Elden Ring DLC: Dark Souls Bosses Return

Elden Ring Nightreign's bosses blend familiar faces from past FromSoftware titles with new adversaries. The game director has shed light on this intriguing choice. Read on to discover why these classic bosses have returned.

Elden Ring Nightreign: A Gameplay-Focused Approach to Boss Selection

Gameplay Takes Center Stage

Nightreign features a captivating mix of Elden Ring's own formidable bosses and iconic figures from previous FromSoftware games. While lore implications might spring to mind, director Junya Ishizaki clarified the reasoning behind this decision in a February 12, 2025, Gamespot interview.

FromSoftware lore enthusiasts can rest easy. Ishizaki stated, "The primary reason for including these existing bosses in Nightreign is from a gameplay perspective. With the new game structure and style, we needed a diverse range of bosses to enrich the experience. Leveraging appropriate assets from our previous titles was a natural solution."

He continued, "We understand players' affection for these characters and their memorable battles. We didn't want to force a lore connection that might feel unnatural. Instead, we focused on ensuring they fit seamlessly within Nightreign's atmosphere and overall vibe."

Ishizaki also admitted to the inherent "fun" aspect of reintroducing these beloved bosses. While a strong lore connection between Elden Ring and other FromSoftware titles may not be present, the focus remains on the primary antagonist, the Night Lord, and its potential role within Elden Ring's broader narrative.

Returning Bosses from Past FromSoftware Games

Two notable bosses from previous FromSoftware games have been confirmed for Elden Ring Nightreign: the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 (DS3) and the Centipede Demon from the original Dark Souls (DS). The Duke's Dear Freja, a massive two-headed spider, is also strongly speculated to appear.

The Nameless King, Gwyn's firstborn son, is a challenging optional boss in DS3, known for his devastating wind and lightning attacks. His location, Archdragon Peak, is easily missed without completing associated side quests.

The Centipede Demon, a fearsome six-headed monstrosity from the original Dark Souls, unleashes fiery destruction. Its origins are speculated to be linked to the Witch of Izalith and the creation of the Flame of Chaos.

Finally, Nightreign's trailer hints at The Duke's Dear Freja's inclusion, showing a large spider in a swamp environment. This spider bears a striking resemblance to the boss from Dark Souls 2, the pet of the spider-obsessed Duke Tseldora.

While integrating these bosses' established lore into Elden Ring's narrative might prove challenging, their presence in Nightreign is ultimately prioritized for gameplay reasons. Focusing on the gameplay experience rather than deep lore connections might be the most enjoyable approach to appreciating these returning adversaries.