Elden Ring Nightreign New Legendary Weapon Buffs & Movesets

With Elden Ring: Nightreign on the horizon, players are eager to see how combat has evolved. While the demo showcased an older version of the game, it still provided valuable insight into weapon movesets and buffs. Today, we will go over the unique movesets granted to specific classes and the special effects found on Legendary Weapons in Elden Ring Nightreign beta testing so far.

Elden Ring Nightreign Weapon Movesets & Class-Specific Bonuses

In Nightreign DLC, some Elden Ring weapons receive unique movesets depending on the class that wields them. Currently, three weapon types have distinct animations and attacks:

• Daggers (exclusive to the Duchess)

• Halberds (exclusive to the Guardian)

• Great Swords (exclusive to the Wilder)

Each of these classes alters the way their respective weapon type functions, making them feel different from their base-game counterparts. However, some weapon types remain unchanged, and with only eight playable characters planned for the full game, many weapons may not receive new movesets. Hopefully, multiple weapon types will eventually share unique animations across different classes.

Dagger Moveset (Duchess Class)

The Duchess wields daggers with an aggressive, rapid attack style. The one-handed light attacks are much faster than in the base game, while two-handed light attacks trade speed for slightly higher damage.

• Heavy Attacks: Uncharged heavy attacks hit multiple times, while the follow-up attack swings three times. The charged heavy attack is a lunging poke, offering good range.

• Running Attacks: The light attack covers a good distance, while the heavy attack features a stylish backflip, allowing players to strike and retreat quickly.

• Power Stancing: No unique power-stancing combos, but a specialized claw or straight sword moveset would be a welcome addition.

Halberd Moveset (Guardian Class)

The Guardian’s Halberd moveset is heavily focused on thrusting attacks, making it effective for keeping enemies at bay.

• Light Attacks: Similar to the base game but potentially faster, especially after the final light attack in the chain.

• Heavy Attacks: Standard horizontal swings, with the fully charged version performing a double spin.

• Running & Backstep Attacks: Running attacks are similar to the base game but appear slightly quicker. The unique backstep attack adds an extra layer of mobility.

While the Halberd’s changes are subtle, a unique moveset for the Great Spear or Heavy Thrusting Sword would have added more variety.

Great Sword Moveset (Wilder Class)

The Wilder's Great Sword moveset is a refined version of the base game’s, with improved flow and speed.

• Light Attacks: One-handed swings horizontally, while two-handed attacks mix vertical and diagonal slashes.

• Heavy Attacks: The two-handed heavy attack includes a horizontal swipe, while the backstep heavy attack is a lunging strike.

• Running Attacks: Both one-handed and two-handed running attacks look smoother and more impactful.

• Rolling Attack: The most exciting addition—rolling light attacks now perform a thrust, making them highly effective.

A unique moveset for the Curved Great Sword or Colossal Sword would have been a great addition to this class.

Elden Ring Nightreign Legendary Weapon Buffs & Effects

Legendary Weapons in Nightreign come with built-in passive effects, adding extra depth to combat. These effects are not randomized like other weapon traits and instead remain fixed. Below is a breakdown of some of the most notable Legendary Weapons and their unique buffs.

Magic & Elemental Buffs

• Sword of Night and Flame – Gains temporary magic or fire damage (+12) depending on the skill used.

• Golden Order Greatsword – Charged heavy attacks trigger an AOE that removes debuffs.

• Dark Moon Greatsword – Light attacks increase enemy magic damage taken, and all attacks can parry spells.

• Sacred Relic Sword – Charged heavy attacks summon a ring of light AOE damage.

Instant Kill & Execution Effects

• Marais Executioner’s Sword & Eclipse Shotel – Attacks have a chance to kill enemies outright, though the exact mechanics remain unclear.

Healing & Sustainability Effects

• Blasphemous Blade & Devourer’s Scepter – Restore health on enemy kills, much like the base game.

• Hand of Malenia – Grants health regeneration based on recent damage taken, similar to Bloodborne’s rally system.

Stance Damage & AOE Abilities

• Rowan’s Greatsword – Causes an AOE explosion on charged heavy attacks.

• Star Scourge Greatsword – Final light attack in a chain triggers a gravity AOE, pulling enemies in.

• Maliketh’s Black Blade – Applies Destined Death on all attacks, reducing enemy HP over time.

Unique Combat Mechanics

• Dragon King’s Cragblade – Jumping heavy attacks transform the player into a lightning cloud before slamming down.

• Axe of Godrick – Follow-up heavy attack creates an AOE shockwave.

• Lion’s Greatbow – Every arrow fired triggers a gravity AOE, pulling enemies toward the impact point.

Buffs Based on Combat Conditions

• Grafted Blade Greatsword – Increases attributes after each enemy defeated, stacking indefinitely.

• Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear – Increases attack power when nearby enemies suffer from bleed.

• Axe of Godfrey – Boosts charge attack damage significantly.

Mixed Results & Potential Issues

While most effects provide clear benefits, a few seem underwhelming:

• Amerika’s Hammer – Charged heavy attacks create an AOE but only when one-handed.

• Giant’s Red Braid – Triggers Fire’s Deadly Sin, but the self-damage effect may outweigh its usefulness.

• Bolt of Gransax – Only applies a lightning buff after using its skill, rather than being a constant effect.

The new class-based movesets add variety to combat, though more weapon types could benefit from similar treatment. If additional classes in the full game introduce unique movesets for other weapons, it would make character selection even more engaging.