Elden Ring Nightreign Best Class Tier List (Beta Network Test Predictions)

Elden Ring: Nightreign introduces a fresh take on the Soulslike experience, blending roguelike mechanics with class-based cooperative gameplay. With eight unique classes, each featuring distinct abilities and ultimates, choosing the right character is key to survival. Based on beta testing impressions, this tier list ranks each class by their combat effectiveness, versatility, and synergy potential.

Elden Ring Nightreign Best Classes (Preview & Ranking)

Elden Ring: Nightreign is set to release in 2025, bringing a fresh take on the Soulslike formula with roguelike mechanics and cooperative gameplay. While initial impressions of the game have been mixed, it's confirmed that Nightreign is not a battle royale. Instead, players will embark on repeated three-day runs, growing stronger through relics and equipment while facing increasingly difficult challenges.

One of the most important aspects of Nightreign will be class synergy, as each character has unique abilities and ultimates that can drastically influence a team's effectiveness. With a total of eight planned classes, the beta test currently includes four: Wilder, Duchess, Guardian, and Recluse. The remaining four—Archer, Deflect, Rock Thrower, and Summoner—are expected to be available in the full release.

This tier list is based on beta testing impressions, early gameplay footage, and insights from those who have had hands-on experience with Nightreign.

S-Tier: Duchess & Recluse

These classes stand out due to their high versatility and strong abilities that can significantly impact both solo and co-op play.

1. Duchess - The Agile Assassin

• Passive: Sidestep dodge instead of a traditional roll.

• Ability – Restage: Reapplies the last few seconds of damage from all allies onto an enemy.

• Ultimate – Finale: Grants brief invisibility to the team and drops enemy aggro.

Duchess is a high-skill, team-oriented class that can double damage output and manipulate enemy focus. In coordinated groups, she can break bosses by amplifying already massive damage spikes. While her dagger-based loadout may seem weak at first, her mobility and synergy potential make her one of the strongest choices.

2. Recluse - The Arcane Support Mage

• Passive: Regenerates FP (mana) by absorbing elemental energy from enemies.

• Ability – Magic Cocktail: Stores elemental effects from attacks and releases a special attack after collecting three.

• Ultimate – Song of the Blood Soul: Marks enemies, causing them to heal allies when attacked.

Recluse is a long-range spellcaster who thrives by staying on the backline, constantly regenerating FP and supporting teammates. Her elemental mechanics give her flexibility, allowing her to adapt to different enemy weaknesses. Additionally, her ultimate provides healing, making her indispensable in tough fights.

A-Tier: Guardian & Wilder

These classes are strong in their own right, but they don’t offer the same game-changing potential as the S-Tier options.

3. Guardian - The Defensive Tank

• Passive: Enhanced blocking, preventing knockback from heavy attacks.

• Ability – Whirlwind: Creates an AoE wind attack that staggers enemies.

• Ultimate – Wings of Salvation: Leaps into the air before crashing down, dealing AoE damage and reviving allies.

Guardian is the best frontliner for teams that need a damage sponge. His ability to tank hits, knock enemies down, and revive teammates makes him essential in difficult encounters. However, his slower playstyle and lack of offensive burst keep him from reaching S-Tier.

4. Wilder - The Balanced Warrior

• Passive: Cheats death once per run, surviving a fatal hit.

• Ability – Claw Shot: A grappling hook that pulls enemies in or moves Wilder to a new position.

• Ultimate – Onslaught Stake: A powerful explosive attack that deals massive damage.

As the poster character of Nightreign, Wilder is an all-rounder with solid melee combat and mobility. His grappling hook adds positioning flexibility, and his ultimate deals heavy burst damage. While easy to learn, he lacks the specialization that makes other classes excel.

B-Tier: Archer & Deflect

These classes have niche strengths but may struggle outside of specific situations.

5. Archer - The Precision Marksman

• Passive: Third-person aiming mode for precise shots.

• Ability (Speculated) – Storm Shot: Infuses an arrow with wind energy for a high-damage projectile.

• Ultimate (Speculated) – Hawk’s Call: Summons a spectral hawk for bonus ranged attacks.

Archer is likely a strong ranged character, but nightmarish melee encounters could hold him back. If his damage scaling is good, he could rise higher in the tier list.

6. Deflect - The Parry Master

• Passive: Perfect parries inspired by Sekiro.

• Ability (Speculated) – Deflecting Slash: A parry-based counterattack.

• Ultimate (Speculated) – Blade Wave: Releases a golden energy wave after multiple successful parries.

If parrying is reliable, Deflect could be one of the most skill-intensive classes. However, parry timing is risky, making him harder to use consistently.

C-Tier: Rock Thrower & Summoner

These classes could be situational picks but may not offer consistent value.

7. Rock Thrower - The Brutal Berserker

• Passive (Speculated): Increased stagger damage.

• Ability – Boulder Crash: Throws a massive rock for AoE impact.

• Ultimate (Speculated) – Earthquake Leap: Jumps into the air and slams down, shaking the battlefield.

Rock Thrower is likely a high-damage melee bruiser. However, slow attacks and lack of mobility might make him vulnerable to fast enemies.

8. Summoner - The Spirit Ash Conjurer

• Passive: Calls spirit ashes for assistance.

• Ability (Speculated) – Phantom Wolves: Summons spectral wolves to attack enemies.

• Ultimate (Speculated) – Mimic’s Call: Summons a powerful ally for a short duration.

Summoner could be incredibly useful in solo play, allowing players to fight alongside spirit allies. However, if summons are weak or slow, he may not be effective in fast-paced fights.