When Elden Ring: Nightreign launches, there will be eight character classes to choose from. FromSoftware has not yet revealed all eight classes, but thanks to the Network Test going on this weekend, we know at least four of them.
The four playable classes in Elden Ring: Nightreign right now are Wylder, Guardian, Recluse and Dutchess. Each class has its own unique Passive Ability, Character Skill, and Ultimate Ability as well as preset stats that increase each time you level up in a mach.
This is somewhat of a different approach from other FromSoftware games, including Elden Ring. In previous FomSoftware games, you would still chooe a class to begin the game, but it didn't actually matter beyond those first couple of hours. In this game, it actually maters, since they all have unique playstyles and abilities that can't really be changed in a match.
Here are the four classes currently playable in the Elden Ring: Nightreign Network Test:
Wylder
Wylder is an all-around warrior and probably the best beginnier class. He's your standard warrior archtype with a sword and shield as well as an arm-mounted crossbow that can also act as a grappling hook you can use to traverse the land or pull enemies towards you. His passive, Sixth Sense, allows you to cheat death a single time. It's basically like a free respawn. While the Wylder is well-balanced and easy to handle, they are also difficult to master.
Guardian
Guardian is another recommended class for starting player and can be considered the game's "tank" class. However, the Guardian also has the ability to deal some heavy damage as well. The Guardian offers strong, heavy attacks and increased damage reduction. His character skill, Whirlwind, and Ultimate, WIngs of Salvation, also offer a bit of crowd control for enemies.
So far, I've played as both the Wylder and Guardian, and both felt very good. I'm quite familiar with Elden Ring, but not an expert by any means. I, personally, enjoyed Guardian more -- especially Wings of Salvation. Launching myself into the air and diving back down into groups of enemies and dishing out damage felt very satisfying.
Dutchess
The Dutchess is the glass cannon, damage dealer archtype. A speedy, rogue-type character, the Dutchess wields daggers and dirks as a weapon. Their passive ability, Magnificent Poise, is a Bloodborn-like dodge. Their character skill, Restage, makes an enemy receive all of the damage they just took, while their Ultimate, Finale, makes all of her allies and herself invisible to enemies.
Recluse
The fourth and final character in the Network Playtest, the recluse is a mage, support-type character. If you like casting magic, this is your class. It's agreed that Recluse is probably the hardest character in the game to learn (that could change when more classes are introduced at launch), but in the right hands, they can be very effective.
The Dutchess and Recluse are more of your damage-dealing type classes. They are more nimble, but also squishier, making them much more difficult to play as. Because they have less armor and less health, getting caught by an enemy is more punishing.
These are four of the eight classes that will be available to play as in Elden Ring: Nightreign when it launches in May. The Network Playtest is currently taking place this weekend with select sesions giving players a chance to experience the co-op survival adventure game.