Elden Ring: Nightreign - Ironeye Hands-On Preview - IGN

In Elden Ring, the bow typically serves as a support weapon, used for drawing enemy attention, softening foes before engaging them up close, or even exploiting environmental hazards like cliffs to farm runes. However, when you take on the role of the Ironeye in Nightreign, the bow transforms into the central component of your playstyle. This class offers a unique experience distinct from the other eight classes in Nightreign, positioning the Ironeye as the closest the game comes to a support class. Dive into the exclusive gameplay video below to see the Ironeye in action.

One of the first things you'll notice when playing as the Ironeye is their relative fragility. While they can wield any weapon they find, sticking with a bow is crucial for maintaining a safe distance from the action, as they can't withstand much damage, especially in the early stages. Thankfully, the starting bow is quite effective, offering solid damage output and featuring the Mighty Shot skill, which allows for long-range attacks with enhanced damage and poise impact.

It's important to highlight that Nightreign has significantly revamped the mechanics of bows. They now shoot faster, and you can move more swiftly while targeting locked-on enemies. A notable change is the removal of the need for arrows, although this means you're limited to the type of arrows your bow comes equipped with. This change is a boon, eliminating concerns about running out of ammunition during critical moments like boss fights. Additionally, Nightreign introduces exciting new features such as a dynamic shooting animation from a roll, the ability to perform acrobatic maneuvers like wall-running and leaping shots, and the option to aim in third-person mode with increased mobility. The strong attack now fires a spread of three arrows, capable of hitting multiple targets, and yes, you can even execute backstabs or visceral attacks on downed enemies with your bow. These enhancements make the bow a formidable primary weapon in Nightreign, addressing the limitations felt in base Elden Ring.

The Ironeye's core skill is Marking, a swift dashing dagger attack that pierces through enemies, leaving a mark that amplifies damage from all sources. With a short cooldown, you can keep this debuff active on bosses continuously if you stay attentive. It also serves as an excellent mobility tool, allowing you to slip through enemy lines to escape dangerous situations.

The Ironeye's ultimate, Single Shot, lives up to its name with a powerful single shot that's essentially a supercharged version of Mighty Shot. While it requires some time to charge, you're invulnerable during the animation, and the shot delivers massive damage, penetrating through obstacles and enemies alike, making it ideal for clearing groups of foes.

What sets the Ironeye apart in team play is their exceptional ability to revive allies from a safe distance. In Nightreign, reviving a downed ally involves emptying a segmented circle above their character through attacks. While most classes must risk close combat, expend mana, or use their ultimate to revive, the Ironeye can do so safely and without resource cost. This capability can be the deciding factor in a team's success. However, the challenge increases with each ally's fall, as additional segments are added to the circle, making it tougher for the Ironeye to revive allies who have fallen multiple times without using their ultimate.

Although the Ironeye may not match the raw damage output of other classes, their impact on a team is undeniable. From the Marking ability that boosts team damage, to a passive that increases item discovery for everyone, to their ultimate's ability to clear mobs and their unique revival skill, the Ironeye's utility is unparalleled among Nightreign's classes.