Elden Ring: Nightreign is not your average Soulslike. With its roguelike structure, time-limited expeditions, and new co-op systems, even long-time FromSoftware players may find themselves overwhelmed. If you’re just starting out, don’t worry, we’ve gathered some beginner-friendly tips to help you survive your first nights.
Choose a Class That Matches Your Playstyle
There are 8 starting classes, and while all are viable, some are better for beginners. Try out the Wylder, Raider, Duchess, or Ironeye based on your preferences. In a party, range is often easier. If you play solo, we recommend you don’t go for the range classes.
Before starting a real run, head to the Training Room outside the Roundtable to test classes and learn their mechanics. Jumping in blindly can set you up for failure.
Stick Together Early On
Unless you’re a solo expert, stay grouped during the early phases of your expedition. Moving together means better survivability and shared experience. If you’re following someone more experienced, use your map and R3 to place markers and lead or follow effectively.
Don’t lose time exploring small areas or making a detour to kill a small solo enemy at the other side of the map. You do not have the time.
No Crossplay – Play With Friends
There is no cross-platform play, so you will have to group up with players on the same platform. We also recommend you coordinate with 2 friends via voice chat if possible. Use a shared multiplayer password to ensure you match together.
Only the party leader can progress journal quests, and matchmaking may not handle these well, so stick to premade groups when doing story content.
Know How to Launch Solo Expeditions
Want to go solo? On the second expedition tab, scroll to the bottom and change “Multiplayer” to “Solo” under Expedition Type. This gives you full control over pacing and exploration. However, be aware that it is harder solo, especially at the beginning. You may want to go through some test runs with other players first.
Level Up Fast – Don’t Waste Time
Time is limited in each run. Focus on fast movement from one point of interest to the next, collecting loot and XP before nightfall. As mentioned before, don’t get distracted by small enemies or dead ends.
Always reach Level 3 before challenging dangerous roaming bosses, and avoid Day 2 bosses like the Magma Dragon early on. They’ll destroy you.
Churches and Mines Are Key Stops
Always visit Churches! They’re quick to explore and give you an extra healing flask. Aim to hit 2-3 of them per expedition.
Mines are great for fast weapon upgrades, especially if you have a specific build in mind or want to use spell catalysts. Prioritize them if they’re nearby. Don’t go out of your way for them.
Use All Your Gear Slots for Passive Bonuses
Each character has 6 weapon slots (3 per hand). Even if you won’t actively use a weapon, equipping it can provide passive bonuses with no weight penalty.
Share gear with your team as well. If you don’t need an item, pass it to someone who does. The boost might mean a world of difference during boss fights.
Target Boss Elemental Weaknesses
Bosses often have specific elemental vulnerabilities. Coordinating your group’s weapons to match that weakness can severely limit their abilities and interrupt their strongest moves.
Weapons that inflict bleed or frost are especially strong, scaling off enemy HP and doing massive damage in co-op.
Always Activate the Nearest Site of Grace
Before engaging a boss, especially night bosses, activate the closest Site of Grace. It might just be the lifeline that saves your run after a tough wipe.
Use Items Often – Nothing Carries Over
Don’t hoard your consumables. Items don’t carry over between expeditions, so use everything at your disposal:
- Buffs like Boiled Crab can increase defense.
- Rune boosters like Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot speed up leveling.
- Coatings add damage and status effects.
Your items are meant to be used, especially against tough bosses and swarms.
You will fail. A lot. Elden Ring: Nightreign is designed to be unforgiving, and that’s okay. With every run, you’ll learn a little more, get a little stronger, and edge closer to conquering the night.
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