Elden Ring’s upcoming expansion, Nightreign, has fans chomping at the bit, and for good reason. With a fresh lineup of bosses ready to crush Tarnished dreams, this DLC promises brutal new encounters, deep lore expansions, and a challenge worthy of its predecessor. Let’s break down everything we know so far about these new adversaries. From confirmed monstrosities to tantalizing leaks.
The Confirmed Bosses of Nightreign
So far, FromSoftware has remained tight-lipped about all the horrors lurking in Nightreign, but a few towering nightmares have already been revealed. Here are the confirmed bosses that we know of, along with their abilities and story significance.
1. Duskwing, the Fell Seraph
This ominous figure is the first boss showcased in the expansion’s reveal trailer. A fallen celestial being, Duskwing’s tattered golden wings and emaciated frame hint at a tragic fate.
- Abilities: Aerial assaults, radiant blade strikes, and a devastating AOE light explosion
- Lore Implications: Could be connected to the Greater Will’s influence waning, hinting at divine abandonment
- Combat Strategy: Staying mobile is key. Duskwing thrives on punishing slow reactions with rapid dive attacks
2. The Gloombound Colossus
A moss-covered giant wrapped in chains, this behemoth appears to be imprisoned deep beneath the ruins of a forgotten city. Those shackles? They aren’t just for show. They actively limit its movements… until phase two.
- Abilities: Heavy shockwave stomps, chain-whip strikes, and a berserker mode when the chains break
- Lore Implications: Might be one of the ancient protectors of an exiled civilization
- Combat Strategy: Time dodges carefully during phase one, then prepare for an aggressive, unpredictable fight when the chains snap
3. Widow Maraska
A grotesque, many-limbed wraith that prowls the abandoned halls of an ancient keep. Her eerie, whispering wails echo long before she ever appears.
- Abilities: Shadow-phase teleportation, life-drain tendrils, and needle-like precision strikes
- Lore Implications: Some speculate she was once a revered sorceress corrupted by forbidden knowledge
- Combat Strategy: Keeping distance early on is smart, but expect her to force close-quarters combat by phase two
Rumored Boss Fights: What Leaks and Lore Suggest
If Elden Ring fans know one thing, it’s that FromSoftware loves to layer secrets beneath the surface. Several leaks and lore clues suggest Nightreign has even more in store.
- A Writhing Mass, Known Only as “The Dirge” – Supposedly an eldritch abomination of cursed spirits, its ever-changing form sounds like a nightmare to fight.
- The Crimson Drake – A gargantuan crimson-scaled dragon said to be the remnant of a long-forgotten war against the Lands Between’s divine forces.
- An Unknown Black Knight – Some whispers talk about a knight reminiscent of Malenia’s legacy, a deadly duelist wielding both shadow and steel.
How These New Bosses Compare to the Base Game
If these bosses are anything like what we’ve seen so far, they may exceed the brutality of Elden Ring’s original lineup. One notable shift appears to be in their pacing. Many seem far more aggressive, pushing players to sustain relentless pressure rather than relying solely on defensive spacing. Think Maliketh, but dialed up in brutality.
Also, many of Nightreign’s new enemies seem steeped in forgotten or erased histories, which further deepens the game’s central themes of fractured narratives and manipulated truths.
Early Boss Fight Strategies
While we don’t have full information yet, one thing’s already clear: patience and adaptability will be crucial. Here are some general tactics based on the limited footage shown so far.
- For Duskwing: Stick to air openings, punish its landing animations, and be wary of light-based explosions.
- For Gloombound Colossus: The early phase is all about baiting delayed attacks, but phase two shifts into an all-out brawl.
- For Widow Maraska: Staying mindful of her teleportation patterns is vital. She has a rhythm. Learn it, and stay ahead of her deadly strikes.
What These Bosses Say About Elden Ring’s Future
If Nightreign is setting a precedent, FromSoftware may be doubling down on the eerie, cosmic horror elements hinted at in the main game. We’re seeing twisted, celestial entities, ancient imprisoned beings, and the idea of horrific, forgotten histories bubbling to the surface.
This could suggest that Elden Ring’s world is on the brink of something even darker than before. Perhaps the underlying truth of the Lands Between is yet to be fully unveiled. One thing’s for sure: whatever lurks in the shadows of Nightreign is coming for us, and we’d best be ready.
What are your thoughts on these new challengers? Which boss are you most excited. Or terrified. To face? Share your speculations below!
