Elden Ring Nightreign: Raider Class Hands-On - IGN

If you're a fan of Elden Ring's diverse playstyles, particularly the thrill of wielding massive weapons and dominating foes with strength, then you'll find a kindred spirit in Nightreign's Raider class. Check out the video below to see the Raider in action.

While the Guardian class focuses on defense with its shield and party-wide damage mitigation ultimate, the Raider is crafted as a relentless offensive juggernaut, designed to crush opponents with sheer power.

The cornerstone of the Raider's arsenal is the Retaliate ability. At first glance, it might seem underwhelming—just two stomps that deliver moderate physical and poise damage. However, the real strength lies in the Raider's passive ability, which prevents knockback during Retaliate. This means you can absorb enemy attacks without interruption, transforming the second stomp into a devastating punch that can stagger even the mightiest foes, especially after soaking up significant damage.

The Raider's ultimate, Totem Stela, is equally formidable. With a ground-slamming move, a large totem erupts from the ground, dealing substantial damage to nearby enemies. This ultimate not only inflicts heavy damage but also provides a climbable structure, offering a strategic vantage point or a safe haven for you and your team. Additionally, it boosts the damage output of all teammates, making it a crucial move to coordinate during battle.

Starting with the Raider's Greataxe, which inflicts fire damage and comes equipped with the "Endure" skill, the Raider can further enhance their survivability. As you progress, seeking out larger strength-scaling weapons becomes key to fully unleashing the Raider's potential.

Among all the classes in Nightreign, the Raider stands out as my top choice for sheer enjoyment. It excels in one-on-one combat, fitting perfectly with the class's Remembrances, which feature gladiatorial one-on-one boss fights—a refreshing twist on the gameplay.

As we delve deeper into Nightreign throughout the month, stay tuned for more in-depth looks at the game's mechanics, developer interviews, and more as part of IGN First.