"Elden Ring's Nightreign Revives Dark Souls Bosses, But Lore Fans Beware"

Elden Ring Nightreign's bosses blend current and past FromSoft favorites, and director Junya Ishizaki has shed light on the reasoning behind this decision. Dive in to discover why these iconic bosses are making a comeback.

Elden Ring Nightreign Explains Why FromSoft Bosses Are Included in the Game

Nightreign Bosses are There for Gameplay Perspective

Elden Ring Nightreign showcases a thrilling mix of classic Elden Ring and previous FromSoft bosses, sparking curiosity about the game's lore. Yet, Nightreign director Junya Ishizaki clarified in an interview with Gamespot on February 12, 2025, that these bosses are included primarily for gameplay enhancement.

FromSoft lore enthusiasts can breathe easy as the lore implications of Nightreign’s bosses are minimal. "The primary reason for including these existing bosses in Nightreign is to enhance gameplay," Ishizaki stated. "With the new structure and style of the game, we required a diverse array of bosses. Leveraging appropriate elements from our past titles was a strategic move to enrich the experience."

"We recognize the deep affection our players have for these iconic characters and the cherished memories of facing them," Ishizaki continued. "We aimed to integrate them seamlessly into Elden Ring Nightreign’s atmosphere without disrupting the established lore. Adding these bosses also adds an element of fun and nostalgia to the game."

While the presence of these bosses may not directly tie Elden Ring to other FromSoft universes, fans are encouraged to focus on the primary antagonist, the Night Lord, and its potential connections to the overarching Elden Ring lore.

Nightreign Bosses from Previous FromSoft Titles

Elden Ring Nightreign has confirmed the inclusion of two legendary bosses from previous titles: the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 (DS3) and the Centipede Demon from the original Dark Souls (DS). There's also speculation about the appearance of The Duke’s Dear Freja, a massive two-headed spider from Dark Souls 2.

The Nameless King, the firstborn son of Gwyn, challenges players with fierce winds and lightning in DS3. Known for his difficulty, he's an optional boss hidden behind intricate sidequests at the Archdragon Peak.

The Centipede Demon, originating from the first Dark Souls, is a formidable foe with six heads spitting fireballs, rumored to be a result of the Witch of Izalith's creation of the Flame of Chaos.

Nightreign’s trailer hints at The Duke’s Dear Freja's presence with a lone spider in a forested swamp, reminiscent of the spiders in her boss battle in Dark Souls 2. Speculation suggests this could be Duke Tseldora's pet, given his obsession with spiders.

Although integrating these bosses into Elden Ring’s narrative presents challenges, fans are advised to enjoy them for the gameplay enhancements they offer in Nightreign, rather than focusing on their lore connections.