Elden Ring Nightreignis using the same general gameplay formula, the same enemy and boss designs, the same weapon types, and much of the same world design asElden Ring’s base game to produce an all-new experience that’s unlike anything FromSoftware has ever made before. A co-op roguelike spinoff,Elden Ring Nightreignsees three players teaming up to defeat a powerful ‘Night Lord’ boss, but first they need to spend two in-game nights gathering resources, killing enemies, and leveling up.
Before jumping into a match ofElden Ring Nightreign, players are prompted to choose from 8 predetermined character classes, only four of which have been confirmed thus far. Called ‘Nightfarers’, these classes are modeled after popular build archetypes inElden Ring, and the Recluse makes some intriguing improvements to FromSoftware’s magic-wielders.
How Elden Ring Nightreign’s Recluse Improves Upon FromSoftware’s Spellcaster Formula
FromSoftware’s Spellcasters Have Varied in Quality
Spellcasting in FromSoftware games has often varied quite heavily in terms of quality and viability.1994’sKing’s Field– FromSoft’s debut title and spiritual predecessor to its beloved action-RPG formula – technically allowed players to deliver a magical attack with their equipped weapon. Though, given the game’s age, this magical attack doesn’t feel too responsive or powerful by today’s standards.
Magic-wielding intheDark Soulsseriesarguably got increasingly better with each entry, but even at its best it paled in comparison to the series' melee options. While some spells looked suitably impressive, their slow casting speed and general lack of efficacy in battle made them unreliable to use in most PvP situations, and even some challenging PvE encounters.
As should be expected of the developer’s most recent game,Elden Ringand its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion have the best spellcasting mechanics in any of FromSoftware’s catalog. Along with basic spells being much faster to cast,Elden Ring’s magic is generally more powerful across the board than in previous FromSoft action-RPGs. Though, even with these buffs, magic isn’t always the most viable option forElden Ring’s PvP battles.
Elden Ring Nightreign’s Recluse Brings a New Dynamic to the Spellcasting Archetype
One of four Nightfarer classes currently confirmed forElden Ring Nightreign, the Recluse adds a few new features toElden Ring’s sorcerer build type. The biggest new addition is a special ability called ‘Magic Cocktail.’
By pressingthe Recluse’s active abilitybutton, players will be able to siphon the magical energy of enemies. Siphoning an enemy’s energy lets the Recluse regain some FP, as well as store whatever elemental effect the enemy has on their weapon. The Recluse can store up to three elemental effects, and upon using the Magic Cocktail ability a fourth time, they unleash a powerful magical blast with a unique effect that’s determined by their stored elements.
For example, unleashing a Magic Cocktail consisting of Lightning, Fire, and Magic elemental effects will result in an AoE blast of gravity energy, while a Magic Cocktail containing three Fire elemental effects will deliver a Fire-based AoE attack. This one addition packs a serious punch, with there being around 30 unique combinations confirmed so far.
Much like the other Nightfarers, the Recluse also has a unique ultimate ability. Called ‘Soulblood Song’, the Recluse’s ultimate allows her to brand all nearby enemies with a Blood Sigil. When allies attack an enemy with an attached Blood Sigil, they regain both HP and FP. The Recluse also has a unique dodge animation.
