Elden Ring Nightreign: Raider Class Preview - IGN First

If you're a fan of Elden Ring's diverse playstyles, particularly the thrill of wielding massive strength-based weapons and delivering devastating jumping attacks and charged heavy strikes, then the Raider class in Nightreign is right up your alley. Check out the video below to see the Raider in action.

While the Guardian, another robust class with high health and a penchant for large weapons, focuses on defense with a shield as its starter weapon and an ultimate ability that mitigates damage for the entire party over a long duration, the Raider is designed as an unrelenting offensive juggernaut.

The cornerstone of the Raider's arsenal is the Retaliate ability, which might initially seem underwhelming—just two stomps dealing moderate physical and poise damage. However, the true power lies in the Raider's passive ability, which prevents knockback during Retaliate. This effectively turns Retaliate into a damage-soaking tool, allowing you to plow through enemy and boss attacks unscathed. Additionally, the second stomp can transform into a formidable punch that can stagger even the mightiest foes, provided you absorb a significant hit.

The Raider's ultimate, Totem Stela, is equally impressive. By slamming the ground, the Raider summons a massive totem that erupts, inflicting substantial damage to nearby enemies. Like all ultimates in Nightreign, Totem Stela can be a game-changer. Not only does it deal heavy damage, but the totem also serves as a climbable structure, offering a safe haven or strategic vantage point for you and your teammates. Moreover, it provides a damage buff to the entire team, making it a crucial ability to coordinate for maximum impact.

Of all the classes in Nightreign, the Raider has been the most enjoyable for me to play. The class starts with the Raider's Greataxe, a reliable weapon that inflicts fire damage and comes equipped with the "Endure" skill, offering another way to withstand enemy attacks when Retaliate is on cooldown. As you progress, seeking out larger strength-scaling weapons will enhance the Raider's offensive capabilities.

Among the classes I've tried in Nightreign, the Raider stands out as my top choice, especially for one-on-one combat. This preference aligns well with the class's Remembrances, which feature one-on-one boss fights in a gladiatorial setting, adding a fresh twist to the gameplay.

That concludes our hands-on 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.