If you’re drawn to wielding formidable weapons like Greatswords, Greataxes, and Hammers, then the Raider class in Elden Ring Nightreign will suit you perfectly. Raider boasts the highest Strength among all Nightfarers, enabling you to unleash devastating damage during your adventures.
Although mastering Raider can be challenging, a solid understanding of his skills along with a well-structured build will provide you with a competitive edge, making you a formidable opponent.
This guide will provide an in-depth look at playing as Raider in Elden Ring Nightreign, covering gameplay strategies, optimal relics, weapon choices, and more.
Key Skills of Raider
Raider’s skills are pivotal, affecting both individual performance and team dynamics. Below is a summary of his abilities:
| Skill | Type | Description |
| Fighter’s Resolve | Passive | Increases Retaliate potency when taking damage; invulnerable while activated. |
| Retaliate | Character Skill | Enter an attack stance to deliver powerful counter-attacks. |
| Totem Stela | Ultimate Art | Summon a giant tombstone from the gravekeeper’s wedge, inflicting damage and boosting team offense. |
The synergy between Fighter’s Resolve and Retaliate is crucial for leveraging Raider’s potential. Raider absorbs incoming damage through Fighter’s Resolve, thus enhancing the damage of Retaliate, allowing him to turn the tables on adversaries effectively.
Raider’s Ultimate, the Totem Stela, not only deals substantial damage but also empowers nearby allies by boosting their damage output. Players can utilize the tombstone to gain a tactical advantage, offering a safe vantage point to heal and consume items undisturbed.
Top Weapon Choices for Raider
Given Raider’s Strength orientation, he excels with larger weapons.Greataxes and Hammers are recommended for their straightforward use and high capacity to disrupt enemy stances, leaving opponents vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Avoid using stabbing weapons such as Spears, which do not synergize well with Raider’s abilities.
During expeditions, prioritize weapons equipped with beneficial skills. Despite being primarily Strength-focused, Raider possesses enough MP to utilize weapon skills that can inflict significant damage when necessary. One standout skill is the Regal Beastclaw from the Beastclaw Greathammer, which unleashes damaging claw waves to multiple enemies. Another excellent option is the Spinning Wheel skill from Ghiza’s Wheel, which delivers continuous damage as long as the button is pressed.
While there’s no certainty you’ll find Greataxes or Hammers on your journeys due to Elden Ring’s RNG elements, thoroughly exploring outposts, defeating mini-bosses, and scavenging all areas significantly boosts your chances.
Optimal Relics for Raider
The vast array of Relics in Elden Ring Nightreign, available in Red, Yellow, and Green, provide extensive customization options for enhancing Raider’s performance on expeditions.
Consider focusing on relics that enhance Raider’s Strength, Vigor, and Endurance to boost damage output and survivability. Alternatively, there are relics designed to accelerate skill and ultimate recharge times, which can be equally beneficial.
One highly effective relic is the Torn-Braided Cord, obtainable by completing Raider’s first Remembrance. This relic grants +3 to Strength and increases attack power and stamina when receiving damage using the Character Skill, Respite.
Another strong choice is Night of the Fathom, which boosts maximum HP and enables healing flasks to support allies. Additionally, it enhances item effects for nearby teammates. This relic can be earned through the Augur expedition, proving advantageous for team synergy.
Adapting your relic choices to counter specific Nightlords can also be advantageous; for instance, when facing the fire-weak Nightlord of the Sentient Pest, incorporating a relic that amplifies fire attacks would be wise. Ensure to collect Fire grease during your expedition to capitalize on this advantage.
Keep in mind, if your relic slots lack the appropriate colors for insertion, you can acquire a Goblet to expand your options.
Strategies for Successful Expeditions
To maximize your potential as Raider and successfully progress beyond Day 3 in your expedition, consider the following strategies:
- Search for Churches to replenish Flask Charges.
- Utilize consumables like Exalted Flesh and elemental Grease to enhance your attack power.
- Employ Boiled Prawns to reduce physical damage taken.
- Consider Dual Wielding for increased versatility.
- Pick up weapons with useful buffs, such as enhanced jump attacks or increased charged attack damage.
The last point is essential: you don’t need to equip a weapon to activate certain buffs—having them in your inventory suffices. However, note that buffs marked with a red hand require the weapon to be equipped.
Ideal Team Setup for Raider
Unless you’re opting for a solo playthrough in Elden Ring Nightreign—which isn’t advisable given the game’s difficulty—Raider’s effectiveness is greatly enhanced by the synergy within his team.
To help Raider shine, a balanced team composition is crucial. I recommend including characters like Ironeye and Duchess in your party.
Ironeye
Ironeye is often heralded as one of the best characters due to his ability to revive teammates from a distance and effectively engage aerial foes. His passive skill, Eagle Eye, allows players to uncover more loot from defeated enemies, potentially speeding up your chances of acquiring the powerful weaponry recommended earlier.
Duchess
Duchess complements Raider’s strengths effectively with her Restage character skill and Finale ultimate ability, the latter of which duplicates half the damage dealt to an enemy moments earlier. This ability can amplify Raider’s already formidable assault significantly.
Additionally, Finale grants invisibility to Raider and his allies, a major tactical advantage. Given Raider’s slower attack speed, this invisibility allows him to close the gap on faster enemies and capitalize with unopposed strikes.
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