One Elden Ring Nightreign Feature Should Be in Future FromSoft Games

All FromSoftware action-RPGs have kicked off by letting players choose from a selection of starting classes. These classes determine the player’s starting stats and equipment, including their armor, weapons, and any magic they might have access to. These classes usually offer an impressive range of starting points for both new and returning players. But like with many aspects of FromSoftware’s tried and tested formula, Elden Ring Nightreign takes a different approach with its classes.

Rather than offer starting classes, Elden Ring Nightreign presents eight fully-fledged characters for players to choose from, each one complete with their own unique weapon proficiencies and abilities. These classes can be tweaked on the fly by finding new weapons and upgrades during the course of a match, but generally their builds remain largely the same. Thankfully, these Nightfarers are a core strength of Elden Ring Nightreign, with each harboring a distinct identity that’s forged by large and small details alike. One small detail is so effective, in fact, that it should be carried over to future FromSoftware action-RPGs.

In Defense of Elden Ring Nightreign’s Three-Player Restriction

Elden Ring Nightreign has come under fire for only allowing solo or trio play, and this makes sense, but three players might be the way to go anyway.

Elden Ring Nightreign’s Dodge Animations Should Carry Over to Future FromSoft Games

Some of Elden Ring Nightreign’s Nightfarers Have Unique Dodge Animations

One subtle detail that distinguishes Elden Ring Nightreign‘s Nightfarers from one another is their unique dodge animations, which give away a surprising amount about each character’s wider moveset and identity. Wylder, Ironeye, and Executor all have the same fast dodge roll animation, showing that the three Nightfarers are quick and agile. The Raider, on the other hand, has the same dodge animation, but it’s slowed down a little bit, implying the character’s larger stature and heavier armor are weighing him down.

The eagle-headed Guardian has a completely unique dodge animation, ducking and weaving underneath an enemy’s strike while taking a small step to the side. Guardian also has a more deliberate side-step animation which is activated when players dodge while holding their shield. This more rigid dodge animation showcases the Guardian’s focus on defense above all else.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Elden Ring Nightreign‘s Recluse, who daintily floats above the battlefield with each dodge input, hinting at her prowess with magic. The Duchess has the fastest dodge animation in Nightreign, being a much quicker and wider version of Guardian’s side-step. Duchess can also perform two dodges consecutively, with the second resulting in a flip if aimed backwards. The Duchess’ dodge animations immediately cement the character’s speed and athleticism.

The Duchess’ dodge animations are very similar to The Hunter’s from Bloodborne.

Unique Dodge Animations Should Carry Over to FromSoftware’s Next Game

Though it’s just a small detail, Elden Ring Nightreign‘s unique dodge animations do a great job of consistently reinforcing each Nightfarer’s identity and ability set, and it’s something that FromSoftware should consider implementing in its next game. Of course, it may be a little trickier to balance unique dodge animations in a more traditional action-RPG where equipment loads affect dodge speed, but it’d be really neat to see FromSoftware try to make it work.