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

In Elden Ring, the bow traditionally serves as a support weapon, useful for drawing enemy attention, weakening foes from a distance, or exploiting environmental hazards to farm runes. However, in Nightreign, playing as the Ironeye transforms the bow into the core of the class, offering a unique playstyle distinct from the other eight classes. The Ironeye class embodies what is likely the closest to a support role in Nightreign. Dive into the exclusive gameplay video below to see the Ironeye in action.

The Ironeye is notably fragile, making it crucial to maintain a safe distance from combat. While capable of using any weapon, the bow is indispensable for keeping out of harm's way, especially early in the game when even a few hits can be fatal. Fortunately, the starting bow is reliable, delivering solid damage and equipped with the Mighty Shot skill. This skill allows for long-range attacks, increased damage, and additional poise damage, enhancing the Ironeye's effectiveness from a distance.

Nightreign has significantly revamped bow mechanics. Bows now shoot faster, and players can move more swiftly while targeting locked-on enemies. The need for arrow supplies has been eliminated, although players are limited to the arrow types provided by their weapons. Other enhancements include a new animation for shooting while rolling, the ability to perform acrobatic maneuvers like wall-running and shooting, and the option to aim without switching to first-person mode, allowing for quicker movement. The strong attack now fires a spread of three arrows, capable of hitting multiple enemies, and arrows can be used for backstabs or visceral attacks on downed foes. These changes make the bow a formidable primary weapon in Nightreign, addressing the shortcomings felt in the base Elden Ring.

The Ironeye's primary skill, Marking, is a swift dagger dash that pierces through enemies, leaving a mark that amplifies damage from all sources. With a short cooldown, this skill can be consistently applied to bosses, boosting team damage output. It also serves as a mobility tool, allowing the Ironeye to escape dangerous situations by passing through enemies.

The ultimate ability, Single Shot, is a powerful, concentrated attack. It requires some time to charge but grants invulnerability during the process. Once fired, it pierces through obstacles and enemies, dealing significant damage and making it ideal for clearing groups of enemies.

The Ironeye's true value shines in team settings, particularly with their ability to revive allies safely from a distance. In Nightreign, reviving involves attacking a downed ally to deplete a segmented circle above them. While most classes must risk close combat or expend resources to revive, the Ironeye can do so effortlessly and safely. However, reviving allies who have fallen multiple times becomes challenging due to the increasing segments in the circle, requiring the use of the ultimate ability for successful revivals.

Although the Ironeye may not match the damage output of other classes, their utility is unparalleled. From enhancing team damage with Marking, increasing item drop rates, clearing mobs with their ultimate, to their unique revival capabilities, the Ironeye's contributions are invaluable in any squad.