Creating an effective Elden Ring Nightreign Executor build offers players a versatile playstyle, one that adapts more readily to unexpected weapon drops than many other character classes. Mastering the unique skills of the Executor, particularly their timing in countering attacks, does require practice but can lead to rewarding combat experiences.
This guide gives an in-depth overview of how to optimize your Nightreign Executor’s abilities, as well as recommendations on the best weapons, relics, and talismans to enhance your gameplay.
Elden Ring Nightreign Executor Build Guide
Executor Abilities Overview
The Executor class boasts an impressive range of abilities, primarily excelling in one-on-one confrontations. Their outstanding parry timing is vital for maximizing this potential. Notably, their ultimate skill enables quick movement across the battlefield, allowing them to tackle formidable foes and numerous adversaries with ease. However, their skills often encourage high-risk strategies, making careful item selection crucial for optimal performance.
Passive Skill: Tenacity
- Upon recovering from status effects like frostbite or scarlet rot, the Executor enjoys a temporary boost to parameters. Utilizing boluses to heal from an ailment counts toward this passive recovery.
Sword Skill: Cursed Sword
- This skill allows the Executor to sheath their weapon and wield a katana specifically designed for countering attacks, enhancing their ability to achieve perfect blocks. While Cursed Sword is active, the Executor cannot sprint or dash, as doing so reverts them to their previous weapon. Fortunately, this skill has no cooldown, allowing for strategic versatility.
Ultimate Skill: Aspect of the Crucible – Beast
- The Executor temporarily transforms into a massive creature, gaining access to nimble claw strikes and powerful slashing attacks. Both attack types have a possibility to stagger foes. Reactivating this skill before the duration expires allows for manual disengagement.
- R1/RB: Basic Attack
- R2/RT: Heavy Attack
- L1/LB: Roar Attack
- L2/LT: Crucible Skill
Utilizing the Cursed Sword Effectively
The in-game explanation of the Cursed Sword may not provide the clearest guidance, but its primary function is to extend the window for executing perfect guards. By aligning your defense just before an enemy strikes, you reduce stamina loss. Once the Executor successfully achieves three perfect guards, the sword’s latent power ignites, displaying a golden glow. Activating L2/LT at this moment unleashes a potent horizontal slash, propelling the Executor past their foe, much like the Ironeye’s marking ability.
If you attempt to use L2/LT before the sword radiates golden light, the Executor will simply perform a standard slashing attack, which carries less potency and a diminished chance of staggering opponents. Interestingly, there is no imposed time limit on capitalizing upon the sword’s power activation; thus, you can afford to sheath the sword, reposition, and choose your moment wisely for maximum effect.
However, note that wielding the Cursed Sword restricts the Executor’s movement to a slow walk, complicating positioning against agile bosses. Nevertheless, this slower pace can synergize with passive effects activated by walking, such as the falling stars spell or the buff causing madness flames to accompany every step taken.
Optimal Weapons and Magic for the Executor
With its high dexterity and excellent arcane scaling, the Executor is adept at inflicting status ailments quickly. Starting with a katana that enables blood loss, the character can typically induce this effect after a mere three to four strikes.
Most foes, including formidable Night Lords, are susceptible to blood loss. Therefore, upgrading your initial katana is a practical approach if other weapons prove elusive. The Rivers of Blood, any version of the Nagakiba, or even the Moonlight Veil fit the Executor’s build superbly. Moreover, the character can proficiently wield a variety of straight, curved, and thrusting swords, alongside claws and whips, although the latter two can be challenging to master due to their unique handling. Claws are limited by their range, while whips tend to be slower.
Moreover, the Executor can excel with bows and daggers, thanks to their high dexterity scaling. Therefore, while a katana possessing elemental attributes stands as the top choice, the reliance on various weapons can create a compelling and robust Executor build.
Best Relics for the Executor
The Executor benefits from several relics that complement their combat approach, including one available for purchase at the Small Jar Bazaar after defeating sufficient Night Lords.
Grand Burning Scene
- Executor] Roaring restores HP during ultimate art activation
- +2 to Dexterity
- +2 to Arcane
Blessed Flowers
- [Executor] HP restoration while character skill is active and Cursed Sword is in use
- +3 to Dexterity
Golden Sprout
- [Executor] HP is restored while ultimate art is active
- Recovers HP from successful guarding
- Slowly regain HP for self and near allies when health is critically low
The term “nearby”in this context implies a very close proximity, akin to other relics that provide area-effect healing boosts.
Recommended Talismans for the Executor
The Nightreign expansion does not introduce talismans specific to katanas, nor does it feature many directly associated with dexterity. However, there are a few essential talismans you should consider acquiring:
- Millicent’s Prosthesis: Boosts Dexterity and enhances attack power with successive hits.
- Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery rate.
- Assassin’s Crimson Dagger: Restores HP with each critical hit.
- Crimson Medallion: Raises maximum health.
Executor Gameplay Tips
While the Executor class is relatively straightforward, several vital strategies can enhance your effectiveness in gameplay.
Avoid Overextending – At Least Most of the Time
The Executor’s skill set excels against individual targets. They’re excellent for baiting boss attacks and mitigating damage. However, against multiple adversaries, the odds can quickly shift in their favor. The one exception is when your ultimate skill is fully charged. The Beast transformation can confuse and overwhelm multiple foes, providing a safer approach than standard engagements.
Don’t Overuse the Cursed Sword
While crucial to the Executor’s combat, rely on the Cursed Sword with caution against bosses until you have a firm grasp of their attack patterns. Timing mistakes can lead to damage taken or stance breaks. Although dodging may not energize the Cursed Sword, it prevents death and allows your team to retaliate effectively.
Leverage Roar Attacks
Don’t hesitate to utilize your Beast form’s roar attack, especially when activating relics that restore HP upon roaring. These attacks can stun numerous small enemies swiftly and are crucial for clearing corrupted zones or camps.
Exploit Various Ailments
Given the Executor’s high arcane rating and diverse weapon selection, they are particularly adept at introducing various status effects beyond just blood loss. If you acquire a weapon afflicting poison, scarlet rot, frostbite, or sleep – and it isn’t an overly large or ill-suited weapon – incorporate it into your build. Utilizing different weapons may yield surprising tactical advantages during battle.
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