Elden Ring Nightreign's bosses are a thrilling mix of current and previous FromSoftware favorites, and the game's director has shed light on why these iconic figures are making a comeback. Dive deeper to understand the reasoning behind reintroducing these beloved bosses!

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

Nightreign Bosses are There for Gameplay Perspective

Elden Ring Nightreign seamlessly blends classic Elden Ring encounters with epic showdowns from previous FromSoftware titles, sparking discussions among fans about its lore implications. However, Nightreign's director, Junya Ishizaki, clarified in an interview with Gamespot on February 12, 2025, that the inclusion of these bosses is primarily driven by gameplay considerations.

FromSoftware enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief regarding the lore implications of Nightreign's bosses. "The primary reason for including these existing bosses in Nightreign is from a gameplay perspective," Ishizaki stated. "With the new structure and style of the game, we needed a diverse range of bosses. We wanted to leverage what we deemed appropriate from our previous titles to enrich the experience."

"We understand that our players have a deep affection for these characters and cherish their memories of battling them," Ishizaki added. "We aimed to integrate them in a way that complements the atmosphere and vibe of Elden Ring Nightreign without heavily impacting the lore."

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

Nightreign Bosses from Previous FromSoft Titles

So far, two iconic bosses from previous FromSoftware titles have been confirmed for Elden Ring Nightreign: the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 (DS3) and the Centipede Demon from the original Dark Souls (DS). Additionally, there's speculation that The Duke’s Dear Freja, a colossal two-headed spider from Dark Souls 2, might also make an appearance.

The Nameless King, the firstborn child of Gwyn, is an optional boss in DS3 known for his challenging combat involving bursts of wind and lightning bolts. He's considered one of the toughest bosses in DS3 and can be easily missed due to the sidequests required to unlock his location, the Archdragon Peak.

The Centipede Demon, hailing from the original Dark Souls, is a formidable foe with six centipede heads that spit fireballs. It's believed to have originated from the chaos caused by the Witch of Izalith's creation of the Flame of Chaos.

Nightreign's trailer hints at the potential inclusion of The Duke’s Dear Freja, with a single spider seen roaming a forested swamp. This spider bears a striking resemblance to those encountered 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 embrace them for the gameplay enhancements they bring to Nightreign, rather than overthinking their lore connections.