One of the standout features of *Elden Ring* has always been its flexibility in playstyles, and few feel as satisfying to master as a pure Strength-based brute build. If you're like me—someone who loves loading up on Strength, grabbing the biggest weapon available, and obliterating enemies with posture-shattering jumping attacks and devastating heavy strikes—then allow me to introduce you to the **Raider** in *Nightreign*. (Check out the gameplay video below for a full breakdown.)
While the Guardian — another tanky, high-health class built around massive weapons — leans into defense with a starter shield and an ultimate that protects the entire party from damage, the Raider is all about raw offensive power. This is a class designed to dominate the battlefield head-on, using aggressive counters and explosive ultimates to turn the tide of battle.
The core of the Raider’s combat style lies in his **Retaliate** ability. At first glance, it might not seem overly impressive — just two stomps dealing minor physical and poise damage. However, thanks to the Raider’s passive trait, he cannot be knocked down while performing Retaliate. That makes it a near-indestructible counter technique. You can essentially absorb enemy or boss attacks without flinching, and here's the kicker: if you manage to soak a major hit during Retaliate, the second stomp transforms into a bone-crushing punch capable of staggering even the largest foes. It’s a game-changer for aggressive players who thrive under pressure.
Totem Stela – A Game-Changing Ultimate
The Raider’s ultimate, **Totem Stela**, sees him slam the ground, summoning a towering totem that erupts outward, dishing out massive area-of-effect damage. But this isn’t just another flashy finisher — the totem remains on the battlefield and is fully climbable. This opens up tactical options: you and your team can use it to gain a safe vantage point or retreat momentarily from danger. Even better, the totem also grants a temporary damage boost to everyone nearby. As one of the most impactful ultimates in *Nightreign*, coordinating its use can completely shift momentum in your favor.
A Class Built for One-on-One Combat
Of all the classes I’ve tested in *Nightreign*, the Raider was by far the most thrilling. He starts off with the **Raider’s Greavtaxe**, a solid fire-infused weapon that already packs a punch and includes the “Endure” skill — a useful tool for soaking damage when Retaliate is on cooldown. While serviceable at the start, you’ll want to upgrade to a larger, Strength-scaling weapon as the game progresses, since that’s where the Raider truly shines.
What really sets the Raider apart is his suitability for one-on-one duels. This aligns perfectly with his unique Remembrances mechanic — which we'll explore in more detail later this month — where you engage in gladiatorial-style solo boss battles. It’s a refreshing twist that rewards skillful play and adds a new dimension to how you approach combat in *Elden Ring: Nightreign*.
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That wraps up our hands-on look at *Nightreign*'s exciting classes. Stay tuned throughout the month for deeper dives into the game’s mechanics, developer interviews, and more exclusive content as part of [ttpp]IGN First[/ttpp].
