Elden Ring Nightreign: Raider Class First Impressions - IGN

One of the standout features of *Elden Ring* has always been its ability to cater to a wide range of playstyles, and one of my personal favorites is going all-in on raw power—pumping points into Strength, grabbing the biggest weapon available, and obliterating enemies with heavy-hitting jumping attacks and posture-shattering strikes. If that sounds like your kind of gameplay, then let me introduce you to the Raider in *Nightreign*. (Check out the video below for a closer look.)

While the Guardian — another powerful tanky class built around big weapons — leans heavily into defense with a shield as a starting tool and an ultimate that protects the entire party from damage, the Raider takes a completely different approach. This class is designed to be an unrelenting offensive force, built not just to survive, but to dominate.

The core of the Raider’s combat identity lies in his Retaliate ability. At first glance, it might seem modest — two stomps that deal physical and poise damage. But here's where it gets exciting: thanks to the Raider’s passive trait, he cannot be knocked down while performing Retaliate. This makes it an incredibly effective defensive-offensive combo. You can essentially absorb any incoming attack without falling over, and if you manage to take a heavy hit during the second stomp, it transforms into a devastating punch that staggers even the largest foes. It’s a game-changing mechanic that turns defense into offense in an instant.

Totem Stela – A Game-Changing Ultimate

The Raider’s ultimate ability, Totem Stela, is equally impressive. When activated, the Raider slams the ground, summoning a massive totem that explodes outward, dealing heavy damage to nearby enemies. But the real value comes after the initial impact — the totem remains on the battlefield as a climbable structure. This gives both you and your teammates a safe platform to either retreat or gain a tactical advantage. Plus, it grants a team-wide damage boost, making it a fantastic choice for coordinated pushes and turning the momentum of battle in your favor.

Why the Raider Stands Out

Out of all the classes I’ve tried in *Nightreign*, the Raider was the most thrilling to play. He starts off equipped with the Raider’s Greavtaxe — a solid fire-damage weapon that already packs a punch. It also comes with the “Endure” skill, which lets you soak through enemy attacks when Retaliate is on cooldown. Still, as you progress deeper into the night, you’ll want to upgrade to something even more formidable. High-damage, Strength-scaling weapons are where the Raider truly shines.

Of all the classes in *Nightreign*, the Raider remains my favorite due to how well-suited he is for intense one-on-one duels. This fits perfectly with the unique Remembrances system (which we’ll explore further this month), where players face off against bosses in gladiatorial-style arenas — a refreshing twist that keeps the action fresh and engaging.

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That wraps up our hands-on impressions of *Nightreign*'s classes. Stay tuned throughout the month for deeper dives into its mechanics, exclusive developer interviews, and more as part of IGN First.