Elden Ring Nightreign Raider Class Optimization Tips & Best Equipment

Core Attributes:

• Strength: S
• Stamina: A
• HP: A
• Dexterity: C
• Arcane: C
• FP: D
• Intelligence: D
• Faith: D

The Raider excels as a melee bruiser, boasting massive weapons and shield-like armor. Lacking in arcane ability and dexterity, the Raider compensates with brute force and stamina.

Key Abilities

• Passive Ability – Fighter’s Resolve: Damage absorbed accrues this passive, causing the Raider to be more aggressive and providing him with resistance to knockdowns.
• Character Skill – Retaliate: Position-based attack that, when Fighter’s Resolve is turned on, becomes significantly stronger and can crush with massive hits and extra stagger potential.
• Ultimate Art – Totem Stela: Summons a totem which amplifies the damage output of the Raider and provides area-of-effect benefits, cementing the Raider’s position as an in-your-face juggernaut.

Best Weapons for Raider

With many weapons to pick from in Elden Ring Nightreign, the success of the Raider depends on using the enormous weapons that utilize their increased Strength. The top picks for weapons are as follows:

• Grafted Blade Greatsword: A legendary, enormous greatsword with A-scaling in Strength. The stacking buff is applied to all stats per killed enemy, which increases the Raider’s combat power over time.
• Devourer’s Scepter: A legendary great hammer that deals fire damage and heals when killing an enemy, sustaining the Raider through long fights.
• Axe of Godfrey: This legendary colossal axe has S-scaling in Strength. Charge attacks increase damage further, making it ideal to overwhelm with heavy hits.
• Rotten Greataxe: A beginner colossal weapon that inflicts Scarlet Rot, which works well against enemies with large health pools. Its status can turn the tide in battles during challenging fights.

Best Talismans

Enhance the Raider’s skills using these talismans:

• Ritual Sword Talisman: Enhances attack power when at full HP, filling in the Raider’s offensive fighting style.
• Ritual Shield Talisman: Augments damage negation when at full HP, providing additional survivability.
• Green Turtle Talisman: Accelerates stamina recovery, allowing for more consecutive dodges and attacks.
• Erdtree’s Favor: Increases maximum HP and stamina, aligning with the Raider’s durability in combat.
• Claw Talisman: Augments the effectiveness of jumping attacks, complementing the Raider’s attack equipment.

Gameplay Tips

• Embrace the Frontline: The Raider excels at up-close combat! Use your high HP and stamina to absorb damage and deal heavy hits.
• Maximize Fighter’s Resolve: Take calculated damage to activate your passive skill, then release enhanced Retaliate attacks to maximize damage.
• Use Two-Handing: Two-handing your weapon also deals more damage and has more critical hit potential. Remember, however, this turns off shield use, so time your attacks carefully.
• Legendary Weapon Upgrade: Locate the rare Smithing Table in The Crater during the “Shifting Earth” occurrence to legendary upgrade weapons, significantly increasing their strength.
• Adjust to Enemy Types: Switch guns or utilize elemental greases to exploit enemy weaknesses, especially against bosses with specific weaknesses.
• Protect Others: Teamwork matters in Elden Ring Nightreign. You’re the frontline; protect your squishier teammates as much as you can!

Final Thoughts

The Raider class presents a simple but effective way of handling combat in Elden Ring Nightreign. Prioritize Strength, use enormous weapons, and tactically utilize skills such as Fighter’s Resolve and Retaliate. Use the proper talismans and tailor your strategy to enemy conditions to maximize the Raider’s capabilities.

For those curious, additional build guides can be accessed here for the other classes in Elden Ring Nightreign!