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

One of the standout features of Elden Ring is the variety of playstyles it offers. If you enjoy dominating with Strength builds, wielding massive weapons, and using posture-breaking jumping attacks along with charged heavy strikes, then you'll find the Raider class in Nightreign to be right up your alley (check out the video below).

While the Guardian class focuses on defense, equipped with a shield and an ultimate ability that mitigates damage for the entire party, the Raider is designed to be an offensive juggernaut.

The cornerstone of the Raider's arsenal is the Retaliate ability. At first glance, it might seem underwhelming, consisting of just two stomps that deliver modest physical and poise damage. However, the real power comes from the Raider's passive ability, which prevents knockback during Retaliate. This means you can absorb nearly any enemy or boss attack without being interrupted, and if you take significant damage, the second stomp transforms into a devastating punch that can stagger even the toughest foes.

The Raider's ultimate, Totem Stela, involves slamming the ground to summon a massive totem that deals significant damage to nearby enemies. This ultimate is not only powerful but also strategic. The totem can be climbed, offering a safe haven or a vantage point for you and your team. Additionally, it provides a damage buff to all allies, making it a crucial ability to coordinate with your team for maximum impact.

The Raider starts with the Raider's Greataxe, a solid weapon with fire damage and the "Endure" skill, which offers another way to withstand enemy attacks when Retaliate is on cooldown. As you progress, upgrading to larger strength-scaling weapons will enhance your Raider's offensive capabilities.

Among all the classes in Nightreign, the Raider has been the most enjoyable for me. It excels in one-on-one combat, which is fitting since its Remembrances involve gladiatorial-style boss fights. This adds a unique twist to the gameplay and keeps things exciting.

That's all for our hands-on impressions of Nightreign's classes. Stay tuned throughout the month for in-depth looks at Nightreign's mechanics, developer interviews, and more as IGN First continues.