Elden Ring Nightreign Raider build, tips, and best weapons

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In Elden Ring, crafting an optimal Raider build, known as Nightreign, isn’t as complex as some of the other character builds due to his straightforward nature. Essentially, the Raider is a strength-based character who focuses primarily on charging at and headbutting any foe he encounters while letting out primal roars. He also has the ability to summon a massive rock from the ground.

In a more straightforward phrasing: The headbutt attack of the Raider character packs quite a punch when timed correctly and boosted, which can offset how ineffective his Totem Stella (large rock) can sometimes be. For those aiming to construct a Raider build, there’s a wide array of strong weapon options available, particularly since many popular characters are expected to favor dexterity.

I’ve compiled a collection of his finest relics, highlighted weapon passives to focus on, suggested talismans, and some helpful tips further below to aid you in mastering this charming behemoth.

Or, more simply: Here’s the optimal build for Raider in Elden Ring Nightreign, including his best equipment, important weapon abilities, recommended charms, and tips for playstyle, all detailed below.

Elden Ring Nightreign Raider build

In Nightreign, your ability to construct a build is influenced by the unpredictable items discovered during expeditions. However, recognizing what to seek out is equally crucial. Additionally, strategically selecting the appropriate relics beforehand can significantly boost your character’s chances of success.

In essence, what enhances your health, endurance, and weapon effectiveness or affinity, particularly items like relics, weapon enhancements, talismans, or passives from defeated bosses, suits the Raider’s gameplay style most effectively.

Elden Ring Nightreign Raider best relics

While many relics obtained in Nightreign are randomly assigned, there are distinct special modifiers for each Nightfarer that tend to be the most powerful. These can easily be identified as they bear the label [Raider], although it’s worth noting that only one of these Raider tags points towards a particularly strong relic.

  • [Raider] Damage taken while using character skill improves attack power and stamina
  • Starting armament inflicts X (if you can match a Nightlord’s weakness)
  • X attack power up (match the above weakness)
  • Improved X resistance (match the Nightlord’s damage type)
  • X damage negation up (match the above damage type)
  • Improved X attack power (match it with a strength weapon)
  • Improved stance-breaking when two-handing/wielding two armaments (depending on which you get/are doing)
  • Stamina recovers with each successful attack
  • Taking attacks improves attack power
  • HP restoration upon X attacks (This affix is typically for strength-scaling weapons)
  • Increased maximum HP
  • Increased rune acquisition for self and allies
  • Rune discount for shop purchases while on expedition
  • Items confer effect to all nearby allies
  • HP restored when using cured meats, medicinal boluses, etc. (this one also stacks with the above, letting you heal allies when you consume these)
  • Character skill cooldown reduction +1
  • Defeating enemies fills more of the Art gauge
  • Strength/vigor/endurance + (increased weapon damage via scaling, health, and stamina respectively)

Elden Ring Nightreign Raider best weapons and passives

In your role as a power-weapon user, it’s advisable to arm Raider with the largest, most damaging weapons available. Think enormous weapons like maces, axes, or swords – basically, anything of immense size. If you manage to acquire two massive weapons of the same type, consider trying out the dual-wielding technique. This move enables a two-strike jump attack that’s perfect for dealing damage and knocking down bosses.

Here are the best weapon passives I recommend watching out for:

  • Improved X attack power (match the Nightlord’s weakness you’re covering)
  • Improved attack power when two-handing (if not dual-wielding)
  • Attack up when wielding two armaments (if using two of the same type)
  • HP restoration on attacks
  • Improved damage negation at full HP
  • Improved jump attacks
  • Improved charge attacks
  • FP restoration on attacks (less important but useful if you want to use weapon skill)
  • Improved X damage negation (match the Nightlord’s attack affinity if known)
  • Add X to weapon (if you don’t have the Nightlord’s weakness covered)
  • Improved attack power at full HP
  • Defeating enemies restores HP (less useful in most Nightlord bosses)
  • Taking damage boosts damage negation
  • Improved guard breaking

Elden Ring Nightreign Raider best talismans

In Limveld, you can obtain talismans upon defeating scarabs, which serve as additional items that can provide a range of beneficial effects to enhance your character. Here’s my suggested list of talismans, ranked in order based on the ones I recommend:

1. This talisman offers an impressive boost to your defense, making it a great choice for tank-type characters.
2. If you’re looking to increase your attack power, this talisman is a solid pick as it provides a substantial enhancement.
3. This talisman improves your movement speed, making it ideal for more agile characters who prefer to be on the move.
4. For those who want to focus on healing and support, this talisman significantly increases your healing capabilities.
5. Lastly, this talisman offers a chance to deal extra damage when you score critical hits, adding some exciting offense to your build.

  • Ritual Sword Talisman: Improves attack power at full HP
  • Ritual Shield Talisman: Improved damage negation at full HP
  • Green Turtle Talisman: Increased stamina recovery
  • Viridian Amber Medallion: Improved max stamina
  • Erdtree’s Favor: Increase maximum HP and maximum stamina
  • Claw Talisman: Improved jumping attacks
  • Axe Talisman: Improved charge attacks
  • Crimson Amber Medallion: Improved max HP
  • Dragoncrest Shield Talisman: Improved physical damage negation
  • Pearldrake Talisman: Improved non-physical damage negation
  • Crimson Seed Talisman: Improved flask HP restoration
  • Blessed Dew Talisman: Continuous HP recovery
  • Taker’s Cameo: Defeating enemies restores HP

Elden Ring Nightreign Raider tips

When it comes to controlling the Raider character, there are several factors to keep in mind. He excels at shattering stances, wielding powerful weapons, and boasting a decent amount of toughness. However, consider these points while you’re playing:

1. Stance Break: This ability can be crucial in disrupting your opponent’s offense. Use it strategically to gain the upper hand.
2. Strong Weapons: Raider is well-equipped to handle heavy weapons. Choose wisely based on the situation and adapt your playstyle accordingly.
3. Tankiness: With his robust build, Raider can withstand a good deal of damage. Be mindful of your health and positioning to maximize his durability.

  1. Time your Retaliation

Did you know that Raider’s headbutt can be made even more exciting with an upgraded version? This happens when you receive enough damage during its initial activation. It might require some skillful timing, but it transforms the move into a kind of defensive counter-attack. You should aim to get hit (although the damage received will be reduced by the skill) so that you can retaliate with a powerful uppercut. This delivers significant stagger damage and often forces bosses to recoil.

  1. Learn where to place your rock

One issue I’ve encountered with the Totem Stella ultimate ability is its tendency to be quite glitchy. Bosses have become trapped within it, been lifted off the ground, and on occasions, even I’ve found myself stuck inside. You might believe that you can use this art to raise an ally atop it for their safe revival, but more often than not, they too will get entangled within the rock. To put it simply, it can be quite chaotic. However, there are some benefits: being near the rock enhances your strength and damage output, as well as your poise. Additionally, striking enemies with the edge of the Totem Stella deals damage. Therefore, strategic placement is crucial.

  1. Dual-wield strength weapons of the same type if you can

In Elden Ring, when you equip two identical weapons, you can perform unique attacks (swapping the block function) that deal significant damage using both weapons simultaneously. This also allows for strategic attacks with various damage types or even inflicting two status effects at once, such as bleed, frost, scarlet rot, sleep, or poison. However, it’s not always clear which big weapons can be dual-wielded in Elden Ring, so you might need to experiment and find out what works best for you.

  1. Don’t neglect jumping attacks

Just like in the original version, jumping strikes are effective for disrupting an enemy’s stance and stun them, particularly useful if you’re wielding two power weapons and striking simultaneously with both. Simultaneous dual-wield attacks are also an excellent method for a slow-hitting strength character to revive fallen allies. If you manage to hit downed characters with both hits of the dual-wield power attack, it will fill about a third of the revival meter.

  1. Focus on pure damage

In Nightreign, it’s wise to focus on raw damage numbers rather than targeting Nightlord weaknesses if you’re playing as Raider. This is especially true when another party member is already handling the affinity. One of Raider’s key advantages lies in his ability to skillfully wield powerful strength weapons, which deal significant blows due to his high-tier strength status.

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2025-05-30 01:24