Image via Dot Esports via Bandai Namco
A powerful mix of evasiveness and damage.
The Duchess in Elden Ring Nightreign is one of two unique Nightfarers you can acquire, provided you follow specific steps to unlock her.
This article offers a detailed overview of the Duchess in Elden Ring Nightreign and essential tips for using her effectively.
What type of Nightfarer is the Duchess?
The Duchess represents a dexterity-oriented Nightfarer class, celebrated for her agility, stealth, and quick damage potential. She shines with her ability to evade attacks while delivering swift strikes. Her limited defensive capabilities make her particularly suited for players who prefer hit-and-run tactics rather than relying on brute strength in boss encounters.
She specializes in using Daggers, allowing her to inflict significant and targeted damage. Her skills enable her to evade attacks rapidly multiple times during critical boss fights. Additionally, she possesses an ultimate ability that grants invisibility, making it easier to sneak up on opponents or revive fallen teammates in battle.
All of Duchess’s abilities and skills
Below is a table detailing the Duchess’s passive abilities, active skills, and ultimate in Elden Ring Nightreign:
| Ability or Ultimate Name | Skill Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Magnificent Poise | Passive Ability | Reduces stamina costs for attacks and evasive moves, allowing for up to two quick evasive actions and positioning for optimal combat effectiveness. |
| Restage | Character Skill | Reapplies a portion of recent damage to enemies, effectively amplifying the power of earlier strikes–ideal for burst damage scenarios. |
| Finale | Ultimate Art | Conceals the Duchess and her nearby allies from foes, creating opportunities to revive downed allies swiftly. |
She has a very low health pool, starting at only 220 HP, making her susceptible to incoming attacks. At the beginning level, she also possesses 75 FP and 54 Stamina, which can be enhanced as she levels up.
How to unlock the Duchess in Elden Ring Nightreign
To unlock the Duchess, players must obtain an item called the Broken Pocketwatch, which can be found either randomly during expeditions or as a definite drop from Gladius, the Beast of Night. After securing this item, make your way to the Roundtable Hold and interact with a hooded figure while holding the item.
This will initiate a cutscene where she dramatically reveals herself and vows to vanquish the Night Lord. Once this is completed, she is available for selection in your character menu, allowing you to include her in your party with other Nightfarers at any time.
How to take down the Gladius, Beast of Night Boss
The Gladius, Beast of Night is a three-headed creature and represents the first challenge you will encounter. Initially, it’s manageable to evade his early attacks where he swings a chained sword with a brief wind-up animation.
However, do not underestimate him, as taking damage causes him to split into three wolves that can attack either individually or swarm players simultaneously. He enjoys leaping around the arena, so stay vigilant to avoid his jump attacks, which can deal significant damage. He also charges at foes, adding to the challenge.
Additionally, he utilizes fire attacks, either from his sword or by spewing flames at you if you are too close. Defeating him will grant you the Tricephalos achievement, along with the Broken Pocketwatch needed to unlock the Duchess.
Best classes for defeating the Gladius, Beast of Night Boss in Elden Ring Nightreign
The Duchess works well with various classes to enhance her performance and assist in taking down powerful bosses. Consider pairing her with the following classes:
- Guardian: Absorbs damage for the team, giving the Duchess windows to unleash her burst damage.
- Recluse/Ironeye: Provides a secondary reliable damage source that excels in dealing considerable damage.
Next, strive to unlock the Revenant class and emote in Elden Ring Nightreign.
