Elden Ring Nightreign: Tier list of the best character classes
There are 8 classes to choose from in Elden Ring: Nightreign. Each of them is useful. However, this tier list's aim is to show which characters are more versatile and which are not.
There are eight playable classes in Elden Ring: Nightreign. Each of them is strong in their own way, and it's hard to point out the weakest one. Some of them, however, are "specialized" and may not necessarily be useful in every situation. Their specific playstyles may also not be to everyone's taste. That's why in this tier list we've ranked the classes and explain what strengths and weaknesses they have.
How was the tierlist created, since we've just mentioned that each of the classes is strong? To properly evaluate a given character, we've compared their versatility, the effort required to master them, and their strengths and weaknesses.
Moreover, we've unlocked and tested each class, both in solo mode and in co-op, to see how well they perform under specific conditions.
- S tier - The best, most versatile classes
- A tier - Solid classes, but harder to master
- B tier - Good classes, but not for every task
- C tier - Strong classes, but very niche and specific
S tier - The best, most versatile classes
Wylder
FromSoftware
A character that's good at many things, but does not excel over other characters. However, this does not bother Wylder in carrying the team. It is the most versatile class, and also one of the most beginner-friendly.
His grappling hook can be used not only to shorten the distance between himself and the opponent, simultaneously charging his ultimate ability, but also to quickly move around the map.
His damage is excellent, especially when it comes to the ability Onslaught Stake. Moreover, this skill can easily stagger even massive bosses.
Wylder is also a very forgiving character to play, as his ive ability allows him to survive fatal damage, and resting at a site of grace restores it when it's used up. His stats are balanced, which means he has a high amount of HP, stamina, and can use any weapon well.
Pros |
Cons |
Sixth Sense forgives mistakes Ultimate is strong enough to stagger even a powerful boss. Versatility of weapons Highly mobile thanks to his grappling hook High stamina allows for long combos |
Mainly focuses on melee combat. Using weapon abilities can be difficult due to low FP |
Raider
FromSoftware
Raider is the embodiment of pure, brutal force. His attacks are powerful, deal massive damage, and they can easily stagger the opponent. He has lots of HP, is hard to stagger, and can wield colossal weapons without any problem.
His skills further emphasize his power. Retaliate is a headbutt, which easily knocks enemies off-balance. Moreover, his ive ability enhances this skill, which means that even the most powerful attacks will not interrupt you.
Totem Stela, his ultimate skill, summons a gigantic tombstone that you can climb on. It deals huge damage, but also buffs all team , increasing their poise and strength, as long as you are standing near the totem. A hard to kill character, dealing damage as massive as his weapons, what more could you want?
Pros |
Cons |
Very durable High damage Can easily break the enemy's stance The ultimate art can be used both offensively and defensively Perfect character for people who like massive weapons |
One of the slowest characters in the game Forget about long-range combat (unless it's with strength-based greatbows) and magic |
A tier - Solid classes, but harder to master
Executor
FromSoftware
A character that, if used properly, can easily reach the S tier, however, he's so complex that few players can make full use of his abilities. The Executor's playstyle most closely resembles Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
His most important skill is Suncatcher. Players can draw a cursed sword and use it to parry any attack (except for grabs), as long as their timing's right. Thanks to this skill, one can even think of this class as a tank. The catch is that parrying is difficult and requires familiarity with many opponents' attacks.
The ultimate ability allows you to transform into a Crucible beast and feel like a boss in its second phase. It deals high damage, can easily resurrect allies, and all damage received is reduced by half. The catch is that if your health drops to zero, not only will you lose this form, but you will also die, which means your allies will have to resurrect you.
What makes this class so good, though? As if parrying every attack wasn't already too powerful, he has the highest Arcane stat out of all classes. What does that mean? It means he can easily apply various ailments, such as bleeding, poisoning, or frostbite. This can drain lots of health from bosses, as the ailments scale to the opponent's health.
Pros |
Cons |
Good at one-on-one combat Can parry almost any attack The Crucible beast turns you into a tank High chance of causing status effects such as bleeding or poisoning |
Using Suncatcher slows down the player, and also does not apply status effects The beast form is slow, and if it dies, the Executor does too High complexity and difficulty |
Ironeye
FromSoftware
Ironeye is a good class offering solid damage and team . This is probably your best choice if you prefer long-range combat. He can damage enemies from a safe distance, but also has a few tricks for close combat.
His ive skill is always valuable, as it increases the party's chance of discovering rare items. Marking is a perfect ability. It allows to easily dodge the opponent's attack, landing behind them. If it hits them, it marks the enemy. The mark causes each player to deal increased damage to the opponent. Moreover, if the enemy receives too much damage while having the mark, they will suddenly receive a huge burst of damage that can stagger them.
The ultimate ability on the other hand deals great damage, has extraordinary range, and can resurrect any ally, no matter the state they were in. An absolute game changer, capable of changing the outcome of the battle.
In that case, what are its weaknesses, why is it so low on the tier list? Low health means that a single mistake can cost you your life. Moreover, positioning is important for this character. If the enemies focus on you, you may have a problem dealing with them by yourself. Definitely a character for those players who prefer a more tactical approach to combat.
Pros |
Cons |
Perfect for finding better quality loot and boosting the team's damage. Safe long-distance playstyle Wounded allies can be easily revived using the ultimate ability |
Low health Stamina issues Damage isn't as high as with other characters The character is simple, but that doesn't mean it's easy to play as |
Guardian
FromSoftware
Guardian is the tank of the team, who's even more defensive than Raider. He has the highest amount of health out of all classes, very good stamina, however, his damage doesn't soar as high as it could be expected for an eagle...
However, this does not mean that he cannot fight well. His skill - Whirlwind - is perfect for defeating large groups of smaller opponents. Moreover, the cyclone launches medium-sized enemies as well as the smaller ones. Unfortunately, it not really worth using on larger bosses.
His ultimate ability, however, is definitely worth using. In our opinion, this is the best ability in the game. It revives every fallen ally, deals great damage, and holding this skill makes allies immune to damage for a few seconds.
However, in regular combat he does not deal much damage, he's one of the slowest characters, and on top of that, he is the worst at dodging of all classes.
Pros |
Cons |
Has the most HP and forgives many mistakes The most effective tank and Can dominate the battlefield with his skills Perfect for drawing the boss's attacks onto himself |
His dodge is very short-ranged Just as slow as the Raider Low FP means he can't really utilize weapon abilities, magic or incantations. |
B tier - Good classes, but not for every task
Duchess
FromSoftware
Duchess is one of the two classes that are not available from the very beginning of the game. If you don't know how to unlock her, we invite you to read our guide. She is the most agile character available. Dodging twice in a row is a great defensive option, allowing you to avoid most threats.
She doesn't shine as bright as other characters when dealing damage, though. Her playstyle suggests she'd be an agile character who hits quickly and applies various ailments. The problem is that she has average (B) scaling in Dexterity and even worse (C) in Arcane. She does much better at magic due to her high intelligence (A).
Even though the character herself doesn't deal much damage, her ability, Restage, can greatly increase her combat potential. It allows you to reapply half of the damage recently inflicted by your team. This also applies to status ailments. Activating this ability is instant and you can do it even while attacking an enemy.
On the other hand her ultimate ability, Finale, is a great to the team. If you are close to them, you can hide them and yourself, becoming invisible for a long time. A skill perfect for saving team or getting out of trouble.
Why is the Duchess so low in the tier list though? Quite weird stats and low health makes her not the best choice, especially if you plan to play alone.
Pros |
Cons |
Versatile playstyle The ideal Increased damage thanks to Restage The most mobile character in the game |
Low HP Her strengths make her perfect for co-op but almost useless in solo play Quite bad at staggering the enemy Stats don't necessary fit the preferred playstyle |
C tier - Strong classes, but very niche and specific
Recluse
FromSoftware
Recluse is a character who prefers long-distance combat using magic. She has a unique spell crafting system, using her skill Magic Cocktail. Surpisingly she doesn't have much of a problem with FP, mainly due to her ive skill.
Recluse's cocktail offers a wide range of skills. She has a total of 14 combinations. ing each of them is time-consuming, and on top of that, you will not always be able to create your preferred spell. Everything depends on what kind of elemental affinity your or your allies' last attack had. This is not an easy task, but fully learning this ability will surely prove useful to the team.
Moreover, your ultimate ability causes every opponent in a large area to receive increased damage. Moreover, hitting the marked enemy will restore some HP and FP to you with every hit. The ability deals barely any damage, it is purely ive.
It's worth noting that this character is not weak, but she is difficult to use. She has a tough time accomplishing anything on her own. Her low health makes close combat very challenging. It's also obvious that Recluse mainly focuses on long-range magical attacks.
Pros |
Cons |
Huge damage, if the Magic Cocktail is used correctly Focuses on safe long-range combat using magic Can restore FP, as well as HP, after using her ultimate |
Very low HP If somehow you use up all your FP, you are screwed Not suitable for close combat Very complex when it comes to using the Magic Cocktail |
Revenant
FromSoftware
Revenant is the second secret character, not available from the very beginning. Although placing her so low on the tier list may give the impression she's not worth unlocking, this is not entirely true. A rather unusual class, with low health, and a short to medium range playstyle, that is very difficult to utilize. However, if played well, she can greatly strengthen her team.
If she deals the final blow to an opponent and kills it, she will be able to use its spirit to fight other enemies for a moment. The downside is that it indeed only lasts a moment. Her ability to summon one of the three of her family is another thing. Each of them has their own health bar and only one can be summoned at once. They will, however, prove helpful. They fight alongside the party and they can also resurrect fallen players.
Her ultimate ability allows you to survive lethal blow (health will not drop below 1 HP). Moreover, it can resurrect fallen family . Additionally, your active summoned family member can use their unique ability.
Sounds like a very good character, doesn't she? She indeed is, although her playstyle involves being close to opponents while her health is very low. Moreover, many of her abilities need a moment to activate, leaving her vulnerable. She's not necessarily suitable for solo play, but can greatly enhance a team.
Pros |
Cons |
High FP that can be used to cast spells and incantations. You can make the party (and summons) immortal Can summon many spirits to help her in battle... |
... as long as she's the one who killed them first. Low HP Low defence The spirits are helpful but not overwhelmingly so. |
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