Elden Ring Nightreign Revives Dark Souls Bosses, Lore Implications Unclear

Elden Ring Nightreign has taken the gaming world by storm with its unique blend of classic Elden Ring and previous FromSoftware bosses. If you're a fan eagerly dissecting the lore, you might be curious about the return of these iconic figures. Let's dive into why these bosses are making a comeback, straight from the mouth of Nightreign's director, Junya Ishizaki.

Elden Ring Nightreign Explains Why FromSoft Bosses Are Included in the Game

Nightreign Bosses are There for Gameplay Perspective

In an insightful interview with Gamespot on February 12, 2025, Junya Ishizaki shed light on the inclusion of these beloved bosses. "The primary reason for these existing bosses in Nightreign is from a gameplay perspective," Ishizaki stated. "With this new structure and style of game, we needed a diverse set of bosses. We wanted to leverage what we deemed appropriate from our previous titles."

Ishizaki emphasized that the focus is not on disrupting the lore but on enhancing the gameplay experience. "We understand that our players have a deep affection for these characters and cherish their memories of battling them. We wanted them to fit seamlessly into the atmosphere and vibe of Elden Ring Nightreign."

Adding these bosses, Ishizaki believes, is "kind of fun." While there might not be a strong lore connection tying Elden Ring to other FromSoft games, fans are encouraged to focus on the primary antagonist, the Night Lord, and its potential links to the overarching Elden Ring narrative.

Nightreign Bosses from Previous FromSoft Titles

So far, two bosses from previous FromSoft titles have been confirmed for Elden Ring Nightreign: the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 and the Centipede Demon from the original Dark Souls. There's also speculation about the inclusion of The Duke’s Dear Freja from Dark Souls 2.

The Nameless King, the firstborn child of Gwyn, is an optional boss in Dark Souls 3 known for challenging players with bursts of winds and lightning bolts. Located at Archdragon Peak, he's one of the toughest bosses but can be easily missed due to the sidequests required to unlock his location.

The Centipede Demon, hailing from the first Dark Souls, is a terrifying creature with six centipede heads that spit fireballs. It's speculated to have originated after the Witch of Izalith created the Flame of Chaos.

Lastly, Nightreign’s trailer teases the presence of The Duke’s Dear Freja. A single spider roaming a forested swamp hints at her appearance, as it closely resembles the spiders from her boss battle in Dark Souls 2. The Duke’s Dear Freja is believed to be the pet of Duke Tseldora, known for his obsession with spiders.

While these bosses have rich backstories in their original games, it's advised not to delve too deeply into their lore connections within Elden Ring Nightreign. They are included primarily for their gameplay value, ensuring players can enjoy the thrill of facing these formidable foes without worrying about disrupting the intricate lore of Elden Ring.