One Elden Ring Nightreign Nightfarer Blends Style and…

Summary

Elden Ring Nightreign removes player agency, locking players into predefined playstyles with the Nightfarers.
The Duchess is a standout Nightfarer for solo and team play, excelling in both combat and support roles.
The Duchess offers a unique blend of speed, survivability, utility, and style, standing out in both form and function.

In just about every way, Elden Ring Nightreign does its own thing in the Soulslike genre, from its roguelike mechanics to its fast-paced gameplay. However, one of its most significant departures sees it stripping players of the signature agency they generally have in these games. Not only do the demands of every expedition in Elden Ring Nightreign all but force players to play a certain way, but they are also locked into predefined playstyles in the game's various playable characters — the Nightfarers — making the spin-off significantly different from its more free-formed ancestors.

Each Nightfarer in Elden Ring Nightreign has a particular playstyle associated with it, and while every class has its merits, some are arguably better than others. Ironeye, for example, specializes in ranged combat and has been widely recognized as one of the best Nightfarers to choose from, especially for solo play. Elden Ring Nightreign's Ironeye isn't the only noteworthy contender for best Nightfarer, though, as one other playable character stands out due to her versatility in both solo and team play, and her effortless ability to bridge the gap between style and substance. That Nightfarer is none other than the Duchess.

Elden Ring Nightreign Future of Soulslikes

Elden Ring Nightreign Makes One Thing Clear About the Future of Soulslikes

Elden Ring Nightreign takes the Soulslike genre in a new direction, but its shortcomings may hint at what these games should avoid going forward.

Posts

By Josh Cotts

The Duchess Is Built for Elden Ring Nightreign's Tempo

The Duchess Excels in Solo and Team Play

One of the main things that makes the Duchess such a popular choice is her clear Bloodborne-inspired design. Whereas Nightfarers like Ironeye might largely stand in one place dealing damage from afar, the Duchess specializes in fast hit-and-run tactics. With a unique quickstep dodge that allows for rapid repositioning, the Duchess excels at evasive maneuvers and quick attacks with daggers. Ultimately, this makes her a great choice for solo play, but it also means that those who choose her are more likely to stay alive for the betterment of their team.

Interestingly, the Duchess also boasts a high Intelligence stat, which allows her to effectively utilize a variety of magical weapons and abilities.

The Duchess doesn't just possess great damage-dealing properties and survivability either, as she is very useful for support as well. One of her signature abilities, Restage, allows her to replicate recent damage dealt to enemies, effectively doubling the impact of critical hits or status effects like bleed or frostbite. This skill not only improves her own attacks but also enhances team synergy by capitalizing on allies' damage outputs. Her ultimate ability, Finale, is another great support skill of hers, as it makes herself and nearby allies invisible for a brief period, providing a window for reviving teammates or repositioning during intense encounters.

The Duchess Is Both Flashy and Lethal

In other words, the Duchess clearly has the substance to make her one of Elden Ring Nightreign's best Nightfarers. However, she doesn't compromise on style either. Her abilities and gameplay style, when executed well, not only allow her to fit right in with Elden Ring Nightreign's fast pace, but they also make her a stark contrast to the game's grim environments and brutal encounters. She makes Elden Ring Nightreign's challenging combat look effortless as she sprints and dodges her way around the battlefield, due in large part to her fluid animations and sleek character design.

Whereas Nightfarers like Ironeye might largely stand in one place dealing damage from afar, the Duchess specializes in fast hit-and-run tactics.

One of Elden Ring Nightreign's greatest weaknesses is the limitations it poses on players, but the Duchess manages to break through them more than most. Her mix of speed, survivability, utility, and flair gives players just enough room to adapt without feeling restricted to one playstyle, and she matches Elden Ring Nightreign's faster pace without ever feeling out of place. She may not be the strongest or the flashiest Nightfarer in every situation, but she strikes a rare balance that makes her stand out in both form and function.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image