Elden Ring: Dark Souls Bosses Return in Nightreign

Elden Ring Nightreign features a thrilling roster of bosses, blending familiar faces from previous FromSoftware titles with new adversaries. The game director, Junya Ishizaki, recently shed light on this intriguing choice in a Gamespot interview (February 12, 2025).

Elden Ring Nightreign: Gameplay Takes Center Stage

While fans might be pondering the lore implications of seeing classic Elden Ring and Dark Souls bosses reappear, Ishizaki clarified that the decision was primarily driven by gameplay considerations. He explained, "The primary reason for these existing bosses in Nightreign is from a gameplay perspective. With this new structure and style of game, we needed a diverse range of bosses to add to the mix, so we leveraged what we deemed appropriate from our previous titles."

He further emphasized the team's awareness of players' affection for these iconic characters. "We understand our players have a lot of affection for these characters and fond memories of battling them, so we didn't want to encroach too much on the lore aspect. We wanted them to feel natural within the atmosphere and vibe of Elden Ring Nightreign." Ishizaki also admitted that including these familiar foes was simply "kind of fun." Therefore, while a deep lore connection between Elden Ring and other FromSoftware games might not be the focus here, players can still anticipate a challenging and rewarding experience. The primary antagonist, the Night Lord, and its connection to the overarching Elden Ring lore remain a significant point of interest.

Returning Bosses from Previous FromSoftware Games

Currently, two bosses from previous FromSoftware titles are confirmed for Elden Ring Nightreign: the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 (DS3) and the Centipede Demon from Dark Souls (DS). Speculation also points towards the inclusion of The Duke’s Dear Freja, a massive two-headed spider, based on visual clues in the trailer.

The Nameless King, Gwyn's firstborn son, is a formidable optional boss in DS3, known for his devastating wind and lightning attacks. His challenging battle and somewhat hidden location (Archdragon Peak) make him a memorable encounter for many players.

The Centipede Demon, hailing from the original Dark Souls, is a terrifying six-headed monstrosity that unleashes fiery projectiles. Its origins are often linked to the Witch of Izalith and the creation of the Flame of Chaos.

Finally, a spider seen in Nightreign's trailer, reminiscent of The Duke’s Dear Freja from Dark Souls 2, fuels speculation about its inclusion. This enormous spider is associated with Duke Tseldora and his fascination with arachnids.

While directly integrating the lore of these bosses into Elden Ring's narrative might present challenges, their presence in Nightreign is primarily a celebration of challenging gameplay, promising an exciting and engaging experience for players.