Step into the relentless world of Elden Ring Nightreign, where your very first choice could mean the difference between glory and defeat. Whether you prefer striking from the shadows with the agile Ironeye archer or charging headfirst into battle as the resilient Wylder, selecting the right Nightfarer sets the tone for your epic journey. Ready to master the art of survival and unleash devastating abilities? Discover which class will lead you to triumph in this fast-paced, cooperative dark fantasy adventure.
Elden Ring Nightreign features eight playable classes (called Nightfarers), each with their own predetermined passive skills, character-specific abilities, and ultimate arts that can turn the tide of battle. And while all Nightreign players will start out as the Wylder, once you begin your first expedition, you’ll have immediate access to six classes: Executor, Guardian, Ironeye, Raider, Recluse, and Wylder. (You can unlock two additional Nightfarers, the Duchess and Revenant, as you complete expeditions and specific challenges.)
But what’s the best class to start with in Elden Ring Nightreign? While it largely depends on your playstyle, this Elden Ring Nightreign guide will help you figure it out.
Best class to start with in Elden Ring Nightreign
For players starting their journey in Elden Ring Nightreign, the best classes to begin with are Ironeye and Wylder. Ironeye is an archer-style class with high Dexterity and Arcane attributes, excelling at ranged combat and support by marking enemies to increase their vulnerability and reviving allies from a distance. This class is straightforward to master, focusing on stamina and HP without the complexity of managing FP. Wylder, on the other hand, is a versatile all-rounder equipped with a sword and shield, boasting high HP, Strength, and Stamina, making it ideal for players familiar with Souls-like combat. Wylder’s mobility and powerful ultimate ability provide both survivability and offensive options. These classes offer a balanced and accessible introduction to Nightreign’s mechanics, catering to different playstyles while ensuring a smooth start to the game.
For your first expedition, we recommend starting with the Ironeye or Wylder.
Ironeye is an archer-style class with high Dexterity and Arcane attributes. As a ranged fighter, Ironeye can target enemies from distance and attack from the safety of high ground. While relatively weak on his own, Ironeye can complement a team by providing support from afar, and marking enemies to make them more susceptible to damage and being staggered. Plus, if one of your allies goes down in the middle of a fight, you can help raise them from near-death from afar, firing arrows (or your ultimate art) at them to get them back on their feet.
Ironeye is also one of the least complicated characters to play as. You don’t have to worry about managing their FP – you really only need to focus on stamina and HP – and tracking down a good bow.
Nightreign’s Wylder is also a good starting choice, in part because he’s a jack of all trades and can “cheat death” for extra survivability. Just a good ol’ sword-and-shield guy, Wylder has high HP, high Strength, and solid Stamina, making him a natural fit for seasoned Souls players.
Wylder’s Claw Shot character skill is useful for quickly moving him close to enemies and for breaking their guard. His ultimate, Onslaught Stake, is a simple, satisfying, damage-dealing explosion that offers a straightforward way to wipe out substantial chunks of big enemies’ HP.
After you get your feet wet with Nightfarers like Ironeye and Wylder, try out tankier classes like the Raider and Guardian, or the speedy, backstabbing Duchess, who you’ll be able to unlock after defeating your first Nightlord.
Hardest class to start with in Elden Ring Nightreign
The hardest class to start with in Elden Ring Nightreign is the Recluse. This mage class is notably complex due to its reliance on managing FP without any FP flasks, requiring players to use a character skill to restore FP after each magic attack, which interrupts the flow of combat. Additionally, Recluse has the lowest health among classes and slower attack speeds, making it vulnerable and challenging for beginners. The necessity to constantly recharge FP, combined with longer spell cast times and low survivability, makes Recluse a demanding choice for new players starting their Nightreign journey.
The most complex Nightfarer starting character classes are the Executor and Recluse.
Executor looks extremely cool and deals a ton of damage output, and his ultimate art – in which he transforms into a giant primordial beast – can be a game-changer. But Executor has low survivability, and his character skill, which can deflect enemy attacks, requires some practice to master.
Recluse is a spellcaster/mixologist who can craft 14 different spells using magical “residues” from enemies, then attack enemies and buff her allies. As a ranged damage-dealer with low HP, she’s a good pick for players who may eventually get bored playing as Ironeye and want to try a more interesting and in-depth Nightfarer.
Of course, regardless of what class you pick, we highly recommend visiting the Sparring Grounds – a low-stakes training area – so you can try out different Nightfarers without the pressure of holding your teammates back in an expedition.
Which class in Elden Ring Nightreign offers the easiest start for beginners
The easiest class to start with in Elden Ring Nightreign for beginners is widely considered to be the Guardian or the Wylder. The Guardian is the tankiest Nightfarer, boasting the highest survivability with strong defenses, a halberd, and a greatshield, making it forgiving for players who struggle with dodging or parrying. Wylder, the default starting class, is a versatile all-rounder with balanced stats, high HP, and solid stamina, equipped with a sword and shield, and abilities that enhance survivability and mobility, making it ideal for newcomers familiar with Souls-style combat.
Additionally, the Ironeye archer class is also recommended for beginners who prefer ranged combat and support roles, as it is straightforward to master without complex FP management, focusing instead on stamina and HP.
In summary, for the easiest and most beginner-friendly start, Guardian and Wylder are top picks, with Ironeye also a strong contender depending on your preferred playstyle.
What makes Guardian the easiest class for beginners in Nightreign
The Guardian is considered the easiest class for beginners in Elden Ring Nightreign primarily due to its exceptional defensive capabilities and straightforward playstyle. It boasts the highest starting HP and strong stats in Vigor, Endurance, and Strength, making it very tanky and able to absorb a lot of damage. Its passive ability, Steel Guard, allows the Guardian to brace with a shield, significantly reducing stamina loss when blocking attacks and increasing poise to prevent stagger, which makes trading hits more manageable for new players.
Equipped with a halberd and a greatshield from the start, the Guardian can maintain distance while dealing damage and effectively block incoming attacks, providing a forgiving experience for those still mastering dodging and timing. Its abilities, such as the Whirlwind skill for crowd control and the Wings of Salvation ultimate that provides protective buffs and revives allies, add both offensive and supportive utility, making it invaluable in team play.
While the Guardian sacrifices mobility due to its defensive stance and slower movement when guarding, this trade-off favors beginners who benefit from a more durable and less punishing character. Overall, the Guardian’s tank role, ease of use, and strong defensive mechanics make it an excellent choice for players new to Nightreign or Souls-like games in general.
