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

Elden Ring Nightreign's inclusion of bosses from both current and previous FromSoftware titles has sparked curiosity among fans, especially regarding the lore implications. However, Nightreign director Junya Ishizaki provided clarity on this matter during an interview with Gamespot on February 12, 2025. Read on to discover why these iconic bosses are making a return.

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

Nightrein Bosses are There for Gameplay Perspective

Elden Ring Nightreign integrates classic bosses from both Elden Ring and other FromSoftware games, prompting discussions on potential lore connections. Yet, according to Nightreign director Junya Ishizaki, the inclusion of these bosses is primarily driven by gameplay considerations rather than narrative ties.

"The primary reason for these existing bosses in Nightrein is from a gameplay perspective," Ishizaki stated. "Given the new structure and style of the game, we needed a diverse array of bosses. We wanted to leverage what we deemed appropriate from our previous titles to enhance the experience."

Ishizaki emphasized the fans' affection for these characters and the nostalgia of battling them in past games. "We didn't want to encroach too much on that lore aspect. Instead, we aimed to ensure they fit well within the atmosphere and vibe of Elden Ring Nightreign." He also highlighted the fun aspect of including these familiar foes, suggesting that while there may be no strong lore connections to other FromSoft games, fans should focus on the primary antagonist, the Night Lord, and its potential ties to Elden Ring's overarching narrative.

Nightreign Bosses from Previous FromSoft Titles

Two iconic bosses confirmed to return in Elden Ring Nightreign are the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 (DS3) and the Centipede Demon from the original Dark Souls (DS). There's also speculation about the inclusion of The Duke’s Dear Freja, a massive two-headed spider from Dark Souls 2.

The Nameless King, the firstborn son of Gwyn, is an optional boss in DS3 known for his challenging combat involving bursts of wind and lightning bolts. His location, Archdragon Peak, is easy to miss without completing specific sidequests.

The Centipede Demon, originating from the first Dark Souls game, is a formidable foe with six centipede heads capable of spitting fireballs. It is speculated to be a result of the Witch of Izalith's creation of the Flame of Chaos.

Lastly, the Nightreign trailer hints at the appearance of The Duke’s Dear Freja through a single spider seen in a forested swamp. This spider bears a striking resemblance to those encountered during the boss fight against The Duke’s Dear Freja in Dark Souls 2. Speculation suggests it could be the pet of Duke Tseldora, known for his obsession with spiders.

While these bosses bring their own lore from their original games, Ishizaki encourages players to enjoy them in Nightreign for the gameplay experience they offer, rather than delving too deeply into their lore connections with Elden Ring.