The Nightreign expansion is on its way, and with it comes an arsenal of new weapons, abilities, and enemies that will completely shake up the meta. If you thought you had the optimal build locked down, think again. Bosses in Nightreign demand fresh strategies, and the right approach can mean the difference between glorious victory and a soul-crushing defeat.
From overwhelming strength-based colossi to nimble dexterity assassins and devastating spellcasters, let’s dive into the very best builds to dominate Nightreign.
New Weapons and Abilities in Nightreign
Early footage and leaks indicate that Nightreign introduces a slew of new weapons and spell types, each designed to challenge existing playstyles. Among the most exciting additions:
- Crescent Moon Greatblade – A colossal weapon infused with lunar energy, capable of executing wide-arcing slashes that leave behind lingering moonlight explosions.
- Scaled Fang Daggers – Quick-strike weapons that apply a stacking poison effect, perfect for dexterity-based hit-and-run strategies.
- Stormcaller’s Catalyst – A sorcery-focused tool that augments wind-based spells, offering increased range and devastating piercing damage.
- Black Ember Gauntlets – A unique fist weapon that scales with both strength and faith, allowing hybrid builds to unleash holy hell upon enemies.
New abilities are equally game-changing, with talents like Void Step (which grants brief invincibility while dodging) and Phantom Strikes (a chain attack that leaves mirrored afterimages for delayed hits).
These fresh mechanics force players to rethink their approach and create tailor-made builds that maximize these powerful tools.
Best Strength Builds: Pure Power, Unstoppable Force
If your philosophy is “swing big, win big,” then you’re in for a treat. Nightreign introduces several colossal weapons that redefine melee dominance.
Colossal Titan Build
- Primary Weapon: Crescent Moon Greatblade
- Armor Set: Lion Knight’s Bulwark (high poise)
- Talisman Loadout:
- Radagon’s Scarseal (Boosts strength)
- Great-Jar’s Arsenal (Increases equip load)
- Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman (High physical defense)
- Key Strategy: This build thrives on tanking damage and crushing foes with slow but devastating hits. The Crescent Moon Greatblade’s wide trajectories keep multiple enemies in check, while heavy poise ensures you won’t be easily staggered.
Infernal Juggernaut
- Primary Weapon: Black Ember Gauntlets
- Secondary Weapon: Flame of the Fell King (Faith-scaling incantation)
- Armor Set: Crucible Knight Set
- Talisman Loadout:
- Fanged Talisman (Boosts fist weapon damage)
- Scorpion Charm (Fire attack enhancement)
- Erdtree’s Favor (Boosts HP, Stamina, and Equip Load)
- Key Strategy: By leveraging strength and faith, you’ll channel massive damage while also benefiting from self-healing incantations. The unique Black Ember Gauntlets combo lets you execute rapid melee flurries infused with fire.
Best Dexterity Builds: Precision and Speed
Some prefer the art of the blade over brute strength. If you value agility and lightning-fast attacks, these build options are tailor-made for your playstyle.
Shadow Dancer
- Primary Weapon: Twin Scaled Fang Daggers
- Secondary Weapon: Red-Moon Wakizashi (Dual-wield for bleed synergy)
- Armor Set: Nightweave Attire (Boosts evasion and stealth)
- Talisman Loadout:
- Rotten Winged Sword Insignia (Boosts damage on successive hits)
- Bloodlord’s Emblem (Increases bleed buildup)
- Assassin’s Cerulean Dagger (Restores FP after critical hits)
- Key Strategy: This build capitalizes on poison and bleed effects, chaining ultra-fast combos that wear enemies down over time while maintaining mobility.
Storm Reaper
- Primary Weapon: Stormcaller’s Catalyst (for wind magic)
- Secondary Weapon: Uchigatana (Dex-scaling with stunning strikes)
- Armor Set: Claws of the Falcon (Enhances critical damage)
- Talisman Loadout:
- Old Lord’s Talisman (Extends buff durations)
- Lightning Scorpion Charm (Boosts thunder attack power)
- Swiftstep Emblem (Enhances dodging speed)
- Key Strategy: Merging dexterity with wind-enhanced sorceries, this hybrid setup ensures that both your melee and ranged attacks deliver blistering speed and power.
Magic Builds: Devastating Arcane Power
For those who live for incantations or sorcery, Nightreign offers enhanced spell mechanics that alter the way magic users dominate the battlefield.
Lunar Overlord
- Primary Focus: Intelligence-based sorceries
- Weapon: Moonlight Crescent Staff
- Armor Set: Sage of the Cosmos (Boosts intelligence and FP recovery)
- Talisman Loadout:
- Radagon Icon (Reduces spell-casting time)
- Moonveil Crest (Boosts moon-based sorceries)
- Cerulean Amber Medallion (Increases max FP)
- Key Strategy: This build uses high-damage sorceries to obliterate foes while leveraging energy-efficient buffs to reduce FP consumption.
Elden Prophet
- Primary Focus: Faith-based incantations
- Weapon: Blackflame Scepter
- Armor Set: Oracle Robes (Strengthens faith-based magic)
- Talisman Loadout:
- Fire Scorpion Charm (Enhances incantation damage)
- Divine Signet (Increases holy damage resistance)
- Warrior’s Resolve (Boosts charged incantation effectiveness)
- Key Strategy: Focuses on high-powered light and fire-based miracles that unleash widespread devastation while providing some defensive buffs.
Hybrid Builds: Versatile Domination
If you prefer versatility, these setups allow you to weave between swordplay and spellcasting seamlessly.
Voidwalker
- Primary Setup: Strength/Intelligence hybrid
- Weapon: Voidforged Blade (Dark magic-infused greatsword)
- Talisman Loadout:
- Elden Scholar Emblem (Reduces FP costs of mixed attacks)
- Conqueror’s Crown (Boosts hybrid scaling)
- Key Strategy: Balances melee brawling with devastating sorcery bursts, providing the best of both worlds.
Archangel’s Wrath
- Primary Setup: Dexterity/Faith hybrid
- Weapon: Ascended Light Spear (Faith-scaling melee weapon)
- Talisman Loadout:
- Golden Ray Insignia (Boosts light-based attacks)
- Celestial Ward (Protects against dark magic)
- Key Strategy: Uses high-speed attacks with added faith-enhanced holy energy for a truly relentless offense.
How Nightreign Changes Existing Builds
Balance tweaks and new weapon infusions will inevitably alter how players approach character progression. While strength builds gain even more devastating options, dexterity setups may need to rethink how they handle the new heavy-armor enemies that resist bleed. Magic users receive stronger multi-hit spells, increasing pressure in PvP scenarios.
No matter your preference, Nightreign challenges players to adapt, rethink their strategies, and experiment. A hallmark of what makes Elden Ring so addicting.
What will your go-to build be when the DLC drops? Share your thoughts, and let’s forge the ultimate Nightreign strategy together!
