Just wrapped up another intense session of Elden Ring Nightreign's network test, and I'm already obsessed! As a longtime FromSoftware fan, I can confidently say this spin-off is shaping up to be something truly special. Unlike the vast open-world exploration of the original Elden Ring, Nightreign focuses on shorter cooperative runs through randomized environments—and honestly? It's refreshingly addictive.

The biggest game-changer has to be the character selection system. Instead of the usual create-your-own protagonist, we get eight distinct Nightfarers (with more coming in future DLC). After spending hours with each available character, I've got some serious thoughts on who might suit your playstyle best in 2025's hottest Soulslike experience.

Wylder: The Perfect Starting Point

If you're new to Nightreign, Wylder is your best bet. He's essentially the poster child for the game, and for good reason! His balanced stats make him approachable for beginners while still offering depth for veterans.

What makes Wylder special:

  • 🪝 Grappling hook for unmatched mobility

  • 💥 Pile bunker explosions that deal massive damage

  • 🛡️ Passive ability that lets you survive one fatal blow per run

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I've clutched so many runs with that survive-one-hit passive! There's nothing more satisfying than bouncing back from what should have been certain death to finish off a boss. If you want a character that does everything well without specializing too heavily, Wylder is your guy.

Guardian: The Ultimate Team Player

The Guardian immediately caught my eye in the reveal trailer—I mean, we're talking about a BIRD PERSON in a FromSoftware game! But beyond the cool aesthetics, this character brings something truly unique to Nightreign.

Unlike other Nightfarers who focus on specific weapon types, Guardian is all about shields and defensive play. Playing him feels like being the team's anchor:

  • 🛡️ Shield synergy that rewards blocking and counterattacking

  • ☁️ Status effect clouds that can stun enemies or erase debuffs

  • 🦅 Dive tank Ultimate with an AoE defense buff for the whole squad

During the network test, I found myself naturally taking point with Guardian, drawing aggro while my teammates capitalized on openings. The feeling of saving your entire squad with a perfectly timed defense buff is unmatched!

Duchess: The Damage Amplifier

OMG the Duchess might be my personal favorite! She was easily the strongest character in the network test, and her playstyle is just chef's kiss.

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What makes her special:

  • 🗡️ Modified dagger moveset with enhanced dodges

  • 👻 Ultimate Art that makes nearby allies invisible (even during boss fights!)

  • ✨ Restage ability that can DOUBLE damage enemies just took

That Restage ability is absolutely broken when used correctly. Coordinate with a heavy-hitting teammate like Raider, and you can stagger bosses in seconds. I've seen speedrunners already developing strategies around her kit, and it's scary efficient.

Recluse: The Spell Maestro

Playing Recluse feels like you're in an entirely different game! If you enjoyed spellcasting in the original Elden Ring, you're going to have a field day with this character.

She's essentially Nightreign's dedicated mage class, but with fascinating twists:

  • 🧪 Magic Cocktail ability with countless spell combinations

  • 🎵 Soulblood Song Ultimate that provides combat relief

  • 📚 Best scaling with most spells you'll find during runs

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I'm still discovering new Magic Cocktail recipes after dozens of hours! The learning curve is steep, but the payoff is enormous. Once you memorize the elemental interactions and optimal spell combos, you'll be carrying teams through the toughest content.

Ironeye: The Ranged Support

While not playable in the network test, everything I've seen about Ironeye has me hyped! FromSoftware seems to have completely reinvented bow combat, taking inspiration from Monster Hunter's bow mechanics.

What we know about Ironeye:

  • 🏹 Completely overhauled bow moveset with new movement capabilities

  • 🎯 Critical hit animations that look absolutely devastating

  • 🔍 Passive item discovery rate increase for the whole team

  • 💉 Can revive downed allies by shooting them from safety

For players who prefer to maintain distance while still contributing massively to team success, Ironeye looks promising. I can already imagine the clutch revives from across the arena!

Raider: The Unga Bunga Champion

Sometimes you just want to hit things really, really hard. That's where Raider comes in.

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This Viking-inspired powerhouse seems designed for players who miss the simple joys of Strength builds:

  • 🪓 Preference for massive weapons

  • 💪 Super-armored character skill (poise for days!)

  • 🗿 Totem Stela Ultimate that enables team maneuvers

While seemingly straightforward, his Totem Stela Ultimate hints at deeper team synergy possibilities. I've seen footage of an Ironeye perching on the totem for elevated shots—the potential for creative team plays is exciting!

Executor: The Glass Cannon

Although not officially detailed yet, the Executor has appeared in marketing materials looking absolutely deadly. As a Sekiro fan, I'm particularly excited about this one.

What we've glimpsed:

  • ⚔️ Great Katana wielding with Sekiro-like deflect mechanics

  • ⚡ Unique parry animations that look incredibly satisfying

  • 🔥 Possible ability to convert weapon buffs into special attacks

If the Executor truly brings Sekiro's combat precision to Nightreign, I'll be maining this character immediately. Just be prepared to dodge perfectly—all signs point to this being a high-risk, high-reward glass cannon.

Revenant: The Mystery Summoner

The most mysterious Nightfarer yet, only appearing in leaks! The Revenant seems to be introducing entirely new mechanics to the FromSoftware formula.

The limited info we have suggests:

  • 🎵 Wielding a harp (a completely new weapon type!)

  • 💀 Summoning abilities similar to Spirit Ashes, possibly skeleton-themed

  • ✨ "Enchantment" mechanics that haven't been fully revealed

As someone who loved the Tibia Mariner encounters in Elden Ring, the idea of commanding my own skeleton army has me beyond excited. The Revenant might be the most unconventional character yet, perfect for players who enjoy indirect combat approaches.

With Elden Ring Nightreign's release just around the corner, I'm counting down the days until I can properly dive into all these characters. The shift to a cooperative, replayable format with such diverse character options shows just how much FromSoftware understands what makes their games special.

Which Nightfarer are you planning to main? I'm torn between the Duchess and Executor right now, but I have a feeling I'll end up trying them all extensively. That's the beauty of Nightreign's design—each character offers a genuinely different way to experience the game!

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See you in the Nightrealm, fellow Tarnished! 🌙✨

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Details are provided by Eurogamer, a leading source for European gaming news and reviews. Eurogamer's recent previews of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and its spin-offs emphasize how Nightreign's shift to cooperative, character-driven gameplay is a bold evolution for FromSoftware, offering both replayability and a fresh take on Soulslike traditions.