Elden Ring Nightreign Brings Dark Souls Bosses Back, Just Don't Think Too Hard About the Lore Implications

Elden Ring Nightreign introduces a thrilling mix of both current and iconic bosses from previous FromSoftware titles, and the game's director has shed light on the reasoning behind this decision. Dive deeper to discover why these beloved bosses are making a comeback in Elden Ring Nightreign!

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

Nightreign Bosses are There for Gameplay Perspective

Elden Ring Nightreign boasts an exciting roster of classic Elden Ring bosses as well as legendary figures from other FromSoftware games, sparking discussions among fans about potential lore connections. 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.

Ishizaki reassured FromSoftware lore enthusiasts that they need not worry about the lore implications of Nightreign's bosses. "The primary reason for including these existing bosses in Nightreign is from a gameplay perspective," he stated. "With the new structure and style of the game, we needed a diverse range of bosses to enhance the player experience. We leveraged what we deemed appropriate from our previous titles to enrich the game's content."

Ishizaki emphasized that the decision to bring back these bosses was also influenced by the strong affection players have for these characters and their memorable battles. "We didn't want to encroach too much on the lore aspect," he added. "We aimed to ensure these bosses fit seamlessly within the atmosphere and vibe of Elden Ring Nightreign."

Moreover, Ishizaki finds the inclusion of these iconic bosses to be "kind of fun." While the presence of these bosses may not directly tie Elden Ring to other FromSoftware universes in terms of lore, fans are encouraged to focus on the primary antagonist, the Night Lord, and its potential connections to the broader Elden Ring narrative.

Nightreign Bosses from Previous FromSoft Titles

Elden Ring Nightreign has confirmed the return of two iconic bosses from previous FromSoftware titles: the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 (DS3) and the Centipede Demon from the original Dark Souls (DS). There is also speculation that The Duke’s Dear Freja, a massive two-headed spider from Dark Souls 2, might make an appearance.

The Nameless King, the firstborn son of Gwyn, is an optional yet formidable boss in DS3 known for his challenging attacks involving wind and lightning. He is 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 monstrous creature with six heads capable of spitting fireballs. It is believed to have been created after the Witch of Izalith unleashed the Flame of Chaos.

Additionally, the Nightreign trailer hints at the possible inclusion of The Duke’s Dear Freja, suggested by a lone spider traversing a forested swamp. This spider bears a striking resemblance to those encountered during The Duke’s Dear Freja's boss fight in Dark Souls 2, which is 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, Ishizaki encourages players to focus on the gameplay experience rather than overanalyzing their lore connections. These bosses are included in Nightreign to enhance the game's challenge and enjoyment, not to complicate its lore.