Elden Ring has taken the gaming world by storm—again. With the *Nightreign* update, new characters enter the battlefield and old ones get new powers. Whether you’re just starting or deep into NG+, knowing who packs the most punch is key.
TLDR:
If you’re short on time, here’s the scoop: In the Nightreign update, some characters stand way above the rest. *Ranni the Witch* and *Maliketh* are top-tier picks for most players. You’ll also find surprising underdogs like *Thops* making the climb. Choose wisely—you’ll want allies who don’t just look cool but absolutely wreck shop!
What Is the Nightreign Update?
First things first: what is Nightreign exactly? It’s a massive patch that brings balance changes, new gear, and buffs to some overlooked characters. It adds even more spice to the already wild world of Elden Ring.
The question on everyone’s mind now is: who’s hot and who’s not? Let’s dive into our tier list and break it down by category.
Tier List Overview
Here’s a quick breakdown of what each tier means:
- S Tier: Overpowered champions. Must-picks.
- A Tier: Strong, reliable, and versatile.
- B Tier: Decent choices. Not great but not bad.
- C Tier: Needs buffs or niche use.
- D Tier: Fun but weak.
S Tier – The Gods Among Tarnished
- Ranni the Witch: Still queen of magic. After Nightreign, her Cold Sorcery is devastating. Combine that with her strong scaling and she’s downright unstoppable. A must for mage builds.
- Maliketh, the Black Blade: Pure chaos in motion. His new Darkflame dash can wipe mobs. Great for aggressive players who want fast action and power.
- Radagon of the Golden Order: His buffs make him a melee monster. Top-tier damage and durability.
A Tier – Trusty Allies
- Blaidd: The big wolfman has always been good. Now, he’s tankier and deals better stagger damage. Great for frontline brawlers.
- Melina: She finally gets some love! With healing over time and flame buffs, she’s a great support-choice in PvE.
- Thops: Yep, that Thops. Big glow-up. His new Arcane Blast deals AoE damage that melts through groups. He’s become a hidden gem.
- Fia: Her lifesteal aura is now more consistent. Place her in backline and watch your team sustain through rough fights.
B Tier – Sleeper Picks
- Godrick the Grafted: Jack of all trades. He’s okay at everything, great at nothing. Not bad for new players.
- Raya Lucaria Soldiers: They’re dependable if unexciting. Great for mid-game fights but fall off later.
- Sir Gideon Ofnir: Smart, but fragile. Requires good positioning and backup. Can dominate in skilled hands.
C Tier – For the Brave Souls
- Patches: Okay, he’s hilarious. But let’s be honest—he’s not useful in real fights. Use him for distractions, maybe a laugh.
- Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy: Too slow, too situational. His snake stuff is cool, but others outshine him in every stat.
- Irina: Nice story. But her skills and survivability hold her back in battle.
D Tier – Style Over Substance
- Dung Eater: Still gross, still underpowered. His decay abilities look cool but lack value.
- Yura: Cool katana moves, but with weak base damage and bad AI. More flash than function.
- Kenneth Haight: A noble who fights like a commoner. Sorry, Ken.
Best Characters by Role
Best Magic User – Ranni the Witch
She excels with Cold Sorcery. Massive AoE, status build-up, and insane late-game scaling. You’ll feel like a true spellblade queen (or king) with her on your side.
Best Tank – Blaidd
He’s a wall of fur and fury. Perfect if you’re tired of squishy allies getting one-shot. Pair him with a healer, and he becomes nearly immortal.
Best Support – Melina
Before Nightreign, she just sat at sites of grace. Now she buffs flame attacks and offers healing zones. A lovely mix of beauty and utility.
Best Underdog – Thops
People laughed, but now they cry. Thops is shockingly good post-patch. Pure magic DPS and AoE crowd control—he’s your new wildcard pick.
Tips for Building a Strong Team
You don’t need all S-Tier characters to win. Try mixing one powerhouse with one support and one all-rounder. Here’s a few sample builds:
- Aggro Team: Maliketh + Blaidd + Fia
- Magic Team: Ranni + Thops + Sir Gideon
- Tanky Survival: Blaidd + Melina + Godrick
Play the style you love. But don’t ignore synergy! Put squishy mages behind tanks. Use supports to patch weak points.
Most Improved Characters
The Nightreign refresh changes everything for some forgotten folks. Here’s who boosted the most on the charts:
- Thops: Big glow-up. Went from meme to menace.
- Melina: Finally gets a chance to fight—and shines at it.
- Fia: Lifesteal aura now works in more conditions!
The Characters You Should Avoid (For Now)
Some picks just don’t bring enough to the table. They’re either too weak, too slow, or outclassed.
- Dung Eater: Situational and easily overwhelmed.
- Patches: He’s fun, but not fit for a real battle.
- Yura: Needs balancing to be viable.
Final Thoughts
The Nightreign update makes Elden Ring feel fresher than ever. Some fan favorites got stronger. Others were left behind. But now, strategy matters more than ever.
Use this list to plan your build, summon the right allies, and conquer the Lands Between like never before. Be bold. Be tarnished. And may your tier be S.
