Elden Ring Nightreign’s success has been a huge boon for fans of older FromSoftware games, acting as something of a celebration of the studio’s past work. When the trailer first revealed the Nameless King would somehow be in the game, manyDark Soulsfans wondered aloud just how many other bosses could be following in its stead. Currently, there are sixDark Soulsbosses inNightreign, but FromSoftware has not shut the door on the possibility of adding more in future, and it seems quite likely that it could.
The next logical question, then, would be which bosses should make the jump. No doubt, everyone will have a slightly different list, and plenty from all three games would be ideal candidates. A rematch against the classic duo Ornstein and Smough would be a nice reminder of where it all started; the Burnt Ivory King could introduce some new portal mechanics to add depth to his fight; and Gael would be the ultimate spectacle, the perfect foil to the motley crew of Nightfarers. But there’s one boss that flies under the radar whose addition toElden Ring Nightreignwould make more sense than all of them.
The Pursuer Is a Match Made in Heaven For Elden Ring Nightreign
With its singular red eye, feet floating slightly off the ground, and an undying will to follow the Bearer of the Curse everywhere in Drangleic, the Pursuer cuts an imposing form. WhileDark Souls 2may be the black sheep of theSoulsseries, it is often lauded for trying to break the mold in many and varied ways. The Pursuer is the ultimate culmination of whatDark Souls 2did well, shadowing the hero’s quest at every turn by appearing at several milestones, something that no other FromSoftware game has done to the same extent, barring perhaps Margit. Even the boss’ introduction in the Forest of Fallen Giants mirrorsNightreign, dropping in from a great eagle in much the same way as the Nightfarers like their malicious shade.
The Pursuer Would Fit Right Into Nightreign’s Boss Invasions
Elden Ring Nightreign’s boss invasionsleave something to be desired at the moment, and the system, while compelling, could be ironed out some more. Currently, they can be more of a hassle than an opportunity, and getting that balance right is the key to making them a beloved part ofNightreign’s DNA. Augur doesn’t put up much of a challenge, but it can teleport players into some awkward locations, whether out of boss fights or into the path of the night’s tide. Similarly, Margit can be a tough and rewarding fight, but he seems to also appear the least frequently, and oftentimes at a point when players are not powerful enough to properly fight him.
The Pursuer could offer a bit of an antidote to this. Instead of adding one encounter, it could be several, swooping down on a team’s location, with each consecutive defeat making both the Pursuer harder and the rewards better. This could help to avoid some of the awkwardness the other invasions suffer from, as those singular obstacles can be a real roadblock in the way of progress during a run, sometimes sinking it entirely.Nightreignis a Roguelike, so it’s expected that some runs will end much sooner than others, but it should aim to offer a satisfying challenge instead of frustration, and multiple Pursuer appearances could really add tension and a feeling of progression to a run ofNightreign.
