"Elden Ring's Nightreign Revives Dark Souls Bosses, But Lore Fans Beware"

Elden Ring Nightreign's bosses are a fascinating blend of current and previous FromSoftware favorites, sparking curiosity among fans about their inclusion. Nightreign's director, Junya Ishizaki, shed light on this decision in a recent interview with Gamespot on February 12, 2025. Let's delve into the reasons behind the return of these iconic bosses.

Nightreign Bosses are Included for Gameplay Enhancement

Elden Ring Nightreign features a mix of classic Elden Ring and renowned bosses from previous FromSoftware titles, stirring discussions about their lore implications. However, Ishizaki clarified that the inclusion of these bosses is primarily driven by gameplay considerations. "The primary reason for these existing bosses in Nightreign is from a gameplay perspective," he stated. "With this new structure and style of game, we needed a diverse range of bosses to enrich the gameplay experience. Leveraging our previous titles allowed us to bring in elements that we felt were appropriate."

Ishizaki emphasized that they aimed to respect the affection and memories players have for these iconic characters without heavily impacting the lore. "We understand that our players have a deep connection to these bosses and their battles," he noted. "Our goal was to ensure they fit seamlessly into the atmosphere and vibe of Elden Ring Nightreign." He also added that integrating these familiar faces adds a fun element to the game, although it does not necessarily imply a direct lore connection between Elden Ring and other FromSoftware titles. Fans might instead focus on the new antagonist, the Night Lord, and its potential links to the broader Elden Ring narrative.

Nightreign Bosses from Previous FromSoftware Games

So far, two bosses from previous FromSoftware games have been confirmed for Elden Ring Nightreign: the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 and the Centipede Demon from the original Dark Souls. Additionally, there are speculations about the inclusion of The Duke’s Dear Freja from Dark Souls 2.

The Nameless King, the firstborn son of Gwyn, is an optional boss in Dark Souls 3 known for his challenging combat involving bursts of wind and lightning. Located in the Archdragon Peak, he tests players' skills and is one of the game's toughest encounters.

The Centipede Demon, originating from the first Dark Souls, is a formidable foe with six centipede heads capable of spitting fireballs. Its existence is linked to the creation of the Flame of Chaos by the Witch of Izalith.

Elden Ring Nightreign's trailer hints at the presence of The Duke’s Dear Freja, suggested by a solitary spider in a forested swamp reminiscent of the environment in Dark Souls 2 where this boss is fought. The Duke’s Dear Freja, a giant two-headed spider, is speculated to be the pet of the spider-obsessed Duke Tseldora.

While these bosses have rich lore within their original games, their inclusion in Nightreign is focused on enhancing the gameplay experience. Fans are encouraged to enjoy these encounters for the challenge and nostalgia they bring, rather than delving too deeply into their lore implications within the Elden Ring universe.