Elden Ring Nightreign: Raider Class Hands-On - IGN First Impressions

If you're a fan of Elden Ring and enjoy the thrill of wielding massive weapons to crush enemies with powerful, posture-breaking attacks, then you'll love diving into the world of Nightreign as a Raider. Check out the video below to see the Raider in action!

While the Guardian, another robust class in Nightreign, focuses on defense with a shield and an ultimate ability that provides extended damage mitigation for the entire party, the Raider is built to be an unyielding offensive juggernaut.

The cornerstone of the Raider's arsenal is the Retaliate ability. At first glance, it might seem modest—just two stomps that deliver physical and poise damage. However, the real power lies in the Raider's passive ability, which prevents knockback during Retaliate. This means you can absorb enemy and boss attacks without interruption, turning the initially weak second stomp into a devastating punch capable of staggering even the mightiest foes, provided you soak up a significant hit.

The Raider's ultimate, Totem Stela, is a game-changer. By slamming the ground, the Raider summons a large totem that erupts, causing massive damage to nearby enemies. This ultimate not only deals significant damage but also creates a climbable structure, offering a strategic vantage point or a safe haven for you and your teammates. Moreover, it boosts the damage output of everyone in your party, making it a crucial ability to coordinate for maximum team benefit.

Starting with the Raider's Greavtaxe, a solid weapon with fire damage and the "Endure" skill that helps you withstand enemy attacks when Retaliate is on cooldown, the Raider is perfectly equipped for close-quarters combat. As you progress, seeking out larger strength-scaling weapons will enhance your playstyle even further.

Among all the classes in Nightreign, the Raider stands out as the most enjoyable for me. It excels in one-on-one combat, which aligns well with its Remembrances—challenges that involve gladiatorial one-on-one boss fights, adding a thrilling twist to your gameplay experience.

That wraps up our initial impressions of Nightreign's classes. Stay tuned throughout the month for in-depth looks at Nightreign's mechanics, developer interviews, and more as IGN First continues its coverage.