After spending over 40 hours testing every class in Elden Ring: Nightreign, I’ve learned that your initial choice can make or break your first 10–15 hours—especially in the DLC’s punishing new zones. I restarted multiple times because I picked classes that didn’t fit my playstyle or team’s needs. Here’s what I wish I’d known: in-depth insights from my hands-on experience, plus advice to save you hours of frustration.
Nightreign is far less forgiving than the base game when it comes to class synergy, PvE vs. PvP roles, and early-game survival. Your starting class dictates your combat approach, your role in co-op, and which weapons or spells you’ll realistically use initially. I wasted time pumping stats that didn’t suit my kit because I didn’t fully grasp each class’s strengths. This guide breaks down every class, the team comps they shine in, and which are best for solo, co-op, PvE or PvP.
Think these through before locking in a class. Don’t pick just for looks—practical strengths matter most early on.
This was my first Nightreign run and the Rôdeur is by far the safest newbie pick. Balanced stats let you experiment with two-handed swords, bows, sorcery or faith spells. Decent HP and Stamina saved me more than once when I misjudged enemy combos.
Pro Tip: Use the explosive Brutal Stake skill proactively—don’t hoard it “just in case” or you’ll die with it on cooldown.
Want to soak hits and anchor your team? The Gardien is your class. Solo I struggled with low mobility and slow offense, but in co-op they’re invaluable for controlling aggro and casting protective auras. Their halberd and tower shield combo is unmatched.
Warning: Level Endurance ASAP—you’ll get stunlocked against DLC bosses if you run out of Stamina.
Ranged DPS is a game-changer in Nightreign. The Œil perçant dominates flying bosses and safely chips away at enemies. They’re easy solo and essential in teams for air control. Well-timed staggers and interrupts pull major weight.
Pro Tip: Aim for weak points to chain staggers. Keep a dagger for emergencies when enemies close the gap.
Her bleed, frost and poison damage over time can crush foes—but she’s paper-thin. “Repetition,” her time-warp skill, is tricky but devastating in team combos. Don’t frontline; play hit-and-run and use her revive ultimate for tactical retreats.
Caution: Focus on positioning, not direct hits—low HP means one-shot risk.
Heavy weapons and relentless offense define the Forban. High HP and Strength scaling let you break boss stances and peel for teammates. Ripostes are supremely rewarding—successful counters grant CC immunity.
Pro Tip: Place your totem behind cover in PvE for ranged allies; bait enemies with it in PvP for easy punishes.
Revenante shines as a utility support, not main DPS. Spirit summons draw aggro, while incantations heal or buff your team. Her revive ultimate is clutch in multiplayer boss runs.
Tip: Use summons for aggro swaps, not sustained DPS—they’re too fragile to tank bosses fully.
Pure magic DPS with high Intelligence and Faith but minimal defenses. Spells cost FP (Focus Points) and PC (Power Charges), so resource management is key. “Bloody Aria” marks enemies for bonus healing and huge burst windows.
Efficiency Tip: Loot ruins for new staves and seals—early upgrades transform your damage output. Use affinity residue to regen PC between fights.
Want dual katanas and relentless bleed proc? Exécuteur is it. Fast, straightforward, and potent in both PvE and PvP. “Tenacity” grants bonus attack after status recovery; “Cursed Sword” parry absorbs and reflects elemental attacks.
Tip: Master your parry timing on early mobs to handle magic users and bosses with ease.
By planning around these tips, you’ll avoid early pitfalls and hit the ground running in Nightreign.
Ultimately, mastering your class’s strengths beats forcing a playstyle that doesn’t fit. Experiment early, embrace restarts as learning runs, and gear up for a legendary journey in Nightreign. Good luck, Tarnished—may your first class choice set the stage for epic victories!