"Elden Ring's Nightreign Revives Dark Souls Bosses, But Ignore the Lore"

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

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

Nightrein Bosses are There for Gameplay Perspective

Elden Ring Nightreign features a mix of classic Elden Ring and beloved bosses from previous FromSoft titles, sparking discussions among fans about potential lore implications. However, Nightreign director Junya Ishizaki clarified in an interview with Gamespot on February 12, 2025, that these bosses are included primarily for gameplay reasons.

FromSoft lore enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief; the lore implications of Nightreign's bosses are not a primary concern. "The primary reason for including these existing bosses in Nightrein 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 fits the atmosphere and vibe of Elden Ring Nightreign without heavily impacting the lore."

Ishizaki also finds the inclusion of these bosses "kind of fun." While the presence of these bosses might not strongly tie Elden Ring to other FromSoft games in terms of lore, fans may 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 FromSoft 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 bolts. He's one of the toughest bosses in DS3 and can be easily missed due to the sidequests required to unlock his location, the Archdragon Peak.

The Centipede Demon, originating from the first Dark Souls, 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 battle in Dark Souls 2, speculated to be the pet of the spider-obsessed Duke Tseldora.

While integrating these bosses into Elden Ring's narrative might pose challenges due to their existing lore, fans are encouraged to focus on the gameplay experience rather than overthinking the lore connections. These bosses are in Nightreign to enhance the gameplay, offering a thrilling challenge and a nostalgic nod to FromSoft's rich history.