FromSoftware Bosses That Should Come Back As DLC In Nightreign

Summary

Elden Ring Nightreign features revived iconic bosses from Dark Souls, offering challenging encounters for solo players and multiplayer groups alike.
Consideration for additional bosses like Abyss Watchers, The Pursuer, and Belfry Gargoyles could enhance the Nightreign experience with speed, difficulty, and multiple foes.
Bosses like Shadow Of Yharnam, Lady Maria, and Ornstein & Smough would bring fresh, engaging encounters to Nightreign, catering to fans of the Souls series.

Once more, FromSoftware has delivered an outstanding game, this time expanding the Elden Ring universe to include multiplayer elements, seamlessly blending genres and reintroducing some beloved characters. The 2024 trailer sparked a frenzy with its hints at returning bosses like The Nameless King, ready for a final showdown in a fresh, captivating world brimming with enigma and allure.

In essence, beyond reviving bosses directly from the game “Elden Ring,” there are at present two bosses derived from each game within the “Dark Souls” series. Given that the collection boasts over 100 formidable adversaries and a DLC promising fresh bosses, it appears logical to reintroduce additional legendary enemies for players to confront, whether out in the open landscapes or as a Nightlord during the climactic night.

1. Abyss Watchers

Fighting Until The Very End

In Dark Souls 3, the Abyss Watchers stand out as one of the most memorable boss fights due to their role as the initial significant challenge for players. This battle is a thrilling, fast-paced encounter where deceased enemies reappear to join the fray, assisting the player or becoming additional opponents in this intricate dance of swords and fire. What sets this fight apart is the similarities to Artorias, evoking memories of another legendary battle in a symbolic rather than literal sense.

The battle is relatively straightforward when played alone, but Nightreign could increase the challenge by having multiple copies appear or by making the battlefield smaller and more confined. The Abyss Watchers are an ideal fight given their pace, level of difficulty, and accessibility, catering to both multiplayer teams and solo players alike among the numerous battles available.

2. The Pursuer

Borderline Comedic But A Perfect Fit For The Invasions

For numerous players, the Pursuer remains a cherished recollection in a game often regarded as highly controversial within the series. Initially introduced as a boss near the beginning of Dark Souls 2, he later reappears multiple times as an intrusive adversary, first to provide an unexpected challenge, then more so as a comical respite from the high tension. He may not be the most spectacular or difficult foe, but his character would seamlessly blend as a Fort boss or an end-of-the-night rival.

In the game Nightreign, an alternative approach similar to what was demonstrated with another villain could be to make the Pursuer appear randomly during gameplay, much like the Fell Omen does, offering additional rewards for players who manage to defeat him. Instead of being the main or final boss, this would give players more opportunities for challenges throughout their gameplay experience.

3. Belfry Gargoyles

The Classic Gank Battle

Game(s): Dark Souls, Dark Souls 2

The Gargoyles serve as recurring enemies in the Souls series, typically appearing on rooftops accompanied by other combatants. Back when the series first started, encounters with these gargoyles, often referred to as “gank” fights, were notoriously challenging, and even today, they can seem unjust for players who aren’t adequately prepared or skilled at handling multiple adversaries simultaneously.

Nightreign has no issues with simultaneously engaging multiple foes in combat, a strategy that caters to additional players. Therefore, reintroducing the Gargoyles atop a castle similar to their previous appearance could present an enjoyable challenge for novice players and serve as retribution for those who endured their rampage in the past, rather than portraying Nightreign as a powerful Nightlord.

4. Shadow Of Yharnam

The Perfect 3-On-3 Encounter

Bloodborne, a beloved title in the FromSoftware collection, seems to have slipped into obscurity by its own creators. In this game, there are numerous memorable bosses such as Gehrman and the Orphan of Kos. However, these battles were not just standalone encounters but rather poetic conclusions that seamlessly integrated with the gameplay mechanics and aesthetic charm. Therefore, it would be somewhat unfair to resurrect them for a mini-game format.

Instead of just the current bosses, incorporating the Shadows into the roster could offer an exciting change. With their distinct weapon types and aggressive styles, they would create a dynamic three-way fight that would be thrilling for players with balanced parties. It’s not necessary for every boss to be a standout, and the Shadows would fit seamlessly, serving as both a nighttime boss and a potential Evergaol encounter, challenging players’ skills at different stages of their run.

5. Guardian/Headless Ape

Evening The Playing Field

Sekiro, while sharing many similarities with the Souls series, stands out with its unique characteristics such as intricate parrying mechanics and rhythmic gameplay style. However, these differences make it a separate entity at times. If FromSoftware aims to satisfy their fanbase, merging elements from different universes could be an effective strategy for creating a unified experience.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that most of the battles primarily operate as one-on-one duels, except for a handful that could easily fit into the Nightreign gameplay style. One such fight is the Guardian Ape, a two-phase battle that sent shivers down my spine when I first defeated it. Pushing the boundaries even further, the Headless Ape with an additional monkey to fight would be ideal for multiplayer and would maintain its functionality due to classes like the Executor and his parry mechanic.

6. Demon In Pain & Demon From Below

A Spectacle Fit For A Lord Arena

Game(s): Dark Souls 3

In “Dark Souls 3”, some of the finest boss encounters in the entire series can be found, with the DLC providing an even greater challenge. Fights against characters like Sister Friede, Gael, and others, each feel like conquering a towering mountain, and among the hardest and most grueling battles is that of the Twin Princes, who are accessed after a significant leap into the abyss below.

A superb leader for Nightreign doesn’t always require managing numerous adversaries simultaneously. However, considering the game’s tendency towards managing aggression (aggro) and respawning enemies, adding a feature where multiple targets can be engaged in an epic, over-the-top battle would greatly enhance the experience for many fans, making it more cinematic and enjoyable.

7. Gwyn/Soul Of Cinder

The Final Bosses That Defined A Series

Game(s): Dark Souls, Dark Souls 3

It’s quite challenging to pick just one as favorites, and numerous fans would argue that both Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, and The Nameless King, or simply Gwen and The Soul of Cinder, should be considered equally remarkable in terms of story depth, entertainment value, and perfect boss design. Gwyn takes players back to a more straightforward era before Spirit Springs and melee parries, while The Soul embodies the essence of the entire series, encapsulated into a single boss that transcends deity-like standards.

The battles are simply incredible and if FromSoftware were to reintroduce a final boss encounter, either as a nocturnal clash or even a Nightlord, these two characters would be ideal choices for the role. The fight could involve multiple stages and perhaps see the Souls morph into Gwyn, or maybe even pit both against each other simultaneously for maximum dramatic effect. Regardless of the specifics, it would undoubtedly be an epic battle that any fan of the Souls series would cherish.

8. Lady Maria

Everyone’s Favorite Hunter

Game(s): Bloodborne

In the game Bloodborne, there are numerous fantastic choices that could work well in a contemporary game like Nightreign. While Ludwig and Amygdala are often debated, Lady Maria stands out as a unique fight that could be tailored to fit a specific context. Unlike other characters, she is remembered not for her difficulty or bizarre design, but for her compelling story and the beauty she brought to a horror-themed game.

As a gamer, I’d find it captivating to explore an intriguing location on the map, perhaps a gloomy cathedral or an imposing clock tower, dripping with fan service. Here, players could face off against a variety of adversaries reminiscent of those found in Bloodborne. And if we’re really lucky, Maria might be waiting at the summit for one last, epic confrontation. She’d be a formidable opponent indeed, given the right balance and damage adjustments, demanding teamwork from the entire party to defeat her once more, adding a touching layer of difficulty to her tragic story.

9. Patches

Love Him Or Hate Him, He’s Seen It All

Game(s): Almost every FromSoftware Soulslike in one way or another

By almost everyone’s account, Patches is seen as bothersome. Regardless of whether he appears in full armor or not, he always seems to be stirring up trouble, either attempting to amass a few extra coins or thrusting the player into danger with just a switch’s flick. He has made appearances in almost every game within the series, maintaining his familiar level of deceit and manipulation that players have come to associate him with.

In Elden Ring, I find myself faced with an unexpected reappearance – a chance encounter that could lead to either sparing him or engaging in a boss battle deep within a hidden cave. The idea of him returning for another round of clever banter is nothing short of amusing. Maybe he’s been secreted away in some distant corner of the map, waiting for players who crave one final chance at revenge. Even if he doesn’t reappear as a boss, just seeing his familiar face will be enough to bring on more than a few grins.

10. Ornstein & Smough

The Best A Gank Fight Can Be

Game(s): Dark Souls

In my opinion, it’s quite disappointing that FromSoftware didn’t initially include Ornstein and Smough in the main game, but if a DLC fight is to be added, they should definitely be included. This battle, often referred to as a “gank” fight, stands out not only in the original Dark Souls, but across the entire series. It presents a formidable challenge that showcases an incredible amount of skill, emotion, and attention to detail throughout the gameplay, which is remarkable given how old the game is.

It’s reasonable to assume that many players wouldn’t mind starting out as a power-boosted Nightlord character, with both versions supercharged from the get-go for an intense gaming experience. There are numerous possibilities and spots for them within the game, but regardless of their placement, they should be introduced more prominently than any other boss in the entire series.

2025-06-03 21:04