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

Elden Ring Nightreign's bosses are a thrilling blend of classic Elden Ring and iconic FromSoftware bosses from previous titles. The game's director, Junya Ishizaki, has shed light on why these familiar faces are making a comeback. Dive in to discover the reasoning behind this exciting decision.

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

Nightrein Bosses are There for Gameplay Perspective

Elden Ring Nightreign brings a unique twist by reintroducing beloved bosses from both Elden Ring and earlier FromSoftware games, sparking discussions about potential lore connections. However, during an insightful interview with Gamespot on February 12, 2025, Nightreign's director, Junya Ishizaki, clarified that the inclusion of these bosses is primarily driven by gameplay considerations.

FromSoftware enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the lore implications of Nightreign’s bosses are not a major concern. "The primary reason for these existing bosses in Nightrein is from a gameplay perspective," Ishizaki stated. "With this new structure and style of game, we needed a diverse range of bosses. We wanted to leverage what we deemed appropriate from our previous titles to enhance the experience."

"We understand that our players have a deep affection for these characters and cherish the memories of battling them," Ishizaki continued. "We didn't want to encroach too much on the lore aspect. Instead, we aimed to ensure they fit seamlessly within the atmosphere and vibe of Elden Ring Nightreign."

Moreover, Ishizaki finds the inclusion of previous FromSoft bosses to be "kind of fun." While these bosses might not directly tie Elden Ring to other FromSoftware universes, fans are encouraged to focus on the primary antagonist, the Night Lord, and its potential connections to the overarching Elden Ring lore.

Nightreign Bosses from Previous FromSoft Titles

Elden Ring Nightreign has confirmed the return of two iconic bosses from previous FromSoftware titles: the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 and the Centipede Demon from the original Dark Souls. Additionally, there are speculations about the inclusion of The Duke’s Dear Freja, the massive two-headed spider from Dark Souls 2.

The Nameless King, known as the firstborn child of Gwyn, is a formidable optional boss in Dark Souls 3. His challenging battle, featuring bursts of winds and lightning bolts, is set in the secluded Archdragon Peak, which can be easily missed without completing specific sidequests.

The Centipede Demon, hailing from the first Dark Souls, is a terrifying adversary with six centipede heads that spit fireballs. It is believed to have emerged following the creation of the Flame of Chaos by the Witch of Izalith.

Nightreign’s trailer has also teased the potential appearance of The Duke’s Dear Freja, hinted at by a solitary spider traversing a forested swamp. This spider bears a striking resemblance to those seen during The Duke’s Dear Freja's 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 appreciate them for what they are—enhancements to the gameplay experience in Nightreign, rather than pondering too deeply about their lore implications.