In Elden Ring: Nightreign, every game run gives a different experience due to the random map generation. But there’s one location that’s always there — the Castle in the center of the map.
This dangerous but rewarding area is packed with strong enemies, two boss battles, and multiple loot chests. If you play it smart, the castle can give you some of the best gear in the game.
Why the Castle Matters?
The castle isn’t just any random spot. It’s one of the most valuable places to explore. Inside, you’ll find:
- Two boss battles
- Multiple elite enemies
- High-tier weapons and gear
- Guaranteed talisman selection on the lowest floor
However, enemies here are scaled for characters at levels 10–15, so don’t enter too early unless you’re prepared.
General Strategy to Clear the Castle
Start exploring the castle ideally on Day 2, with your character at level 8 or higher. First, enter through the moat or drainage channel and sneak in via the castle sewer.
This path leads to a basement boss, one of seven types that can randomly spawn. Defeating this boss unlocks a gate to the central keep.
Inside the keep:
- Step on the pressure plates to open the gates
- Look for a chest with Dormant Power, which lets you choose one of three Talismans
- After looting, head to the broken bridge to exit
Depending on the enemy type, your next steps may change:
- Crucible Knights or Banished Knights with Elder Lion: Worth fighting for Runes and gear
- Trolls guarding the castle: Consider skipping, as they throw magic pots and deal heavy area damage
Navigating the Castle Interior
Exit the central keep and head left to find stairs and an upper bridge. Climb to reach the next section with another strong enemy. You’ll have two choices:
- Go right to reach the roof, boss
- Go straight to explore another open zone with more elite enemies
For a shortcut to the rooftop, climb the ledges and follow the hallway path to reach the collapsed rooftop area. From here, you’ll face the second castle boss.
All Castle Enemy Types in Elden Ring Nightreign
Depending on your map, the castle will be guarded by one of three main enemy groups:
1. Crucible Knights
- Appear with either a sword/shield, or spear
- Tough but predictable
- Easier with a team
2. Banished Knights + Elder Lion
- Come in groups
- Use wind-based moves that deflect projectiles
- Elder Lion guards the gate with big slash/jump attacks
3. Trolls
- Annoying from afar
- Throw magic pots that explode into blue fire
- Can be baited into attacking other enemies
- Best fought up close, but avoid grouped trolls
Castle Basement Bosses (1 of 7 Will Appear)
- Red Wolf of the King Consort – Quick but low health, weak to jumping attacks.
- Leonine Misbegotten – Fast but open to backstabs. Jump attack is key to dodging.
- Grafted Scion – Strong combos. Dodge forward and counter mid-combo.
- Ancient Hero of Zamor – Easy to read. Weak to fire, dangerous ice storm.
- Black Knife Assassin – Fast and deadly. Watch for red glow and time your dodges.
- Royal Revenant – Poison attacks and teleportation. No healing weakness this time.
- Bell-Bearing Hunter – Long-range sword telekinesis, deadly grab attack. The toughest one here.
Castle Roof Bosses (1 of 6 Will Appear)
The rooftop boss is typically the strongest in the castle and offers rare loot. Be ready for a fight!
- Ancestor Spirit – Jumps a lot, spawns damage pools. Keep attacking.
- Erdtree Avatar – Strong but slow. Avoid light projectiles and burn it with fire.
- Magma Wyrm – Heavy damage, but telegraphed moves. Bleed and Frostbite work well.
- Death Rite Bird – Fast, uses ghostflame. Weak to holy attacks, avoid explosive plunge.
- Draconic Tree Sentinel – Uses lightning and fire. Stay alert and dodge red zone attacks.
- Black Blade Kindred – Deadly black flame attacks that reduce your max health. Same move set as Valiant Gargoyle, but more aggressive.
- Bell Bearing Hunter (again!) – Yes, he can spawn here too. All his difficult tricks return.
Summary
- Plan your entry: Don’t rush in on Day 1 unless your group is strong.
- Identify enemy types: Adjust your strategy based on whether it’s Trolls, Knights, or Banished ones.
- Boss variety: Each run is different. Be prepared for both basement and roof boss fights.
- Loot wisely: Dormant Power is your guaranteed reward—don’t leave without it.
Elden Ring: Nightreign makes every castle raid feel unique, challenging, and worth it. Whether you’re here for runes, weapons, or just the thrill of defeating massive foes, the castle remains the most rewarding and dangerous zone in every session.
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