Elden Ring Nightreign: Raider Class First Impressions - IGN

If you're a fan of Elden Ring and enjoy the thrill of wielding massive weapons to dominate foes with strength-based attacks, then the Raider class in Nightreign might just be your next favorite playstyle. Check out the video below to see it in action.

While the Guardian, another robust class in Nightreign, focuses on defense with a shield and an ultimate ability that shields the entire party, the Raider is crafted as an offensive juggernaut. Designed for players who love to deal massive damage, the Raider's unique abilities make it a standout choice for those who enjoy aggressive gameplay.

The Raider's key ability, Retaliate, might initially seem underwhelming with just two stomps causing minimal physical and poise damage. However, thanks to the Raider's passive ability, you can't be knocked down while using Retaliate. This means you can absorb any incoming attack, turning a seemingly weak second stomp into a devastating punch that can stagger even the mightiest of foes when you soak up significant damage.

Then there's the Raider's ultimate, Totem Stela. This ability allows the Raider to slam the ground, summoning a large totem that deals substantial damage to nearby enemies. Like all ultimates in Nightreign, Totem Stela can turn the tide of battle. Not only does it inflict heavy damage, but the totem also provides a climbable structure for strategic positioning or safety, and it boosts the damage output of your entire team, making it essential for coordinated attacks.

The Raider starts with the Raider’s Greataxe, a solid weapon that inflicts fire damage and comes equipped with the "Endure" skill, allowing you to withstand enemy attacks when Retaliate is on cooldown. As you progress, you'll want to upgrade to larger strength-scaling weapons to fully capitalize on the Raider’s playstyle.

Among all the classes I've tried in Nightreign, the Raider has been the most enjoyable for me. It excels in one-on-one combat, perfectly aligning with its Remembrances feature, which involves gladiatorial-style boss fights. This adds a refreshing twist to the gameplay experience.

That's all for our hands-on impressions of Nightreign's classes. Stay tuned throughout the month for in-depth looks at Nightreign's mechanics, developer interviews, and more as IGN First continues.