Elden Ring: Nightreign is already generating a buzz among fans with its innovative take on the Soulslike formula. While the upcoming limited-run experience takes familiar Elden Ring assets and infuses them with new twists-randomized loot, three in-game day sessions, and an eight‐class roster known as Nightfarers-the rigid nature of the new class system is striking. In previous FromSoftware titles, starting classes served mostly as suggestions, allowing players the freedom to develop any build over time. However, in Nightreign, each Nightfarer's abilities are carefully sealed into the archetype you choose. For example, the Recluse is locked into pure spellcasting, the Guardian is dedicated solely to melee defense, and classes like Duchess and Executor seem designed with Bloodborne and Sekiro inspirations.

Yet among this tight structure, one class-rumored to be called Revenant-stands apart almost as if deliberately defying convention. Unlike its brethren, the Revenant appears to be designed exclusively around summoning. Early teasers and trailer footage depict a doll-like character armed only with a harp-a tool that, instead of wielding a sword or casting flashy sorceries, serves as the conduit for summoning a plethora of Spirit Ashes to the battlefield.

The Revenant's Summons- First Approach

Traditionally, in Elden Ring and other FromSoftware titles, Spirit Ashes have functioned as a supportive mechanic. They give players the option to call forth companions to distract enemies, aid in stagger windows, or simply add firepower during tough boss encounters. However, such summons are never truly the core of a build. The Revenant, on the other hand, appears to turn this mechanic on its head by making summoning not an auxiliary function but the very heart of its playstyle.

Imagine a character whose entire kit revolves around bypassing direct engagement. Rather than stepping into the fray, the Revenant stays on the sidelines, orchestrating chaos with a continual parade of summoned allies. These summoned entities may even stack-rumors suggest that the Revenant could call up to three Spirit Ash summons at a time, potentially amassing a force rivaling even a four-player co-op. For players who have spent hundreds of hours mastering the intricacies of Elden Ring's combat loop, a class that sidelines its user in favor of persistent minions is both jarring and refreshingly innovative.

Breaking the Traditional Mold

One reason the Revenant stands out is its complete departure from the traditional “heroic” archetypes seen in Souls games. Most Nightfarers are inspired by familiar roles: the Recluse focuses on devastating sorceries, the Guardian bolsters team defense, and even the more unorthodox classes like Ironeye or Executor tie back into well-established gameplay tropes. In contrast, the Revenant's summoning-centric focus challenges the core notion that the player must deal damage directly to succeed. Instead, the Revenant acts as a commander, delegating combat to summoned allies while remaining relatively isolated.

This design decision could be polarizing for purists who believe that direct combat should remain at the forefront of a Soulslike game. Critics have long lamented the reliance on Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring's base game, arguing that they detract from the “do-it-yourself” challenge inherent to FromSoftware's design philosophy. Yet, by centralizing summons as the Revenant's primary attack, FromSoftware is signaling a willingness to experiment with gameplay conventions. In Nightreign, where teamwork and adaptability are emphasized, this fresh take might find a strong niche, even if it initially appears to stick out like a sore thumb.

Implications for the Launch Meta

On launch day, the meta for Nightreign will be in flux as players experiment with each Nightfarer's strengths and weaknesses. The Revenant's unique approach could make it an early meta contender for both group and solo play. In group scenarios, a Revenant's ability to flood the battlefield with Spirit Ashes could overwhelm bosses or add layers of stagger and control, effectively turning every encounter into a multi-front war. With coordinated teams, summoned spirits might distract, stagger, or even absorb incoming damage, allowing allies to focus on high-damage plays without risking direct confrontation.

For solo players, the Revenant offers an entirely different kind of challenge. Lacking the comfort of teammates, solo players must manage not only their own survival but also effectively control an army of summoned entities. This high-skill, high-reward dynamic may create a niche meta for those who prefer a strategic, command-style gameplay that minimizes direct engagement. However, if the summoning mechanics are too clunky or if the summoned units are overly fragile, the Revenant might struggle to hold its own in solo runs.

Experimental Mechanics and Future Updates

It is also worth noting that the Revenant's full capabilities remain shrouded in mystery. Early teaser footage has barely scratched the surface of what this Nightfarer can do. As the community begins to explore Nightreign post-launch, we can expect further adjustments and possible DLC additions that expand or refine the Revenant's summoning mechanics. This potential for future evolution makes the Revenant a fascinating wildcard-an experimental class that might eventually define new strategies or even force a rebalancing of the entire meta.

Runes and Items to Support the Revenant

While Nightreign introduces a fresh inventory system where loot and runes are randomized every session, knowledge from Elden Ring's base game is still invaluable. For Revenant players, focus on collecting items that boost summoning effectiveness and support stats:

Runes that enhance Mind and Arcane: These will boost your Spirit Ash summons and overall FP management, ensuring you can call and sustain your minion army.

Supportive Talismans: Items like Radagon's Scarseal or talismans that increase summon duration and damage output can be game-changers.

Weapon Upgrades for the Harp: Although the Revenant may not engage directly often, enhancing the summoning tool (the harp) could improve the quality or frequency of your summons.

Utilizing these resources effectively will be key to mastering the Revenant and cementing its place in the early meta.

Conclusion

Elden Ring: Nightreign is set to reinvent familiar mechanics with its rigid Nightfarer system, and the Revenant exemplifies this bold experimentation. By focusing exclusively on summons, this class challenges the traditional tenets of Soulslike combat. Whether heralded as a revolutionary support character in group play or a daring solo option for high-skill players, the Revenant's design promises to add a fresh layer of strategic depth, and its impact will be keenly felt once launch day meta settles.

In a world built on repurposed Elden Ring assets but updated with a new rhythm, the Revenant stands apart by questioning what it means to engage in battle. As players dive in, the meta will evolve rapidly. So prepare to experiment, collect your Elden Ring runes and Elden Ring items diligently, and above all, keep an open mind-Nightreign is about forging new paths in the Lands Between.