In a remarkable display of skill and determination, players of the recently released multiplayer roguelike spinoff Elden Ring Nightreign have been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the game. Bandai Namco and FromSoftware launched Nightreign just a few weeks ago, and already, the community is buzzing with impressive feats that showcase not only mastery but creativity in tackling the game’s formidable challenges.
One standout player, known online as "star0chris," has completed the daunting task of defeating all the Nightlords—bosses scattered throughout the game’s expeditions—using nothing but bare fists. That’s right: no weapons, no skills, no buffs. Just raw, unarmed combat. In his own words, "I beat all of the Nightlords in Nightreign (including the expeditions) with bare fists only to deal damage (no skills or anything). This was a lot of fun and a great way to learn all the bosses. I'm glad fists aren't as bad as they are in normal Elden Ring lol." This run is particularly notable because it strips away the usual crutches players rely on, forcing a deep understanding of each boss’s patterns and timing.
Interestingly, the game’s updated balancing has made fists somewhat more viable than in the original Elden Ring, where unarmed combat was notoriously weak. Even so, the challenge remains immense, as punches still pale in comparison to the power of weapons. Yet, star0chris’s accomplishment is not an isolated incident. Another player, skumnut—a well-known Elden Ring enthusiast and YouTuber—has also pulled off the bare-fist run, completing all eight expeditions and Nightlord bosses in under 30 hours. He proudly declared, "I beat ALL eight expeditions and Nightlords in Elden Ring Nightreign using only my BARE FISTS. World's first all Nightlord bosses bare fist only full run in less than 30 hours. Thank Gwyn, I'm free."
This kind of ingenuity and daring is a hallmark of the Elden Ring community, which has long been known for pushing the game’s mechanics to their limits. The original Elden Ring saw players completing no-hit runs with unconventional tools, such as a no-hit run using a real-life saxophone or even a player beating the game with only their mind. Nightreign’s players are already following suit, with no-hit playthroughs and other inventive challenges emerging quickly after release.
It’s worth noting just how difficult it is to even reach these Nightlords, let alone defeat them—especially without the usual arsenal. As noted in a recent Elden Ring Nightreign review, "reaching any of the Nightlords is difficult, and beating any of them is even tougher," even when players have access to weapons and skills. The bare-fist runs elevate the difficulty to a whole new level, highlighting the players’ dedication, precision, and patience.
Adding to the excitement, another remarkable achievement surfaced: a player managed to beat an entire expedition without taking a single hit. This feat further cements the game’s reputation for rewarding skillful, strategic play and has captivated fans eager to see how far the limits can be pushed.
Beyond these extraordinary player accomplishments, Elden Ring Nightreign’s release has sparked a wave of enthusiasm for new and upcoming games, with many eagerly anticipating titles such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Mario Kart World. The gaming community’s appetite for challenging, immersive experiences remains strong, and Nightreign’s success underscores FromSoftware’s continued influence in the genre.
Bandai Namco and FromSoftware’s collaborative efforts have once again delivered a game that not only tests players’ skills but inspires them to innovate and explore the game’s mechanics in unexpected ways. The bare-fist runs and no-hit expeditions are testament to the vibrant, passionate community that surrounds Elden Ring Nightreign, turning it into more than just a game—it’s a proving ground for some of the most impressive feats in modern gaming.
As players continue to discover new ways to challenge themselves and each other, Elden Ring Nightreign is proving that even a few weeks after release, it remains a fertile ground for groundbreaking gameplay and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s punching bosses into submission or flawlessly dodging every attack, the game’s evolving legacy is already being written by those bold enough to take on its toughest trials.
