Mastering Character Selection in Elden Ring Nightreign: A 2025 Player's Guide

The latest expansion to FromSoftware's critically acclaimed franchise, Elden Ring Nightreign, has captivated players worldwide since its release earlier this year. The game offers an impressive roster of six immediately playable characters right after completing the tutorial, with additional characters waiting to be unlocked through progression. This character diversity ensures that regardless of your combat preferences, there's a perfect match waiting to elevate your journey through the haunting landscapes of the Lands Between.

Selecting the right character in Nightreign isn't just about aesthetics—it's a strategic decision that can dramatically alter your gameplay experience. As someone who's spent countless hours exploring every nook and cranny of this expansion, I can't emphasize enough how refreshing it is to experiment with different character builds. It's like they say, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket," especially when FromSoftware has crafted such diverse and compelling character options!

How to Switch Characters in Solo Play

For those embarking on a solitary adventure through the treacherous realms of Nightreign, character selection occurs within the atmospheric confines of the Roundtable Hold. This process is surprisingly straightforward but must be completed before initiating an expedition.

To change your character:

1. Navigate to the main room of the Roundtable Hold

2. Look across from The Priestess to locate a suit of armor

3. Approach the distinctive golden bell held by the armor

4. Interact with the bell to access the character selection menu

5. Choose your preferred character from the available roster

This selection isn't merely cosmetic—it fundamentally alters your approach to combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. The character you embody in the Roundtable Hold will be the one you control when beginning a Solo Expedition, seamlessly transitioning into the opening cutscene.

Character Switching in Multiplayer

The multiplayer experience in Nightreign takes a different approach to character selection. When playing with friends or random companions, your Roundtable Hold character becomes irrelevant to the expedition ahead.

The multiplayer character selection process works as follows:

1. Interact with the Roundtable to initiate multiplayer

2. Either search for an existing group or create one for your friends

3. Once all players have successfully connected, a character selection screen appears

4. Choose your character within the allotted time frame

It's worth noting that this selection screen is timed, adding a layer of pressure to your decision-making. If you hesitate too long, the game will automatically select whatever character your cursor was hovering over—talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place!

Strategic Character Selection in Multiplayer

One of the most intriguing aspects of Nightreign's multiplayer design is the absence of character uniqueness restrictions. Unlike many cooperative games that prevent duplicate character selection, Nightreign embraces freedom of choice. All three players in a party can theoretically select the same character if desired.

However, this freedom comes with strategic considerations. The game's challenging enemies are specifically balanced for diverse party compositions, with health pools designed to withstand the combined assault of three distinct character types. My personal experience suggests that a balanced party typically performs more effectively against the game's most formidable foes.

That said, there are legitimate reasons to coordinate identical character selections with your companions. For instance, if your group is focused on experiencing a specific character's remembrance storyline together, sharing that character across all players can create a uniquely cohesive narrative experience. It's the gaming equivalent of "great minds think alike," though sometimes diversity truly is strength.

Character Roles and Specializations

Each character in Nightreign brings unique abilities and combat styles to the table:

Character Type	Combat Style	Optimal Role
Melee Specialists	Close-range combat	Frontline damage/tank
Spellcasters	Ranged magical attacks	Support/area damage
Hybrid Fighters	Balanced approach	Adaptable utility
Stealth Experts	Evasion and critical strikes	Reconnaissance/burst damage

The 2025 meta currently favors balanced party compositions that can adapt to the varied challenges of Nightreign's procedurally generated dungeons. However, the developers at FromSoftware continue to fine-tune character balance with regular updates, ensuring that no single approach dominates the experience for long.

FAQ: Elden Ring Nightreign Character Selection

Q: Can I change my character mid-expedition?

A: No, once you've begun an expedition, you're locked into your character choice until completion or failure. Choose wisely before departing, or as veterans say, "Measure twice, cut once."

Q: Are some characters locked behind progression barriers?

A: Absolutely! While six characters are available immediately after the tutorial, additional characters can be unlocked through game progression. These advanced options often bring unique skills that can be game-changers for experienced players.

Q: Does character selection affect story outcomes?

A: While the main narrative remains consistent, each character experiences unique dialogue moments and has access to special remembrance quests that provide deeper insight into the lore of the Lands Between.

Q: What's the best character for beginners?

A: New players often find success with balanced hybrid fighters that offer forgiving learning curves. However, the beauty of Nightreign is that there's no "wrong" choice—just different approaches to overcome the same challenges. It's a classic case of "different strokes for different folks."

Q: Can I level up multiple characters simultaneously?

A: Each character maintains independent progression, meaning you'll need to invest time in each one you wish to develop. This design encourages players to "go big or go home" with their character investments, at least initially.

As Elden Ring Nightreign continues to evolve through 2025, mastering character selection remains one of the game's most rewarding strategic elements. Whether you're a solo explorer or part of a coordinated team, understanding the nuances of character switching and selection will dramatically enhance your journey through FromSoftware's most ambitious expansion yet. Happy hunting, Tarnished ones! 🗡️✨