Elden Ring Nightreign: Raider Class First Impressions - IGN

Certainly! Here's the refined version of your text optimized for SEO and readability:

If you're an Elden Ring fan who loves diving into the game's diverse playstyles, you'll appreciate the thrill of going all-in on Strength, equipping the biggest weapon you can find, and mastering posture-breaking jumping attacks and charged heavy strikes. Sound familiar? Then meet the Raider in Nightreign (check out the video below).

While the Guardian—a fellow hulking class with plenty of health and a knack for wielding oversized weapons—is more about defense, starting with a shield and boasting an ultimate ability that shields the entire party, the Raider is built purely for offense.

The most crucial ability of the Raider is Retaliate, which might not seem impressive at first glance—it's just two stomps dealing physical and poise damage. However, due to the Raider’s passive, you can't be knocked down during Retaliate. This makes it a reliable damage-absorption tool, letting you shrug off nearly any enemy attack. Plus, absorbing a powerful strike triggers a devastating punch that staggers even the largest foes.

Then there’s the Totem Stela, the Raider’s ultimate ability. By slamming the ground, a massive totem erupts, dealing significant damage to surrounding enemies. As with all Nightreign ultimates, this move can turn the tide of battle. It’s not just about the damage; the totem itself is climbable, offering you and your teammates cover or a strategic vantage point. Additionally, it grants a team-wide damage buff, making it a must-coordinate ultimate.

Starting with the Raider’s Greavtaxe, a solid weapon that deals fire damage and features the "Endure" skill, the Raider is primed for raw power. However, as you progress, you’ll want to upgrade to larger strength-scaling weapons that align with the Raider’s aggressive playstyle.

Among the Nightreign classes, the Raider stands out as the most enjoyable for one-on-one battles, especially since its Remembrances involve gladiatorial-style boss fights. It’s a refreshing twist that keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Stay tuned as we continue exploring the mechanics of Nightreign, developer insights, and more with IGN First.

Let me know if you'd like further adjustments!