Leveling in Elden Ring: Nightreign deviates in a few ways from the traditional FromSoftware formula, adapting to the faster, expedition-based gameplay loop that defines this multiplayer-focused expansion. With the Nightboss appearing at the end of each in-game day and the map shrinking over time, efficient leveling isn't just helpful it's essential to victory.
Here’s a few tips about how the leveling system works and what you can do to reach the required level in time.
How Leveling Works in Elden Ring Nightreign
You’ll still level up using Sites of Grace, which are all marked on your map from the beginning. When you’ve collected enough runes, a blue arrow will appear beside your level in the HUD (top left corner). Interact with any Site of Grace to open the level-up menu and select how many levels you wish to gain.
However, unlike previous FromSoftware titles, Nightreign does not allow custom stat allocation. Each level comes with predetermined stat boosts across multiple attributes, meaning each level-up is far more impactful. A single level might increase strength, dexterity, vigor, and endurance simultaneously, making progression more streamlined and aligned with the game’s fast pace.
Best Ways And Practices to Level Up Quickly
Time is limited in each daily cycle, so every decision counts. To keep pace with the incoming Nightboss and shrinking map, focus on these strategies:
1. Stick With Your Team
Enemies drop more runes when tackled in groups, and team-based coordination allows for rapid map clearing. Solo exploration is discouraged early on unless you’re confident in your speed and survival.
2. Prioritize Map Locations
Focus on clearing major map nodes and bosses. These areas offer higher rune rewards and more valuable loot caches. These bosses are designed for groups, and their defeat can quickly accelerate your rune economy.
3. Ignore Filler Enemies
Random mobs scattered between points are often not rune-efficient. Skip them unless you’re certain they can be taken out with minimal delay.
4. Utilize Rune Boosts
Caches sometimes contain Rune Acquisition Boosts that last until the expedition ends. These are game-changers and should be sought out, especially early on.
5. Target Evergoal Bosses
With Stonesword Keys purchased from merchants, you can unlock Evergoals optional arenas featuring difficult bosses. These encounters often reward you with both a massive lump sum of runes (e.g., 100,000) and permanent rune boosts.
6. Delay Spending at Merchants
Until the end of Day 2, prioritize leveling over spending runes on consumables or upgrades. Most essential gear and items will drop organically through progression, often in superior forms.
A Word of Caution: Day 2 Enemies
On the second day, elite enemies marked with red monster icons will spawn. Though lucrative in terms of rune drops, they’re time-consuming and risky. Unless your team is over-leveled or it’s near the end of the day, avoid engaging more than one. The opportunity cost compared to clearing multiple map locations can be significant.
Final Tips
- Pre-load Sites of Grace early. Use your initial time to unlock all fast-travel points for maximum speed.
- Keep your eyes on the timer. Know how long until the map starts shrinking so you’re not caught off-guard.
- Communicate. If you're in a multiplayer group, coordinate where you as a party will be going and what to clear.
Elden Ring: Nightreign changes how we approach character progression in a FromSoftware game. With fixed stat gains and a limited timeline before the Nightboss appears, smart decisions and efficient farming can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Use all of or some of these strategies to maximize your leveling and survive the night.
Elden Ring: Nightreign is a roguelite spin-off set in Limveld, the starting area of the main Elden Ring game, but in a different timeline. Players take on the role of Nightfarers, who must survive three-day expeditions to hunt the Nightlords. The goal is to defeat the Nightlords, with successful expeditions leading to fights against the Nightlord, and ultimately, a final showdown with the Nightlord itself.
What are your thoughts on the tips and best practices for leveling quickly? Have you beaten all of the bosses yet? Let us know how you are liking Nightregin by leaving a comment down below!
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