from each defeat.

As is the case with other Souls games, all of that information is not readily available to you until you actually experience it yourself or check out a guide. There's a lot to pick up on, even if you know Elden Ring inside and out, especially with the alterations to builds (which are now Nightfarer classes), as well as the notion of beefed-up bosses that scale for three-player parties.

10 Clean Up Random Mobs As You Move From Place to Place

You Might Need A Few More Runes For A Final Level Up

As is the case with Elden Ring, runes are the core currency for each run that allow you to buy items and level up. Several times during my Elden Ring Nightreign runs, I found that by the end, I was unable to level up just one more time before the final boss. In Nightreign, even a few hundred runes can make a difference between a massive stat-gain that can tip you over the edge and help you defeat a Nightlord. Because of this, you should try to take out any mob you see, within reason.

In other words, if there's a low-level enemy across a field, it may not be worth it to go over and take it out. But if you're running past someone, and can tag them while sprinting, or at a range, try to make a habit of constantly collecting runes outside of points of interest. Soul farming nearby enemies is especially easy to do after the circle closes in on you, and you're at the end of day one or two.

9 The Max Level Per Run Is 15, But You Don't Need It

Many Parties Will End Runs At Level 10-12

Dont' stress too much about gaining levels in Elden Ring Nightreign. As long as you're able to take out non-elite enemies (dictated by dragon face icons on the map), you're doing just fine. You will need to prep for the night one and night two bosses, but you have to start somewhere, and ending the first night at level five and the second night at level 10 can still set you up for success for the boss.

If you do manage to pop level 15, you'll get an achievement/trophy for your efforts.

Although the maximum level is 15, you'll rarely be hitting that on most runs as you learn the game. Instead, aim for roughly level 12, as that will put you in a good spot to avoid one-shot deaths from bosses (especially for the lighter weight ranged classes) and do enough damage to contribute to the clear. More is always better, but don't think a run is over just because you aren't maxed out.

8 Always Plan Ahead For An End Of Run Weapon

Try To Find Items For A Boss Weakness First

One thing you really need to prep for before each boss fight: weakness weapons. For instance, take the Sentient Pest. That boss is weak to fire, so if you load up your run and see a fire camp on your map, it behooves you to visit it at some point and look for a fire weapon. Weaknesses are not just useful from a damage perspective: they can stop a boss completely in their tracks with a stunlock animation.

If you don't have any weakness weapons, some relics allow players to start with a specific element/affinity on their default weapon. You can use smithing materials (found from vendors, mines, or strewn about the map) to upgrade that weapon into a top-tier/endgame piece of gear. As you uncover and earn these relics, you can equip them for specific boss fights to ensure that you always have something that can deal with the Nightlord you're taking down.

7 Focus On Just A Few Classes For Your First Boss Clear

Pick One You Like And Kit It Out

Every person's playstyle is different, so everyone will gravitate toward different Nightfarer classes. But one thing that can really help you get your first clear (and subsequent conquests) is to focus on just one or two classes, kitting them out with the best relics possible to set them up for success. That way, you aren't spreading yourself thin and trying to learn multiple playstyle nuances.

One thing to keep in mind: The Ironeye class, while ranged, has an unlimited amount of arrows at their disposal. If you've ever been scared away from physical ranged characters due to ammo management, you don't need to be afraid in Nightreign. Try out the Ironeye, because it's one of the most fun and effective classes in the game.

6 Learn The Layouts Of The Points Of Interest

They Are Randomly Filled, But the Pathing Is The Same

While randomly generated content (RNG) is a key focus of Elden Ring Nightreign, not every single aspect is subjected to randomness. For instance, the keeps and forts: the layouts are all the same, even if the types of enemies and the position of said foes might change. In other words, each game contains a giant keep, but there might be different bosses in the basement, and on the roof, each time.

With that in mind, always that the layout is static. Learning where to enter a locale (either above or below) can be key to saving time and maximizing efficiency for each run. You only need to wander around each point of interest a few times to get the lay of the land. That way, you can surgically strike each area and move to the next one in search of bigger and better upgrades.

5 Don't Be Afraid To Run From A Tough Fight

It's Better Than Losing Multiple Levels

One key factor that I've experienced as a contributing factor to failed runs, pre-launch? Fighting enemies that are too high level. One aspect of Elden Ring Nightreign that's hard to get a feel for is enemy strength. Sometimes, elite monsters will be easy to take down. On other occasions, they'll one-shot the entire party. Learning how to assess all this on the fly can make or break a run.

Don't be afraid to ping another location and lead people away if another player is dying repeatedly to a boss. It'll take time for the community to pick this aspect up, but it's important to that you can always go back to a boss, especially if it's day one and you need to gain some levels first. You are only required to stay and fight for the end of day one, two, and the Nightlord final encounter.

4 Losing Levels Can Be A Crushing Blow, But It Can Be Avoided

Get Your Runes Back

In addition to running away from tough fights, always try to regain your runes if you die. Nightreign does a good job of respawning you back into locations that are near your death spot, so it isn't always an issue grabbing lost runes. Death can be extremely punishing in Nightreign, so err on the side of caution. If you die, you lose a level, and if you don't get your runes back, you can lose all of the levels you could have gained. Each level makes a stark difference stat-wise, so you want to avoid this at all costs.

If you do die and lose a level, it's not the end of the world. Since you'll be fine facing a Nightlord without being the max level of 15, there is margin for error, especially if you have powerful relics and equipment. Your team can also help pick up the slack, too.

3 Use The Flightpaths To Get Around

They Are Way More Useful Than You Think

Note the flightpath trees on the map during every run, because they can be key to getting around, especially in high-pressure situations. All you need to do to use one is interact with the tree near the flightpath, and a spirit bird will pick you up, just like a glider in a battle royale game. You can see the flightpath you're going to take on the map, as it looks like a directed gust of wind.

In my experience, players rarely used these flightpaths in the pre-release period. It's something that'll take time for the community to catch on to, but if you start using them from day one, you'll find it makes a world of difference, getting from place to place much quicker than walking.

2 Get A Feel For How Long Every Activity Will Take

The Battle Royale Ring Is Always Ready To Close Up

Time is always of the essence in Elden Ring Nightreign. Some players may dig in and insist on clearing out an entire area, but spending a lot of time in a single zone can put a dent in your overall progress. If you attack a boss, and it barely even s damage, you may want to retreat and come back when you're in a position to take them out faster.

Even if you can slowly chip away at an enemy and defeat them without getting hit, the ring will still close in on you and prevent you from exploring more points of interest, all of which can yield game-changing loot and upgrades. Some areas take longer to clear out than others, but knowing the key rewards of each can help you get straight to the point and cut out all of the fluff.

1 The Wylder Is The Best Starting Class In Elden Ring Nightreign

Jack Of All Trades, Master Of Some

You can argue that every class in Elden Ring Nightreign is viable, because they absolutely are. I've cleared Nightlords with a combination of all the Nightfarers in the game, but that doesn't mean they're all equally easy to play. For instance, the Duchess, an unlockable thief-type class, is very hard to use and is extremely fragile. Players who aren't big on dodging and close-combat may want to avoid her, at least for initial boss clears.

Because of all these factors, the Wylder is the best class to start with, especially on your first run. They have a good spread for their statline, and can essentially use any weapon you want, opening up a ton of playstyles. They also have a ive ability to revive once on their own without help, making them invaluable in both solo and group play.

Picking up the Wylder is a perfect way to learn all the intricacies of Elden Ring Nightreign, since the self-revive ability can curb some of your mistakes, and allow you more time in combat to pick up on fights and mechanics. Wylders are great for dodge-heavy, block-heavy, two-handed, or ranged playstyles as well, opening up more options for more players. After you're comfortable with the basics, try out all the classes to see which ones you gel with the most.