The landscape of Limveld has shifted dramatically with the release of the Elden Ring Nightreign 1.03.2 guide update this weekend. Dropping on January 15, this massive patch has completely overhauled the competitive and cooperative meta, finally addressing the dominance of the Scholar class while breathing new life into the game's heavy hitters. If you have been struggling to make the Raider or Executor work in the brutal Deep of Night expeditions, your time has finally come. We are breaking down everything you need to know about the 1.03.2 update, from the new class tier list to the best strategies for conquering the Forsaken Hollows.

The Executor Renaissance: Cursed Sword Meta

For months, the Executor was considered a high-risk, low-reward class, but Patch 1.03.2 has turned that narrative on its head. The centerpiece of this buff is the massive overhaul to the Cursed Sword character skill. Previously, the parry window was too tight and the payoff too small, but FromSoftware has significantly increased the guard boost and stagger damage upon a successful deflection.

Players are already calling this the "Sekiro" update for Executors. You can now deflect relentless boss combos from the Everdark Sovereigns without fearing an instant guard break, thanks to the reduced stamina reduction. If you are building an Executor in 2026, focus on Relics that enhance "Skill Attack Power" and "Crit Damage," as the critical ripostes from Cursed Sword are now dealing catastrophic damage.

Best Raider Build Nightreign 2026: The "Speed-Axe" King

The Raider has long been a fan favorite for its aesthetic but a mechanical nightmare due to sluggish attack animations. The 1.03.2 update addresses this by increasing the speed of nearly all Greataxe and Great Hammer attacks (excluding dual-wield jump attacks). This change alone makes the best Raider build Nightreign 2026 has to offer far more viable in solo play.

To maximize the new Raider potential, you should equip the Polished Burning Scene relic, which pairs perfectly with the newly buffed Totem Stela Ultimate Art. The totem's range has been extended, allowing you to provide team-wide buffs from a safer distance during chaotic Forsaken Hollows boss strategy phases. Focus on a Strength/Vigor split, using the faster swing timers to weave in attacks between boss patterns that were previously impossible to punish.

Revenant and Guardian: The Support Tier Shift

While the DPS classes are grabbing headlines, the Nightreign Revenant spirit guide section of the patch notes contains some hidden gems. The Revenant's Immortal March ultimate now grants a more substantial attack power boost, and the summons—Helen and Frederick—have received AI improvements that make them stickier targets for bosses.

Guardian's New Wall

Guardians haven't been left out. The buff to Guard Boost while shielding makes them nearly impenetrable walls. In the Deep of Night expedition tips threads circulating online, groups are now prioritizing a Guardian for high-level runs to tank the new "Dreglord" bosses, allowing updated Executors and Raiders to shred the boss's posture from the flanks.

Nightreign Class Tier List (Patch 1.03.2)

With the nerfing of the Scholar's "Shattering Crystal" spam (the infamous "pot build"), the hierarchy of Nightfarers has been shaken up. Here is our early impression of the new meta:

  • S-Tier: Executor, Raider (New!)
  • A-Tier: Revenant, Guardian, Undertaker
  • B-Tier: Scholar (Post-nerf), Duelist
  • C-Tier: Duchess

The Scholar is still viable for ranged control, but the increased FP consumption on their primary spells means resource management is now a real concern, knocking them down from their undisputed top spot.

Conquering the Forsaken Hollows

The Elden Ring Nightreign patch notes also touched on the DLC content released back in December. The Forsaken Hollows expansion bosses, particularly the dual Balancers, have had their aggression tuned slightly, but they remain a gear-check for unoptimized parties. With the new Raider speed buffs, you can now effectively trade hits using the Retaliate skill without getting locked into an animation that guarantees your death.

If you are heading into the Deep of Night this week, bring a balanced party. The days of stacking three Scholars and melting bosses with pots are over. It is time to pick up a Greataxe, sharpen your Cursed Sword, and embrace the new era of visceral, melee-focused combat.