Elden Ring Nightreign Best Character/Class Skills Ranked from Worst to Best

Elden Ring Nightreign introduces a variety of character abilities, each with unique mechanics and strengths. Some are game-changers, while others feel underwhelming in comparison. Here’s our definitive ranking of all the class skills/abilities from worst to best in Elden Ring Nightreign.

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8. Whirlwind (Guardian)

Whirlwind feels underwhelming compared to other abilities in Elden Ring Nightreign, as its damage is barely stronger than a basic R1 attack from a heavier weapon.

Since the Guardian is already built as a defensive class, Whirlwind doesn't add much to its kit beyond what its Shield Bash already provides—a strong stun that can disrupt enemies and create openings.

That being said, Whirlwind does have its moments, particularly in defensive scenarios. If a teammate is about to go down and needs a brief window to heal, Whirlwind can serve as an emergency tool to push enemies away, giving them a chance to recover.

It can also be useful for knocking back smaller enemies, buying your team some breathing room in hectic fights. However, compared to other skills, its impact is minimal, and it doesn’t provide any major utility that justifies prioritizing it.

Ultimately, Whirlwind reinforces the Guardian’s role as a support-focused tank, but in most fights, it feels like a weaker alternative to better abilities.

If you're playing Guardian, you're better off relying on your Shield Bash and other defensive tools instead.

7. Claw Shot (Wylder)

At first glance, Claw Shot might not seem like much, but its utility value is surprisingly high.

This ability brings a level of versatility and mobility that other classes don’t have, making Wylder feel much more agile and adaptable in combat.

Here’s why Claw Shot is actually useful:

• Faster traversal – Use it to quickly move across gaps, reposition, or reach elevated areas faster.

• Stunning small enemies – This makes it easier to line up attacks, especially for high-damage follow-ups.

• Breaking enemy guards and shields – Shields can be a pain, but Claw Shot removes that problem instantly.

• Closing the gap to larger enemies – Instead of running toward a boss, just zip straight to them for immediate pressure.

While Claw Shot won’t single-handedly win fights, its fast cooldown and immediate benefits make it a solid addition to Wylder’s toolkit.

That being said, it does feel like it was added mainly to compensate for Wylder’s lack of ranged options. If you enjoy an aggressive, in-your-face playstyle, this ability will fit perfectly—but if you prefer staying at a distance, it won’t add much value to your kit.

6. Soul Blood Song (Recluse)

Soul Blood Song is a high-risk, high-reward ability that requires precise team coordination to unleash its full potential.

The biggest drawback? The aura effect disappears almost immediately, meaning if your team isn’t ready, you’ve basically wasted it.

Here’s how to maximize its effectiveness:

• Use it before big fights – Popping it before a major encounter lets you and your team start with a significant advantage.

• Recover before facing the Nightlord – If you’re entering the final boss fight with low resources, this can provide a crucial last-minute heal.

• Coordinate with teammates – If you're playing with friends in a passworded lobby, this ability can be a massive game-changer when used correctly.

However, in random matchmaking, where coordination is minimal, Soul Blood Song loses much of its potential.

Most players are too focused on dodging and attacking to properly utilize the aura before it vanishes. In solo runs, it’s even less reliable, as its benefits only shine in a team setting.

Overall, Soul Blood Song can be incredibly powerful, but only in organized co-op play. If you're queuing with randoms or playing solo, don’t expect it to carry you.

Loving the guide till now? Check out our amazing Elden Ring Nightreign Best Recluse Build.

5. Onslaught Stake (Wylder)

Onslaught Stake is a brutal DPS ability that dishes out insane burst damage, but it comes with some serious trade-offs.

Its long cooldown and complete lack of utility make it a one-shot wonder—use it wisely, or you’ll be stuck waiting for it to recharge.

Here’s the best way to use it:

• Against staggered enemies – If an enemy is already stance-broken, this move can obliterate them before they recover.

• As a revive tactic – Since reviving downed teammates requires dealing damage, a well-timed Onslaught Stake can instantly bring someone back.

• With Duchess’ Restage – This is where things get ridiculous. If you coordinate with a Duchess using Restage, Onslaught Stake’s damage gets copied, leading to one of the most devastating combos in the game.

The downside? The cooldown is painfully long, so you only get a few chances per run to use it effectively. If you whiff or mistime it, you’ll be stuck waiting for another opening.

While Onslaught Stake won’t win fights on its own, when used strategically, it can delete enemies—especially when paired with the right teammates.

4. Finale (Duchess Ultimate)

Finale is one of the most unique ultimates in Elden Ring Nightreign, granting stealth and invisibility to the Duchess and her nearby teammates.

This makes it an amazing tool for repositioning, dodging damage, or even reviving teammates without being noticed.

Best Uses for Finale:

• Clutch Revives – If a teammate is down in a tough fight, Finale lets you revive them safely without drawing enemy attention.

• Boss Fight Survival – Since it makes enemies completely lose track of you, you can use it as an emergency escape button during a chaotic boss fight.

• Skipping Trash Mobs – Need to avoid unnecessary fights? Activate Finale and sneak past enemies to conserve resources.

• Setting Up Big Damage – Use Finale to reposition yourself before unleashing a heavy-hitting attack from behind.

Downsides:

• Long Charge Time – You’ll need to be actively fighting and landing hits to charge it up, meaning it won’t be available at the start of a boss fight.

• Limited Use Outside Bosses – Since most mini-bosses and enemies can be beaten through standard combat, saving Finale for high-stakes moments is usually the better play.

Is It Essential?

Finale is fantastic for clutch moments but not a must-have in every scenario. While it excels in boss fights, it doesn’t provide a direct combat boost like some other ultimates.

If used wisely, though, it can be the difference between survival and defeat.

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3. Magic Cocktail (Recluse)

Magic Cocktail is one of the most unique and flexible abilities in Elden Ring Nightreign, allowing players to experiment with different elemental combinations for a variety of effects.

Whether you need high burst damage, AoE control, mobility, or crowd control, this ability delivers.

Magic Cocktail Spell Combinations

• 3 Magic Orbs → High-Damage Magic Blast

  • Fires a powerful projectile that deals massive burst damage.

  • Ideal for boss fights and elite enemies.

• 3 Fire Orbs → Lingering Fire AoE

  • Creates a flaming zone that continuously burns enemies inside it.

  • Great for controlling chokepoints and crowd-clearing.

• 3 Lightning Orbs → Speed Boost & Lightning Dodge

  • Enhances dodging speed and mobility, making you harder to hit.

  • Perfect for avoiding heavy attacks and repositioning quickly.

• Gravity Bomb & Ice Effects → Crowd Control Mastery

  • Gravity Bomb pulls enemies together, making AoE attacks more effective.

  • Ice-based spells freeze and slow enemies, giving you an advantage in battle.

Magic Cocktail rewards experimentation and skillful play, making it one of the most well-designed and satisfying abilities in the game.

2. Wings of Salvation (Guardian Ultimate)

Wings of Salvation is one of the most impactful ultimates in Elden Ring Nightreign, combining massive AoE damage, team revival, and defensive buffs into one powerful ability.

Why Wings of Salvation is OP

• Devastating AoE Damage

  • The dive-bomb attack hits hard and covers a wide area, making it excellent for wiping out groups of enemies or chunking a boss’s health.

  • The impact is strong enough to stagger most enemies, creating openings for follow-up attacks.

• Instant Teammate Revival

  • Instead of manually reviving downed allies, this ability revives them instantly on impact.

  • This makes it a lifesaver in tough fights, especially against Nightlords.

• Protective Aura for the Team

  • Holding the ultimate button after landing creates a buffing field that reduces incoming damage for all teammates inside.

  • This gives your team a critical survival window, allowing them to reposition or heal without pressure.

Best Times to Use Wings of Salvation

• Boss Fights – Perfect for reviving teammates and dealing big damage in one move.

• Crowd Control – Clears waves of enemies while keeping your team safe.

• Last-Second Saves – A clutch tool when allies are down and you need to turn the tide of battle.

Few abilities in Nightreign offer both offensive and defensive power like Wings of Salvation, making it essential for any Guardian player looking to dominate the battlefield.

1. Restage (Duchess Ability)

Restage is, without a doubt, the most broken ability in Elden Ring Nightreign.

It allows you to replay all damage an enemy took in the last 2-4 seconds, effectively doubling the punishment dealt in a short window.

Why Restage is Completely Overpowered

• Stacks with Staggered Bosses

  • If a boss is staggered, Restage can repeat the massive burst damage dealt during its vulnerability, doubling your team’s total output.

  • This shreds boss HP bars in seconds, making even the toughest Nightlords easier to handle.

• No Team Coordination Required

  • Unlike some abilities that need perfect timing, Restage works instantly.

  • Just watch for big damage—whether from a teammate’s attack or a massive spell—and trigger it for free extra damage.

• Synergizes with High-DPS Builds

  • Works best with charged attacks, magic combos, and burst-heavy weapons.

  • Pair it with Recluse’s Magic Cocktail, Wylder’s Onslaught Stake, or Guardian’s Wings of Salvation for ridiculous damage stacking.

Best Situations to Use Restage

• Boss Fights – The ultimate boss killer that can obliterate Nightlords when used correctly.

• Staggered Enemies – Ensures that every stun window turns into a DPS nuke.

• High-Damage Teammates – Follow powerful spells or big melee hits to make them count twice.

Will It Get Nerfed? Probably

Restage is so powerful that it will likely receive multiple nerfs post-launch.

But for now, Duchess is a must-have on any team. If you want to delete bosses faster than FromSoftware intended, Restage is your best friend.

Want to learn more about Nightreign as a starter? Well, check out our Elden Ring Nightreign Beginners Guide, and All Movesets/Legendary Weapon Buffs Guide.

Final Thoughts

From team-saving ultimates to devastating boss-killer abilities, each class in Elden Ring Nightreign offers unique strengths. While some abilities shine in solo play, others excel in co-op strategy. If you want to dominate, having a Duchess and Guardian on your team is a must.

What’s your favorite ability in Nightreign? Let us know in the comments below!