One of the standout features of Elden Ring has always been its support for a wide range of playstyles, and among them, few are as satisfying as maxing out Strength, wielding the biggest weapon imaginable, and obliterating enemies with posture-shattering jumping attacks and devastating heavy strikes. If that resonates with you, then let me introduce you to the Raider in Nightreign—a class built for players who thrive on raw power and aggressive dominance (check out the video below for a closer look).
While the Guardian—the other heavy-hitter class—leans into defense with a shield as a starting weapon and an ultimate ability that shields the entire team from damage for a duration, the Raider is all about relentless offense. This class is designed to dominate the battlefield through sheer force and unyielding resilience.
The cornerstone of the Raider’s kit is **Retaliate**, an ability that at first glance may seem underwhelming—two simple stomps dealing modest physical and poise damage. However, the true strength lies in the Raider’s passive: **he cannot be knocked down while using Retaliate**. This transforms the move into a powerful defensive-offensive hybrid, allowing you to tank incoming attacks without flinching. The real payoff? If you absorb a significant hit during the animation, the second stomp is replaced by a devastating punch capable of staggering even the largest enemies. It’s a high-risk, high-reward mechanic that rewards timing and aggression.Then there’s the Raider’s ultimate ability, Totem Stela—a game-changing move that sees the Raider slam the ground, summoning a massive totem that erupts with explosive force, dealing heavy area damage. Like all Nightreign ultimates, this ability can shift the momentum of any battle. But what sets it apart is its versatility: the totem isn’t just destructive—it’s climbable. This gives you and your team a tactical advantage, offering either a safe vantage point to regroup or a high-ground position for ranged attacks. Even better, the totem emits a damage-boosting aura, enhancing your entire squad. Coordinating this ultimate with your team ensures maximum impact, making it one of the most valuable ultimates in group play.
The Raider starts with the Raider’s Greavtaxe, a solid early-game weapon that deals fire damage and comes equipped with the Endure skill—a secondary defensive tool that lets you power through enemy attacks when Retaliate is on cooldown. While it serves well initially, upgrading to a stronger, high-scaling Strength weapon should be a priority as the nights grow more dangerous. The Raider truly shines when wielding the largest, heaviest weapons in the game, turning every swing into a statement of dominance.
Of all the classes available in *Nightreign*, the Raider stands out as the most exhilarating to play. It excels in one-on-one combat, making it the ideal choice for the game’s unique **Remembrances** mode—where players face off against powerful bosses in gladiatorial arenas. These intense duels offer a refreshing change of pace and perfectly complement the Raider’s aggressive, front-line fighting style. Answer See ResultsThat wraps up our hands-on look at Nightreign’s classes. Stay tuned throughout the month for deeper dives into the game’s mechanics, developer interviews, and exclusive content as part of IGN First.
