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

One of the most exciting aspects of Elden Ring has always been the vast array of playstyles it supports. For those who relish in maxing out Strength, wielding the heftiest weapons, and demolishing enemies with devastating jumping attacks and charged heavy strikes, the Raider class in Nightreign is a perfect fit. If you share this playstyle, dive into the video below to see the Raider in action.

While the Guardian, another robust class with ample health and a preference for large weapons, focuses on defensive strategies with a shield and an ultimate ability that offers prolonged damage mitigation for the entire party, the Raider is tailored as an offensive juggernaut.

The Raider's most pivotal skill is Retaliate, which might initially seem underwhelming with its two stomps that deliver moderate physical and poise damage. However, the true power lies in the Raider's passive ability, which prevents knockback during Retaliate. This essentially provides a free damage-absorbing move, allowing you to withstand any enemy or boss attack. Moreover, the second stomp transforms into a potent punch upon absorbing significant damage, capable of staggering even the mightiest foes.

The Raider's ultimate, Totem Stela, unleashes a ground-slamming move that summons a large totem, inflicting substantial area damage. Like other ultimates in Nightreign, Totem Stela can shift the momentum of a battle. Beyond its direct damage, the totem serves as a climbable structure, providing both a safe haven and a strategic vantage point for you and your teammates. Additionally, it grants a damage buff to everyone nearby, making it a prime ability to coordinate with your team for maximum impact.

Among all the classes in Nightreign, the Raider has been the most enjoyable for me. Starting with the Raider's Greataxe, a solid weapon that inflicts fire damage and features the "Endure" skill for additional attack absorption, the Raider thrives with large, strength-scaling weapons as the game progresses.

The Raider stands out as my top choice in Nightreign, particularly excelling in one-on-one combat. This aligns well with its Remembrances, which involve solo boss fights in a gladiatorial setting, offering a refreshing gameplay twist.

That concludes our hands-on impressions of Nightreign's classes. Keep an eye out throughout the month for detailed explorations of Nightreign's mechanics, developer interviews, and more as part of IGN First's ongoing coverage.