Elden Ring: Dark Souls Bosses Return in Nightreign

Elden Ring Nightreign's bosses blend familiar faces from past FromSoftware titles with new adversaries. The game director shed light on this intriguing choice, revealing the primary motivation behind the inclusion of these returning foes.

Elden Ring Nightreign: Gameplay Takes Center Stage

Nightreign features a captivating roster of bosses, including classic Elden Ring encounters and fan-favorites from previous FromSoftware games. While lore implications might spring to mind, director Junya Ishizaki clarified the decision during a February 12, 2025, Gamespot interview.

Ishizaki emphasized that the inclusion of these returning bosses is primarily a gameplay decision. He explained, "The primary reason for these existing bosses in Nightrein is from a gameplay perspective. With this new structure and style of game, we needed a diverse range of bosses to enhance the experience." He further stated, "We leveraged what we deemed appropriate from our previous titles."

Ishizaki acknowledged players' fondness for these iconic characters and their battles, assuring fans that the team aimed to maintain the atmosphere and vibe of Elden Ring Nightreign without forcing a convoluted lore connection. He added that reintroducing these bosses was "kind of fun."

While a cohesive narrative link between Elden Ring and other FromSoftware games may be absent, players can focus on the primary antagonist, the Night Lord, and its potential ties to the overarching Elden Ring lore.

Returning Bosses from the FromSoftware Universe

Two returning bosses are confirmed for Elden Ring Nightreign: the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 (DS3) and the Centipede Demon from Dark Souls (DS). The Duke's Dear Freja, a massive two-headed spider, is also heavily speculated to appear.

The Nameless King, Gwyn's firstborn son, is a challenging optional boss in DS3, known for his devastating wind and lightning attacks. His location, Archdragon Peak, is easily missed without completing associated side quests.

The Centipede Demon, from the original Dark Souls, is a fearsome six-headed monstrosity that unleashes fiery projectiles. Its origins are speculated to be linked to the Witch of Izalith and the Flame of Chaos.

The trailer hints at The Duke's Dear Freja's inclusion, showcasing a spider remarkably similar to the one encountered in the Dark Souls 2 boss fight. This spider is believed to be the pet of Duke Tseldora, known for his fascination with arachnids.

While integrating these bosses into Elden Ring's narrative would present a significant lore challenge, their presence in Nightreign prioritizes gameplay over intricate lore connections. Therefore, focusing on the gameplay experience rather than overanalyzing lore might be the best approach to enjoying these classic encounters in their new context.