Elden Ring Nightreign: Raider Class Preview - IGN First

One of the standout features of Elden Ring is its wide array of playstyles, and if you're someone who loves to max out Strength, wield the heaviest weapon you can find, and dominate with powerful jumping attacks and charged heavy strikes, then the Raider class in Nightreign might be right up your alley (check out the video below).

While the Guardian, another robust class with ample health and a penchant for large weapons, leans towards defense with a shield as its starting weapon and an ultimate that shields the entire party from damage for a sustained period, the Raider is crafted as a pure offensive juggernaut.

The cornerstone of the Raider's arsenal is the Retaliate ability. At first glance, it might seem underwhelming—just two stomps that deliver modest physical and poise damage. However, the true power lies in the Raider's passive ability, which prevents knockdowns while using Retaliate. This effectively turns Retaliate into a formidable damage-soaking tool, allowing you to plow through virtually any enemy or boss attack unscathed. Moreover, the second stomp can be upgraded to a devastating punch that staggers even the mightiest foes, provided you absorb a significant hit.

Then there's the Raider's ultimate ability, Totem Stela. By slamming the ground, the Raider summons a massive totem that erupts and deals substantial damage to nearby enemies. Like all ultimates in Nightreign, Totem Stela can turn the tide of battle. Not only does it inflict heavy damage, but the totem is also climbable, providing a safe haven or strategic vantage point for you and your teammates. Additionally, it boosts everyone's damage, making it a key ability to coordinate with your team for maximum impact.

Of all the classes I've tried in Nightreign, the Raider has been the most enjoyable for me. "The Raider starts with the Raider's Greataxe, a reliable weapon with fire damage and the 'Endure' skill, which offers another layer of protection against enemy attacks when Retaliate is on cooldown. However, as you progress, you'll want to upgrade to stronger strength-scaling weapons that complement the Raider's aggressive playstyle.

Among the classes I've experienced in Nightreign, the Raider stands out as the most fun, particularly for one-on-one combat. This is fitting, given that the Raider's Remembrances, which we'll discuss later this month, involve one-on-one boss battles in a gladiatorial arena, offering a refreshing twist to the gameplay.

That's a wrap on our initial impressions of Nightreign's classes. Keep an eye out throughout the month for in-depth looks at Nightreign's mechanics, developer interviews, and more as IGN First continues.