Elden Ring Nightreign brings a thrilling mix of familiar and new challenges to fans by incorporating bosses from both the current Elden Ring and previous FromSoftware titles. The game's director, Junya Ishizaki, has shed light on why these iconic bosses are making a comeback. Dive in to understand the reasoning behind this exciting blend!

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

Nightreign Bosses are There for Gameplay Perspective

Elden Ring Nightreign introduces a roster of classic Elden Ring and legendary FromSoft bosses, sparking discussions among fans about potential lore connections. However, in an interview with Gamespot on February 12, 2025, Nightreign director Junya Ishizaki clarified that the inclusion of these bosses is primarily driven by gameplay considerations.

FromSoft enthusiasts can breathe easy knowing that the lore implications of Nightreign's bosses are not the main focus. "The primary reason for these existing bosses in Nightreign is from a gameplay perspective," Ishizaki stated. "Given the new structure and style of the game, we needed a diverse array of bosses. We wanted to leverage the most fitting elements from our past titles to enrich the gameplay experience."

Ishizaki emphasized the affection fans have for these characters and their memorable battles, stating, "We understand that our players have a deep connection to these characters and their battles. We aimed to integrate them in a way that complements the atmosphere and vibe of Elden Ring Nightreign without disrupting the lore."

Moreover, Ishizaki finds the inclusion of these previous bosses to be "kind of fun." While the presence of these bosses may not directly tie Elden Ring to other FromSoft games, fans might find intriguing connections with the primary antagonist, the Night Lord, and the broader Elden Ring narrative.

Nightreign Bosses from Previous FromSoft Titles

So far, two bosses from previous FromSoft games have been confirmed to appear in Elden Ring Nightreign: the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 (DS3) and the Centipede Demon from Dark Souls (DS). There are also rumors that The Duke's Dear Freja, the giant two-headed spider from Dark Souls 2, might make an appearance.

The Nameless King, known as the firstborn of Gwyn, is an optional boss in DS3, challenging players with his powerful wind and lightning attacks. Renowned for his difficulty, he resides in the secluded Archdragon Peak, accessible only through specific sidequests.

The Centipede Demon, originating from the original Dark Souls, is a fearsome creature with six heads that spew fireballs. Its existence is tied to the chaotic aftermath of the Witch of Izalith's creation of the Flame of Chaos.

Additionally, Nightreign's trailer hints at the possible inclusion of The Duke's Dear Freja, suggested by a lone spider navigating a swampy forest. This creature bears a striking resemblance to the spiders from the boss fight in Dark Souls 2, believed to be the pet of the spider-obsessed Duke Tseldora.

While integrating these bosses into Elden Ring's narrative might pose challenges, fans are encouraged to enjoy them for the gameplay enhancements they bring to Nightreign, rather than delving too deeply into their lore connections.