Raider Build Guide – Elden Ring: Nightreign

by JFFK · May 10, 2025

Welcome to our Raider Build Guide for Elden Ring: Nightreign.

This guide explains how to play as a Raider in Nightreign, and provides tips and a general direction for building him. Due to the RNG nature of loot and buffs in each run of Nightreign, we won’t provide a precise blueprint. Instead, we’ll explain the most optimal things to prioritise when choosing your loot.

Please note that this guide is based on pre-release information, much of it from the network test. As such, it is still a work in progress that we aim to update in the run-up to and immediately after the release of Elden Ring: Nightreign. See also: Nightreign Nightfarers List.

Table of Contents:

Raider Overview – Nightreign

Raider is a powerful seafarer who wields gigantic heavy weapons to crush their enemies. They can also summon totems to buff their allies and protect them from damage.

Fighter’s Resolve – You cannot be knocked down when using your Retaliate skill. Taking damage increases the potency of Retaliate.
Retaliate – A heavy punch that can stagger any enemy in the game, even the most powerful bosses.
Totem Stela – Summons a huge totem that damages enemies when it lands. It buffs nearby allies and can be used as a hiding place (it breaks line of sight to enemies) or as a platform to jump up higher than normal.

Raider was not in the technical test, so not much specific information is known about them for now.

Nightreign raider

Raider Build Guide – Nightreign

In this section, we will outline the best strategy for building the Raider in Elden Ring: Nightreign. While no two runs are exactly the same, there are strategies you can utilize that tend to result in the most optimal improvements for the Raider.

Early-Game Loot Strategy

At the start of the game, prioritise farming the following locations, if possible:

Start by killing small enemies near your starting location, aiming to reach at least Level 3.
Visit as many Churches as possible when travelling the map. These are the only source of healing upgrades.
More info coming soon

Mid and Late-Game Strategy

As you progress through the game, shift to the following priorities:

Fight world bosses, which have a higher chance of dropping legendary items and more powerful passives.
Continue looking out for Churches as you travel between these objectives.
On Day 3, check the Merchant for items that can increase your damage, such as Smithing Stones (used for weapon upgrades). Ensure you have levelled up as much as possible before you fight the Nightlord.
More info coming soon