If you're new to Elden Ring Nightreign, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything from the basics to advanced strategies to help you dominate the battlefield.
How to Get Started in Elden Ring Nightreign?
When you first launch Elden Ring Nightreign, it can be overwhelming with all the options and systems. But don't worry – we've got you covered with these essential beginner tips.
Round Table Hold: Your Training Ground
One of the most valuable features for new players is the Round Table Hold. This area serves as a training ground where you can:
- Learn character movesets
- Practice with different weapons and skills
- Refresh your memory on game mechanics
What makes Round Table Hold even more convenient is the teleportation feature. Simply access the menu, select a location, and you'll be instantly transported there. This saves you time and helps you familiarize yourself with the layout.
Matchmaking System
The matchmaking system can seem complex at first, but understanding these key aspects will improve your experience:
- Cross-region matchmaking: Turn this off initially to reduce ping issues, especially if you're playing with friends from the same region.
- Matchmaking password: Use this to play with specific friends or communities. For example, our Fextra community uses the password FRA XT R A (all caps).
- Group password: This allows you to see asynchronous features like bloodstains from other players using the same password.
You can adjust these settings in your options menu to suit your playstyle and preferences.
Map Navigation and Strategy
The map in Elden Ring Nightreign is crucial to your success. Here's what you need to know:
Map Layout and Spawn Points
While the map's topography remains consistent, certain elements like runes and structures may change locations. Learning the general layout is essential as it doesn't change significantly between runs.
Elemental Icons
Pay attention to the elemental icons on structures. These indicate the type of weaponry you can obtain from defeating the boss there. For example:
- Fire icon: Likely to yield fire weapons
- Bleed icon: May provide bleed weapons
Use these icons to guide your weapon collection strategy based on your needs.
Map Pins
Each character has their own color pins to mark locations. This feature is especially useful when not using voice chat. When two players pin the same location, it turns white, indicating a consensus. This helps coordinate group movements effectively.
Group Play vs. Solo
Stay in a group whenever possible! The game is designed with multiplayer in mind, and playing solo can be challenging, especially for new players. In the multiplayer menu, you can switch to single-player mode, but we highly recommend starting with a group for a better experience.
Relics and Character Progression
Relics are a core aspect of character development in Elden Ring Nightreign.
What Are Relics?
Relics are items you acquire after each run, whether successful or not. You can equip them in Round Table Hold, and they come in different color slots for various effects. These effects can include:
- Stat boosts (health, FP, stamina)
- Weapon enhancements (poison, bleed, fire)
- Ability improvements
Relics are randomized, so you might get strong or weak ones, or even relics for characters you're not using. However, each Night Lord has a specific relic that's particularly powerful, so defeating them is crucial for progression.
Relic Slot Customization
After defeating the first boss, you'll gain the ability to change relic slots using in-game currency. This allows for more flexibility in character builds. If you're not satisfied with your current relic combination, complete the first boss and unlock this customization option.
Leveling Up and Character Development
Leveling up is a top priority in Elden Ring Nightreign. Here's why:
The Importance of Early Levels
Getting from level 1 to level 2 can significantly boost your health stat, sometimes doubling it depending on your character class. This improvement drastically increases your survivability.
Your first objective in any run should be to quickly kill a couple of enemies, find a Site of Grace, and level up to at least level 2 before taking on more challenging foes.
Churches and Flask Management
Prioritize churches! Visiting churches increases your flask count, which is vital for healing during boss battles. Whenever possible, choose church objectives over others if they're equally distant. Having at least 6-7 flasks by the end of the second or third day is recommended for boss fights.
Efficient Play Strategies
These strategies will help you play more efficiently and make the most of each run.
Avoiding Easy Enemies
Except at the very beginning of a run (where they can provide quick XP) or when you can use ultimates like Guardian's or Iron Eye's to eliminate them quickly, try to avoid easy enemies. Focusing on bosses and forts will yield better rewards and XP.
Map Priority and Timing
Focus on outer map objectives before moving inward. As the ring collapses, you won't have opportunities to reach the outer areas later. Also, be aware of the time and your position relative to the ring's collapse. This situational awareness will prevent you from getting caught in the Nightreign.
Status Effects and Party Composition
Bleed, poison, and scarlet rot are king! These status effects are incredibly valuable in boss fights, especially since bosses have higher resistances in this game. Try to have multiple group members applying these effects.
Party composition is also crucial. Avoid all melee groups, as they can be vulnerable to AoE attacks. Include at least one ranged character to provide support and revival opportunities. Understanding each character's skills and synergies will greatly enhance your group's effectiveness.
Essential Items and Upgrades
Here are some key items and upgrade strategies to keep in mind:
Talismans
Talismans drop from scarabs, which can be found on the landscape or in forest areas. Additionally, the main keep in the center of the map has a chest that offers one of three talisman choices. Make it a priority to visit this chest before the end of your second day.
Boss Resistances
Learn the resistances of bosses to maximize your damage output. Each boss has specific weaknesses and resistances, which can be found on the wiki. Using the correct damage types can make fights much easier.
Merchants and Mines
Merchants can sell talismans, upgrade materials (including rare purple upgrade materials), and better weapons or shields. While you shouldn't go out of your way to find them, check them out if they're nearby.
Mines are another reliable source of purple upgrade materials. The bosses inside are usually manageable, so consider clearing them if you encounter one.
Consumables
Some consumables are more valuable than others. Prioritize items like Warming Stones, Boiled Crabs, and Starlate Shards based on your class and playstyle. Avoid less useful items like Bololises.
Elden Ring Nightreign offers an exciting and challenging experience for players of all skill levels. By following these beginner tips and strategies, you'll be well on your way to mastering the game.
Remember to use the wiki to refresh your knowledge between runs, as it's difficult to consult during gameplay. And don't hesitate to leave comments with your own tips or questions – we're here to help!
Good luck, and may your runs be victorious!
