In the vast, intricate world of Elden Ring: Nightreign, solo players face a unique set of challenges that demand not only skill but strategic preparation. Professional speedrunner Brendon "Hazeblade" Lillie has stepped up to the plate, offering a comprehensive guide to mastering solo expeditions and surviving the daunting Nightlord showdown. His insights provide invaluable tips for both newcomers and seasoned Nightfarers eager to venture alone.
Hazeblade’s guide begins by emphasizing the benefits of solo play, highlighting the autonomy it grants players in exploring the game’s sprawling landscapes and tackling foes at their own pace. Choosing the right character is crucial, as it lays the foundation for success. He advises players to carefully consider their builds, focusing on attributes that complement solo strategies.
One of the core elements of Hazeblade’s advice revolves around relic optimization. Relics, powerful items that can significantly enhance abilities, are essential for surviving the game’s tougher encounters. Hazeblade breaks down how to select and optimize these relics to maximize their effectiveness during solo runs.
Map knowledge also plays a pivotal role. Understanding the terrain, merchant locations, and enemy placements can save precious time and resources. Hazeblade stresses the importance of checking merchant shops regularly to acquire necessary supplies and upgrading weapons using Smithing Stones found throughout the world. These stones can be used at Smithing Tables near merchants to boost weapon power, a critical factor in solo success.
Leveling up consistently is another key strategy. Hazeblade reminds players to avoid rushing, particularly on Day 3, to ensure they are adequately prepared for the Nightlord. Patience, coupled with focused skill development, can make the difference between victory and defeat.
Hazeblade also warns against engaging with gank bosses unless absolutely necessary, as these encounters can quickly overwhelm solo players. Instead, he encourages players to keep an eye out for time-saving opportunities and to remember the specific challenges each area presents.
Parallel to Hazeblade’s tactical advice, Elden Ring: Nightreign features a series of achievements that add layers of challenge and reward. Among them, the "Set and Steadfast" achievement stands out for its complexity and the dedication it requires.
To unlock "Set and Steadfast," players must fill all equipment slots with items of Blue rarity or higher. This means all six weapon slots need to be occupied by at least Blue items, with half of these—three slots—containing Purple items, which are rarer and more powerful. Additionally, all talisman and item slots must be filled, though Gold items are not necessary to achieve this feat.
Obtaining the required items demands a thorough exploration of the game world. Smithing Stones are crucial for upgrading weapons to meet the Blue and Purple rarity thresholds. These stones are scattered throughout the environment and can be used at Smithing Tables located near merchants.
Talismans, which provide various buffs and enhancements, are another essential component. Players can acquire them by defeating Scarabs, whose locations are cleverly marked on the map via clue tables positioned atop the game’s forts. These Scarabs offer a rewarding hunt, encouraging players to explore and engage with the environment deeply. Alternatively, talismans can be purchased from merchants, though their high price may require players to weigh the cost against the time investment of hunting Scarabs.
Items needed to fill the remaining slots are more commonly found and can be sourced from crates and chests scattered across the world. This encourages players to thoroughly investigate their surroundings and rewards curiosity.
Combining Hazeblade’s solo play strategies with the pursuit of challenging achievements like "Set and Steadfast" offers players a rich, rewarding experience that tests both skill and perseverance. The game’s design encourages a balance of careful preparation, tactical combat, and exploration.
Hazeblade’s video guide, which is neatly segmented with timestamps covering everything from character selection to optimizing runs and focusing on combat moves, serves as an excellent resource for players aiming to conquer Elden Ring: Nightreign solo. His advice to "remember what you’re running into" and to "keep an eye out for time-savers" underscores the importance of situational awareness and efficient gameplay.
Whether you’re gearing up to face the Nightlord for the first time or striving to unlock every achievement, the blend of expert guidance and in-game challenges ensures that Elden Ring: Nightreign remains a compelling adventure. As Hazeblade puts it, "Don’t rush Day 3!"—a reminder that patience and preparation are the true keys to success in this demanding yet rewarding world.
