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

One of the standout features of *Elden Ring* has always been its flexibility in allowing a wide range of playstyles. For me, one of the most satisfying builds revolves around maxing out Strength and wielding the biggest weapon possible—crushing enemies with powerful jumping attacks that break their posture and heavy strikes that feel incredibly rewarding. If this sounds like your kind of gameplay, then you're going to love the Raider class from *Nightreign*. (Check out the video below for a closer look.)

While the Guardian is another tanky, strength-based class known for its defensive capabilities—including a starting shield and an ultimate that protects the entire party—the Raider takes a completely different approach. This class is built purely for offense, delivering raw power without relying on defense.

Raider’s Core Ability: Retaliate

The Raider’s most unique ability is *Retaliate*, which at first glance may appear underwhelming—a simple double stomp dealing physical damage and poise break. However, the real strength lies in the Raider’s passive trait: he cannot be knocked down while performing *Retaliate*. This makes it an extremely effective counter mechanic, letting you absorb incoming attacks without flinching. The second stomp also scales with the damage you soak up, transforming into a devastating punch that can stagger even the largest enemies if they hit you during the animation.

Ultimate Ability: Totem Stela

The Raider’s ultimate ability, *Totem Stela*, sees him slam the ground, summoning a massive totem that erupts outward, dealing heavy area-of-effect damage. Beyond its immediate impact, the totem remains on the battlefield as a climbable structure—offering both tactical positioning and a safe zone for you and your teammates. Additionally, it grants a team-wide damage boost, making it one of the most strategic ultimates to deploy in group combat. As with all *Nightreign* ultimates, *Totem Stela* can completely shift the momentum of battle in your favor.

Why the Raider Stands Out

Out of all the classes I've tested in *Nightreign*, the Raider was by far the most enjoyable. It starts off with the *Raider’s Greavtaxe*, a solid fire-infused weapon that already brings some utility through its *Endure* skill—letting you absorb enemy hits when *Retaliate* is on cooldown. That said, as the game progresses and the nights grow darker, you’ll definitely want to upgrade to something bigger. After all, the Raider shines brightest when swinging the largest, most Strength-scaling weapons available.

What truly sets the Raider apart is how well it fits solo combat scenarios. Its Remembrances—which we'll explore further later this month—often involve gladiatorial one-on-one duels, offering a refreshing change from standard boss fights and reinforcing the class's aggressive, head-first playstyle.

That wraps up our hands-on preview of the *Nightreign* classes. Stay tuned throughout the month for more in-depth coverage of *Elden Ring: Nightreign*, including deep dives into mechanics, developer interviews, and more as part of IGN First.