Elden Ring's Nightreign Revives Dark Souls Bosses, But Lore Fans Beware

Elden Ring Nightreign's bosses are a thrilling mix of current and previous FromSoftware favorites, and the game's director has shed light on the reasoning behind this exciting decision. Dive deeper to understand why these iconic bosses are making a comeback!

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

Nightreign Bosses are There for Gameplay Perspective

Elden Ring Nightreign introduces players to a blend of classic Elden Ring and beloved bosses from previous FromSoftware titles, sparking discussions about their potential impact on the lore. However, Nightreign's director, Junya Ishizaki, clarified in an interview with GameSpot on February 12, 2025, that the inclusion of these bosses is primarily driven by gameplay considerations.

FromSoftware enthusiasts can rest easy knowing that the lore implications of Nightreign's bosses are not a primary concern. "The main reason for featuring these existing bosses in Nightreign is to enhance the gameplay experience," Ishizaki stated. "Given the new structure and style of the game, we needed a diverse range of bosses to enrich the mix. Leveraging appropriate elements from our previous titles was a strategic decision."

"We are fully aware of the deep affection our players have for these characters and the cherished 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 overly impacting the established lore."

Ishizaki also finds the inclusion of these bosses to be "quite fun." While the presence of these bosses might not significantly tie Elden Ring to other FromSoftware universes, fans may still explore potential connections, particularly with the game's main antagonist, the Night Lord, and its place within the broader Elden Ring narrative.

Nightreign Bosses from Previous FromSoft Titles

Currently, two iconic 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 about the inclusion of The Duke's Dear Freja, a massive, two-headed spider from Dark Souls 2.

The Nameless King, the firstborn son of Gwyn, is an optional boss in DS3 known for his challenging combat style, featuring bursts of wind and lightning. He is renowned for his difficulty but can be easily overlooked as unlocking his location, the Archdragon Peak, requires completing specific sidequests.

The Centipede Demon, hailing from the original Dark Souls, is a formidable foe with six centipede heads that spit fireballs. It is believed to have originated from the chaos caused by the Witch of Izalith's creation of the Flame of Chaos.

Nightreign's trailer hints at the presence of The Duke's Dear Freja, with a lone spider seen traversing a forested swamp, closely resembling the creatures from her boss battle in Dark Souls 2. Speculation suggests this spider could be a pet of Duke Tseldora, known for his fascination with spiders.

While integrating these bosses into Elden Ring's narrative might pose challenges due to their existing lore, it's important for players to focus on the gameplay enhancements they bring to Nightreign. Enjoying these bosses for their thrilling encounters, rather than their lore implications, is the best way to appreciate their inclusion in the game.