Elden Ring Nightreign's inclusion of bosses from both current and previous FromSoftware titles has sparked curiosity among fans. In a recent interview with Gamespot on February 12, 2025, the game's director, Junya Ishizaki, shed light on the decision to bring back these iconic bosses. Dive in to understand the rationale behind this exciting development!

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

Nightreign Bosses are There for Gameplay Perspective

Elden Ring Nightreign masterfully blends classic Elden Ring bosses with beloved characters from previous FromSoftware games, stirring discussions about potential lore connections. However, Director Junya Ishizaki clarified in his interview that the inclusion of these bosses is primarily driven by gameplay considerations.

"The primary reason for these existing bosses in Nightreign is from a gameplay perspective," Ishizaki stated. "With this new structure and style of game, we needed a variety of bosses to enrich the player experience. Therefore, we chose to leverage the best from our past titles."

Ishizaki emphasized that they are mindful of the fans' deep connection and fond memories associated with these characters. "We wanted to respect that without delving too deeply into lore. Our focus was to ensure these bosses fit seamlessly into the atmosphere and vibe of Elden Ring Nightreign."

He also noted that reintroducing these bosses adds a fun element to the game. While the lore implications might not directly tie Elden Ring to other FromSoftware universes, 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 games: the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 and the Centipede Demon from the original Dark Souls. Additionally, there are speculations about the inclusion of The Duke’s Dear Freja from Dark Souls 2.

The Nameless King, known as the firstborn child of Gwyn, is an optional yet formidable boss in Dark Souls 3. Players face his challenging attacks, including bursts of wind and lightning bolts, in the secluded Archdragon Peak, accessible only through specific sidequests.

The Centipede Demon, originating from the first Dark Souls, is a terrifying creature with six centipede heads capable of spitting fireballs. It is believed to have been created following the Witch of Izalith's creation of the Flame of Chaos.

The trailer for Nightreign hints at the possible appearance of The Duke’s Dear Freja, a massive two-headed spider from Dark Souls 2. A single spider seen roaming a forested swamp in the trailer bears a striking resemblance to those encountered during Freja's boss fight, suggesting a connection to Duke Tseldora, known for his obsession with spiders.

While integrating these bosses into Elden Ring's narrative might pose challenges due to their existing lore, Ishizaki encourages players to enjoy them for the gameplay enhancements they bring to Nightreign, rather than overthinking their lore implications.