When you're in the thick of an Elden Ring Nightreign match, there's no time to pause and scrutinize every stat. Nightreign actually streamlines character leveling compared to the free-form attribute point system of the base Elden Ring. So what do all these stats actually mean, and which numbers are most important to prioritize?
YouTuber Zullie the Witch recently did a deep dive into the backend data to find out. Although Nightreign simplifies progression to straightforward level-ups, these pre-determined stat increases can be analyzed and graphed, as Zullie demonstrates in their video.
One of their most interesting discoveries is that the jump from level 1 to level 2 grants a significantly larger boost than any other single level-up, making that first visit to a Site of Grace especially impactful. Conversely, levels 13 through 15 provide smaller attribute gains for most characters, creating a sort of "soft cap" around level 12. You'll still get stronger, but the gains won't be as dramatic as in those early stages.
The analysis also reveals that stat scaling differs between attributes. The Duchess, for instance, has a B rating in Dexterity and an A in Intelligence, yet her point values across levels end up being quite similar. Strangely, no character gains any points in Arcane through normal leveling.
For those wondering, if you were to recreate these characters in Elden Ring's main game, the Recluse would have the highest possible total level. According to Zullie, this is because the Recluse has identical growth rates for both Intelligence and Faith, with both stats capping at 51 points by level 15.
This data offers some practical advice for build crafting. Zullie found that each point of Vigor consistently adds exactly 20 HP, regardless of your level. Additionally, Relics that boost attack stats appear very powerful at lower levels but are eventually outpaced by other sources of damage scaling as you progress.
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This fascinating data mining is sure to assist with planning your builds as you collect Relics and pursue different rewards. If you remember just one thing, make it this: that very first level-up is huge, so get it as soon as you can. For more intriguing details, check out Zullie's other videos exploring the secrets behind the Nightfarers' masks and more on their YouTube channel.
We have a wealth of Nightreign tips and tricks to help you defeat all eight Nightlord Bosses. If you're curious about accessing the two locked Nightfarer Classes, see our guides on How to Unlock the Revenant and How to Unlock the Duchess, plus How to Change Characters.
