"Elden Ring's Nightreign Revives Dark Souls Bosses, Lore Takes Backseat"

Elden Ring Nightreign's bosses blend classic Elden Ring foes with iconic bosses from previous FromSoftware titles, sparking curiosity about the lore implications. However, Nightreign's director, Junya Ishizaki, clarified in an interview with Gamespot on February 12, 2025, that the inclusion of these bosses is primarily driven by gameplay considerations. Dive in to understand the rationale behind this exciting mix!

Elden Ring Nightreign's Bosses: A Gameplay Perspective

Elden Ring Nightreign features a compelling mix of classic Elden Ring and previous FromSoftware bosses, igniting discussions about lore. Yet, according to Nightreign director Junya Ishizaki, these bosses are included for gameplay reasons, not lore.

"The primary reason for including these existing bosses in Nightreign is from a gameplay perspective," Ishizaki stated. "Given the new structure and style of the game, we needed a diverse range of bosses. We wanted to leverage what we deemed appropriate from our previous titles."

Ishizaki emphasized that the team is aware of the deep affection players have for these characters and the cherished memories of battling them. "We didn't want to encroach too much on that lore aspect. Our goal was to ensure they fit well within the atmosphere and vibe of Elden Ring Nightreign."

He also finds the inclusion of previous bosses to be "kind of fun." While the lore connections between Elden Ring and other FromSoftware titles might not be strong, fans can still focus on the primary antagonist, the Night Lord, and its potential links to the broader Elden Ring lore.

Nightreign Bosses from Previous FromSoftware Titles

So far, two bosses from previous FromSoftware games have been confirmed for Elden Ring Nightreign: the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 (DS3) and the Centipede Demon from the original Dark Souls (DS). Additionally, there are speculations that The Duke’s Dear Freja from Dark Souls 2 might also make an appearance.

The Nameless King, the firstborn of Gwyn, is an optional boss in DS3 known for his challenging combat involving bursts of wind and lightning bolts. He is one of the toughest bosses in the game and can be easily missed without completing specific sidequests to unlock the Archdragon Peak.

The Centipede Demon, originating from the first Dark Souls, is a formidable foe with six centipede heads capable of spitting fireballs. It is believed to have been created following the Witch of Izalith's creation of the Flame of Chaos.

The trailer for Nightreign hints at The Duke’s Dear Freja's inclusion, showing a spider in a forested swamp reminiscent of those encountered during her boss fight in Dark Souls 2. This spider is thought to be the pet of Duke Tseldora, known for his obsession with spiders.

Given the established lore of these bosses, integrating them into Elden Ring's narrative might be challenging. However, as Ishizaki pointed out, the best way to enjoy these bosses in Nightreign is to focus on the gameplay they bring rather than their lore connections.