Elden Ring Nightreign: Raider Class First Impressions - IGN

If you're a fan of Elden Ring and thrive on the thrill of wielding massive weapons to dominate your foes with strength-based attacks, you'll find the Raider class in Nightreign to be a perfect fit. This class resonates with the same brute force and strategic gameplay that you enjoy in Elden Ring, allowing you to continue your journey of crushing enemies with heavy, posture-breaking attacks.

While the Guardian, another robust class known for its health and affinity for large weapons, focuses on defensive strategies with a shield and team-wide damage mitigation through its ultimate ability, the Raider is designed as an offensive juggernaut. It's tailored for players who want to unleash devastating attacks and dominate the battlefield.

The cornerstone of the Raider's arsenal is the Retaliate ability. At first glance, it might seem modest with just two stomps that inflict physical and poise damage. However, the true power lies in the Raider's passive ability, which prevents knockback during Retaliate. This means you can soak up damage without interruption, effectively turning this ability into a formidable tool for absorbing hits and countering with a devastating punch that can stagger even the mightiest foes.

The Raider's ultimate, Totem Stela, is another game-changer. With a ground slam that summons a large totem, it not only deals significant damage to nearby enemies but also offers a strategic advantage. The totem can be climbed, providing a safe haven or a vantage point for you and your team. Additionally, it boosts the damage output for everyone, making it an essential ability to coordinate with your team for maximum impact.

Starting with the Raider's Greataxe, which inflicts fire damage and comes equipped with the "Endure" skill, you have another means to withstand enemy attacks when Retaliate is on cooldown. As you progress through the game, seeking out larger strength-scaling weapons will enhance your Raider's playstyle even further.

Among all the classes in Nightreign, the Raider has been the most enjoyable for me. It excels in one-on-one combat, perfectly complementing its Remembrances, which feature gladiatorial-style boss fights. This adds a thrilling twist to your gameplay experience, making the Raider a standout choice for those who revel in direct confrontations.

Stay tuned throughout the month for more in-depth looks at Nightreign's mechanics, developer interviews, and more as IGN First continues to explore this exciting new game.