"Elden Ring's Nightreign Revives Dark Souls Bosses, Lore Questions Remain"

Elden Ring Nightreign's bosses are a fascinating blend of current and previous FromSoftware favorites, and the game's director has shed light on why these iconic figures are making a comeback. Dive in to discover the reasoning behind the return of these legendary bosses!

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

Nightreign Bosses are There for Gameplay Perspective

Elden Ring Nightreign introduces a mix of classic Elden Ring and beloved FromSoftware bosses, sparking discussions among fans about the lore implications. However, Nightreign's director, Junya Ishizaki, clarified in an interview with Gamespot on February 12, 2025, that these bosses are included primarily for gameplay reasons.

FromSoftware enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief; the lore implications of Nightreign's bosses are not a major concern. "The primary reason for including these existing bosses in Nightreign is from a gameplay perspective," Ishizaki stated. "With 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."

"We understand that our players have a deep affection for these characters and cherish their memories of battling them," Ishizaki added. "We aimed to integrate them in a way that complements the atmosphere and vibe of Elden Ring Nightreign without heavily impacting the lore."

Ishizaki also finds the inclusion of previous FromSoftware bosses to be "kind of fun." While these bosses may not significantly tie Elden Ring to other FromSoftware games in terms of lore, fans might still focus on the primary antagonist, the Night Lord, and its potential connections to the broader Elden Ring narrative.

Nightreign Bosses from Previous FromSoft Titles

So far, two bosses from previous FromSoftware titles 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). There's also speculation that The Duke’s Dear Freja, a massive two-headed spider from Dark Souls 2, might make an appearance.

The Nameless King, the firstborn son of Gwyn, is an optional boss in DS3 known for his challenging combat involving bursts of wind and lightning. He's considered one of the toughest bosses in DS3 and can be easily missed due to the sidequests required to access his location, the Archdragon Peak.

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

Nightreign's trailer hints at the possible inclusion of The Duke’s Dear Freja, with a single spider seen roaming a forested swamp. This spider bears a striking resemblance to those encountered during The Duke’s Dear Freja boss fight in Dark Souls 2, speculated to be the pet of the spider-obsessed Duke Tseldora.

Given the established lore of these bosses, integrating them into Elden Ring's narrative could be challenging. However, fans are encouraged to focus on the gameplay experience rather than the lore connections, as these bosses are included in Nightreign primarily to enhance the gameplay.