat mechanics into a dynamic and rapid-paced roguelite experience. Although the gameplay loop might initially appear complex, players will find it becomes clearer after a few runs. The challenge remains high, in true FromSoftware fashion, yet it retains the studio’s hallmark of offering layers of obscured mechanics that may not be readily apparent without exploration.
While the tutorial is relatively brief and the tips provided during the introduction to Remembrance Quests and other features in the Roundtable Hold may seem limited, Nightreign boasts an extensive in-game manual known as the Visual Codex. Located in the western wing of the Roundtable, this codex is a treasure trove of information covering a vast array of topics essential for mastering the game. The following tips and tricks will significantly enhance your gameplay, but for a deeper understanding of Elden Ring Nightreign‘s intricate mechanics, investing time in the Visual Codex is highly recommended.
8
Maximize Your Resistance: How Using Boluses Provides Permanent Buffs
Make Sure to Use Every Bolus You Encounter
In Nightreign, you might initially perceive Boluses as merely situational items. Their primary function is to alleviate the effects of various ailments, including curing poison or Scarlet Rot. However, they may seem less advantageous compared to other consumables that could occupy your limited inventory slots. What the game doesn’t explicitly convey is that each time you consume a bolus, it grants a lasting increase to your resistance against the corresponding ailment.
For instance, using a Neutralizing Bolus not only cures your current poison and mitigates any poison buildup but also enhances your character’s poison resistance for the entirety of that run. This effect is cumulative, meaning the more boluses of a specific type you consume, the stronger your resistance becomes. Therefore, whenever you discover boluses, be sure to utilize them to maximize your defensive capabilities.
7
Recover Your Progress: Understanding Rune Conversion After Dying
Retrieve Your Lost Levels Through Rune Conversion
Experiencing death in Elden Ring Nightreign can feel like a significant setback. Not only do you lose precious in-game time, but you also lose a level upon respawning. With a maximum of only 15 levels available, losing even one can greatly impact your ability to succeed against formidable foes like the Nightlord. A crucial detail that’s often overlooked is that lost levels are not permanently gone.
Upon dying, the level you lost transforms into the equivalent number of Runes needed to regain that level, combined with any other Runes you lost at that time. If you manage to recover your Runes by either picking them up or defeating the enemy who acquired them, you can restore all your lost progress. Simply reach a Site of Grace, and you’ll be back at the exact spot where you fell, ready to continue your adventure.
6
Navigate with Ease: Accessing the Map of the Mining Tunnels
Access the Mining Tunnel Map While Inside
The map in Elden Ring Nightreign is crucial for planning every expedition. The layout of each area will significantly guide your navigation through Limveld, yet it may not seem fully fleshed out at first. Players often find themselves disoriented while searching for vital resources, like a Smithing Stone [2] in the intricate mining tunnels.
Fortunately, you can view the mining tunnel map by pressing down on the D-pad while you are within the tunnels. This feature greatly simplifies navigation, especially in the confusing underground labyrinth where danger lurks at every corner. Knowing the exact layout not only aids in preserving your life and Runes but also saves you valuable time during your excursions.
5
Unlock Rewards: Defeating the Tutorial Boss for Extra Benefits
Replay the Tutorial and Overcome the Fell Omen
It’s common for Soulslike games to introduce a nearly unbeatable boss either at the start or conclusion of the tutorial, and Nightreign follows this tradition. After grasping the game’s core mechanics, you’ll confront the Fell Omen, a more formidable version of Elden Ring‘s Morgott, the Omen King (and Margit, as they are effectively the same entity). While many players might succumb and move on, there’s a tangible reward for those who manage to defeat the tutorial’s Fell Omen.
Fell Omen Fetish Relic |
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Boosts Attack Power When Switching Weapons |
Increases Damage for Throwing Knives |
Grants +1 to Vigor |
Returning to the tutorial to defeat the Fell Omen rewards you with the Fell Omen Fetish, a powerful Relic, which boasts the benefits listed in the table above. You can replay the tutorial from the Visual Codex located in the Roundtable Hold. The Fell Omen Fetish is a valuable addition to your arsenal, particularly for players who can find two effective weapons during a run and switch between them frequently to maximize its potential.
4
Optimize Your Build: Utilizing Relics on Nightfarer’s Dump Stats
Understanding the Soft Level Caps in Nightreign
With each of the eight Nightreign Nightfarers embodying a unique character archetype, players may find themselves overly focused on enhancing their primary stats. However, it’s essential to adopt a broader perspective when selecting Relics. Nightreign features soft level caps for its attributes, akin to Elden Ring, which means you’ll experience diminishing returns from Relics aimed at boosting a Nightfarer’s main stat.
For example, a Relic that enhances Strength will offer a significant boost early in the game for a Raider character. However, after gaining a few levels, the effectiveness of this Strength boost will diminish. It is often more advantageous to use Relics that enhance a character’s dump stats, meaning their weakest attributes. Characters with lower health will benefit much more from Relics that enhance Vigor compared to those with higher HP scaling.
3
Master Blocking: Always Negating 100% Damage in Nightreign
A Departure from FromSoftware’s Typical Damage Mechanics
The mechanics surrounding blocking represent one of the most significant differences between Nightreign and its predecessor, Elden Ring. Traditionally, FromSoftware titles use shields and weapons to mitigate a percentage of damage when blocking. In Elden Ring, you can block all incoming physical damage only if your shield’s Physical Damage Negation stat is at 100. However, this principle is entirely altered in Nightreign.
In this game, blocking consistently negates 100% of incoming damage, with a shield’s Guard stat determining stamina loss instead, rather than the amount of damage absorbed. This fundamental shift informs the Guardian’s unique gameplay role. If you can acquire Relics or gear passives that attract enemy attention, you can effectively draw heat away from your allies, especially if you manage to significantly boost your stamina.
2
Utilize Your Ultimate Art: Enjoy Invincibility During Activation
Extend the Ultimate Art Animation for Strategic Invincibility
While it may be relatively easy to notice, this essential gameplay element deserves highlighting, as it can be pivotal in crucial moments. When activating your Ultimate Art, you become invulnerable to damage, effectively providing an extended dodge window that can be strategically advantageous in various scenarios. If you’re low on flasks and anticipate taking damage, activating your ultimate can be a lifesaver, and offensive ultimates can ensure your survival while reviving fallen teammates.
Certain Ultimate Arts can even be held longer, extending your period of invincibility. This allows for greater strategic timing; if you initiate your ultimate too early, you can hold both buttons to wait until more enemies enter the area of effect, maximizing your impact.
1
Activate Equipment Passives: The Importance of Active Equipping
Identify the Red Hand Icon for Active Equipment Requirements
One of the most valuable pieces of advice for newcomers in Nightreign is to collect equipment, even if you don’t intend to utilize it immediately, as their passive buffs are often applied even from your inventory. However, a critical caveat exists: certain passive buffs necessitate that an item be actively equipped, indicated by a red hand icon beside the item.
For these passive effects to activate, the item must occupy an active equipment slot in either your right or left hand. The only requirement is for it to be in an active slot; you don’t necessarily have to use it. Therefore, if you’re two-handing a weapon, ensure to equip the item with the red hand icon in your other active slot. When done correctly, the red hand icon will glow bright white. These items usually offer powerful bonuses, making them a significant advantage during an Elden Ring Nightreign adventure.
Elden Ring Nightreign
- Release Date
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May 30, 2025
- Developer(s)
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From Software
- Publisher(s)
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Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software
- Multiplayer Mode
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Online Co-Op
- Number of Players
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1-3
- Steam Deck Compatibility
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Unknown
- PC Release Date
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May 30, 2025
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