Elden Ring Nightreign: Raider Class First Impressions - IGN

If you're a fan of Elden Ring and enjoy dominating the battlefield with strength-based, heavy-hitting weapons, then you'll love the Raider class in Nightreign. This class is tailored for those who relish in offensive power and the thrill of one-on-one combat.

[ttpp]

The Raider stands in stark contrast to the Guardian, another robust class in Nightreign, which focuses on defense with its shield and party-wide damage mitigation abilities. In contrast, the Raider is all about unleashing devastating attacks.

The key ability for the Raider is Retaliate, which might initially seem underwhelming with just two stomps that deliver physical and poise damage. However, its true strength lies in the Raider's passive ability, which prevents knockback during Retaliate. This feature allows the Raider to absorb enemy attacks, turning what would be devastating blows into opportunities for counterattacks. The second stomp in Retaliate can be replaced by a powerful punch that staggers even the mightiest foes, making it a crucial tool in your arsenal.

The Raider's ultimate ability, Totem Stela, is equally impressive. By slamming the ground and causing a totem to erupt, it deals significant area damage. This totem not only inflicts harm but also serves as a strategic asset, offering a climbable structure for safety or a vantage point for attacks. Additionally, it provides a damage buff to the entire team, making it a pivotal ability to coordinate for maximum effect.

Starting with the Raider's Greataxe, which inflicts fire damage and comes equipped with the "Endure" skill for additional damage absorption, the Raider is well-equipped from the outset. As you progress, seeking out larger strength-scaling weapons will further enhance your combat prowess, aligning perfectly with the Raider's playstyle.

[ttpp]

Of all the classes in Nightreign, the Raider has been the most enjoyable for me. Its design caters perfectly to players who thrive in one-on-one encounters, and this is reflected in its Remembrances, which involve gladiatorial-style boss fights. This unique aspect adds a refreshing twist to the gameplay.

As we continue to explore Nightreign throughout the month, stay tuned for in-depth looks at its mechanics, developer interviews, and more as part of IGN First. Whether you're drawn to the Raider's brute force or another class's unique abilities, Nightreign offers a rich variety of playstyles to suit every type of gamer.