Elden Ring Nightreign: Raider Class Hands-On - IGN First

If you thrive on the thrill of wielding massive weapons and dominating foes with strength-focused playstyles in games like Elden Ring, then you'll find a kindred spirit in Nightreign's Raider class. This class is tailored for players who relish in the brute force approach, much like using posture-breaking jumps and charged heavy attacks in Elden Ring. Check out the video below to see the Raider in action.

While the Guardian class, another tank-like option in Nightreign, focuses on defensive capabilities with a shield and party-wide damage mitigation through its ultimate ability, the Raider is an unapologetic offensive juggernaut. Designed to excel in direct confrontations, the Raider's abilities are perfect for players who want to dominate the battlefield aggressively.

The cornerstone of the Raider's arsenal is the Retaliate ability. At first glance, it might seem modest with just two stomps causing physical and poise damage. However, the true power lies in the Raider's passive ability, which prevents knockbacks during Retaliate. This means you can absorb incoming attacks while dishing out damage, and if you manage to soak up a significant hit, the second stomp upgrades to a devastating punch capable of staggering even the mightiest of foes.

The Raider's ultimate ability, Totem Stela, further amplifies its offensive prowess. By slamming the ground and summoning a large totem, the Raider inflicts massive area damage. This totem isn't just a weapon; it's also climbable, providing a strategic vantage point or a safe haven for you and your allies. Additionally, it boosts the damage output for everyone nearby, making it a crucial tool for coordinated team plays.

Starting with the Raider's Greavtaxe, which deals fire damage and comes equipped with the "Endure" skill, the Raider can absorb and counter enemy attacks even when Retaliate is on cooldown. However, as you progress through the game's nights, upgrading to larger, strength-scaling weapons will enhance the Raider's effectiveness even further.

Of all the classes in Nightreign, the Raider stands out as the most enjoyable for me. It's ideally suited for one-on-one combat, aligning perfectly with its Remembrances, which involve gladiatorial-style boss fights. This unique combat style offers a refreshing change of pace from typical encounters.