The Newest Nightfarer Revealed In Elden Ring Nightreign Looks Great For Ranged Combat
A new trailer for Elden Ring Nightreign has revealed another playable character who has a distinct focus on ranged combat. The co-op action game is set to have eight playable characters when it launches on May 30, and this new addition to the roster is now the fifth to be confirmed.
Nightreign's new character trailer comes from the Bandai Namco Europe YouTube channel, and reveals Ironeye, a Nightfarer who specializes in using ranged weapons like bows. Despite this long-range focus, Ironeye appears to be quite capable at close quarters as well, shown in the trailer using a quick slashing attack, and a backstab maneuver where they pull an arrow out of an enemy for a critical hit.
Ironeye Continues To Expand Elden Ring Nightreign's Playstyles
The Five Nightfarers Each Have Different Builds
Despite the countless similarities, Elden Ring Nightreign is a notable departure in gameplay from Elden Ring, and Ironeye only adds to its novelty. The co-op action roguelike has players select from Nightfarers with preset stats and unique abilities, rather than build a character via traditional RPG progression like its predecessor. Ironeye's ranged specialty joins the four other confirmed Nightfarers: Wylder, an all-rounder; Guardian, a tanky melee character; Duchess, an agile rogue; and Recluse, the game's only known spellcaster.
While Nightreign leaks have hinted at other characters, the final three Nightfarers remain officially unconfirmed. One of Ironeye's abilities appears to be a charged shot that travels directly through enemies, dealing AoE damage in a straight line. This clip also adds to the list of returning bosses in Elden Ring Nightreign, as the Tibia Mariner from Elden Ring can be seen. Ironeye's other ability may be the backstab seen in the trailer, as a unique, red crosshair appears as they approach their target.
Our Take: Ironeye Is A Major Step Forward For Ranged Combat In FromSoftware Games
Bows Have Typically Been More Of A Tool
Ironeye's viability remains to be seen, as they weren't playable in Nightreign's Closed Network Test, but the focus on ranged combat alone is promising for playstyle generally. Bow builds could be viable in Elden Ring, but they are certainly more niche compared to both melee and magic characters. In many of FromSoftware's RPGs, bows are often used as a tool, rather than a primary weapon, to pull enemies out of a group so they can be fought one-by-one.
A key difference in Nightreign's design, though, is the presence of unlimited ammo for bows, crossbows, and the like. In Elden Ring, for example, you have to find, buy, or craft arrows and bolts for your ranged weapons, but in Nightreign, this is not a concern. This alone will help ranged weapons reach parity, especially considering the fast pace Nightreign is played at.
An entire kit surrounding the use of a bow is a very interesting addition, and only broadens the strategic possibilities for the co-op game. Your team is not required to select three different Nightfarers, so team comps that utilize two or three Ironeye players are sure to emerge and put an interesting twist on how a run through Limveld is approached. Ironeye's confirmation was expected, as they'd been teased in previous Elden Ring Nightreign trailers, but this new look at their abilities is still rather exciting.
Source: Bandai Namco Europe/YouTube
Elden Ring Nightreign
- Released
- May 30, 2025
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Number of Players
- 1-3
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- May 30, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
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