Best Raider Build for Enhanced Darkdrift Knight in Elden Ring Nightreign

Everything you need to know about the best Raider build for the upcoming Enhanced Darkdrift Knight (Fulghor) in Elden Ring Nightreign.

The Darkdrift Knight is arguably among the most challenging bosses in Elden Ring Nightreign, only seconded by the game’s final boss, Night Aspect (Heolstor). While the regular version is already quite difficult, in just a few days, FromSoftware is adding an even more challenging version of the Darkdrift Knight via the Everdark Sovereign.

Similar to Enhanced Gaping Jaw, the Enhanced Darkdrift Knight will feature a completely new third phase, new attacks, and, most importantly, boosted base stats, particularly resistance. Furthermore, the boss will gain access to a whole new AOE combo, which can easily wipe out the entire party.

However, much like the regular version of the Darkdrift Knight, you can easily defeat the boss with what is arguably the most powerful Raider build in the game. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the best Raider build for the Enhanced Darkdrift Knight in Elden Ring Nightreign.

Overview of the Best Raider Build for the Enhanced Darkdrift Knight in Elden Ring Nightreign

Raider's stats (Image via FromSoftware) — Raider’s stats (Image via Bandai Namco Entertainment)

For the best Raider build, we’re going to focus on two primary aspects of the character: Vigor and Affinity Damage. To maintain a good amount of Vigor, we’re using Augur’s Relic, which increases maximum HP and also grants passive HP gain upon successive attacks. As for elemental damage (affinity), there are two options: Lightning and Frost. For the Darkdrift Knight in particular, we recommend using a Relic that imbues your starting armament with Lightning. Some Grand Drizzly Scene Relics often come with that perk, which you can farm via Expeditions or the Small Jar Bazaar.

However, if you don’t have a Relic that gives your starting armament Lightning, we recommend using Frost. Darkdrift Knight is extremely weak to Frost, and it’s an element that can also slow down the boss, making it much easier to manage. To get Frost, you can simply equip Fissure in the Fog’s (Caligo) Relic. As for passives, there are two most important buffs that you should pick up: Physical Damage Negation and Increased Stance-Breaking. You should also pick up armaments that increase the efficiency of jump attacks.

Lastly, increased maximum HP and Stamina will come in incredibly handy against the Enhanced Darkdrift Knight. However, neither of those is necessary and should be skipped if given the choice over Physical Damage Negation and Stance-Breaking.

Best Relics for the Raider Build

Night of the Miasma Relic (Image via FromSoftware) — Night of the Miasma Relic (Image via Bandai Namco Entertainment)

Here are the recommended Relics for the best Raider build:

Night of the Fathom

Increased maximum HP
Flask also heals allies
Items confer effects to all nearby allies

Night of the Miasma

Nearby Frostbite conceals self.
Changes the compatible armament’s skill to Chilling Mist at the start of an Expedition.
Attack power up when facing a Frostbite-afflicted enemy.

Grand Tranquil Scene

Partial HP restoration upon post-damage attacks
Vigor +2
Poise +2

How To Use the Raider Build Against the Enhanced Darkdrift Knight

Here are some tips to keep in mind while using the Raider build for the Enhanced Darkdrift Knight:

Make sure you’re using at least Frost, if not Lightning, for the boss. If you’re using Caligo’s Relic, make sure to upgrade your weapon to Epic (purple) rarity. Additionally, if you’re power-stancing the weapon with another, make sure to pick up the attack boost passive for two active armaments.
The Enhanced Darkdrift Knight starts the battle in his second phase. However, with Raider’s jumping attacks, you can easily get through this phase. Note that instead of regular attacks (R1), jumping attacks (X > R2) do significantly more damage.
When the boss charges his AOE, you can easily stagger him out of his stance with two jumping attacks or a Lightning Ash of War. At the start of the third phase, make sure to use Raider’s Ultimate Art to negate the initial AOE, then follow it up with the Character Skill.
With this build, you will have plenty of Vigor to tank through most of the boss’s combos. As such, we recommend sticking close to the Nightlord and dishing out constant damage. Both Frostbite and Lightning slow down the Knight significantly, making him much easier to manage, even in the third phase.

Additional Notes

If you don’t have access to Frost, you can choose Poison or even Bleed. However, both these ailments have lower stagger potential in comparison to Lightning and Frost.