Getting Started: Why the Castle Matters
If you want to get ahead fast in Elden Ring Nightreign, mastering the castle area is essential. This guide breaks down how to effectively reach level 15 by focusing on this critical zone. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, the castle offers one of the best routes for gaining XP and powerful gear early in your run.
The good news? It’s possible to tackle the castle in both solo expeditions and co-op mode. The key difference is how you approach the enemy types and the timing of your assault.
Choosing the Right Time to Hit the Castle
Timing is everything. If you're playing solo, your best shot at clearing the castle is during the first night, right after the second day begins. But remember: this only works reliably if the enemy type is Banished Knights, which have a lower difficulty compared to others. You’ll have about a 33% chance to get them, so keep an eye out.
If you’re playing in a group or co-op expedition, the optimal time to strike is during the second half of the first night—right when you see the circle closing in around the castle. By then, you should be around level 5, assuming you’ve been farming small enemy camps around your spawn point.
Understanding Castle Enemy Types
Banished Knights
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Best for solo runs.
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Separate your party members to avoid overwhelming fights.
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Even at low levels (like level 5), sticking together helps survival.
If you’re level 8 or higher, you can split up and take on knights independently. They’re manageable and give solid experience.
Trolls
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Very disruptive.
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Trolls throw projectiles that interrupt combat.
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Strategy: Spread out your team so not everyone is under attack at once.
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Focus fire when possible, especially if you have strong DPS.
Trolls are much easier to handle with coordination. You can still take them solo, but the constant harassment can make it tough.
Erdtree Knights
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Boss-tier enemies with two phases.
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Soloing them takes time and precision.
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First phase: simple sword swings.
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Second phase: adds tail attacks after each sword move.
Unless you're confident in your dodge timing and patience, avoid them during solo runs. In co-op, you can stunlock them and clear much faster.
Full Castle Walkthrough: Layer by Layer
The castle is split into four key levels, each offering different challenges and XP opportunities. Here’s how to approach each one efficiently.
Basement: First Stop for Big Rewards
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Go here first, no exceptions.
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Defeat the boss for around 50–60k runes.
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Loot the talisman chest—you’ll get to choose from three valuable options.
This basement encounter kickstarts your leveling. Make sure to clear it before moving on.
Courtyard: Clean Sweep is Key
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Clear every enemy except giants.
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If giants are present, skip ahead to the battlements first.
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This area has a high enemy density and gives solid XP.
Sticking together as a team helps here. There’s no rush, and killing everything ensures you don't miss loot drops or rare buffs.
Battlements (Third Level): XP Farming Zone
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Kill all enemies here before advancing to the next level.
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This is where you’ll gain most of your XP—potentially up to 300k.
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Be thorough and coordinate with your team.
Avoid rushing to the keep until this level is clear. It’s not just about progress—it’s about farming efficiently without wandering the whole map.
Rooftop (The Keep): The Final Challenge
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Accessed by stairs inside the keep.
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This is where the final boss resides.
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Be at least level 9 before attempting it.
If you’re unsure, consider leaving and leveling up outside the castle before returning. Some bosses like the Death Bird are tough and can drain your runes if you're under-leveled.
Additional Tips for Leveling and Looting
Watch for Red-Eye Enemies
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These special enemies drop loot, buffs, and weapons.
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Always check bodies after fights—you might get rare passive bonuses.
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These drops can give you a real edge going into boss fights.
Don’t miss out on these just because you're in a rush. They can shift your build's power significantly.
Solo vs. Co-op: Which Is Better?
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Solo: Only take on the castle if Banished Knights are present.
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Co-op: Communicate, spread out, and focus fire. You’ll clear faster and safer.
If you’re with randoms, take initiative. Point out enemy types, direct movement, and mark high-value targets. It’s often enough to get others on the same page.
Ideal Leveling Path
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Level 5: Start hitting the castle if the circle closes in.
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Level 9–13: You should hit this range after fully clearing the castle.
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Use remaining time in the night to explore other areas:
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Crater
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Mountain
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Noxtella City
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Rotted Forest
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By the second day, you should be fully equipped with epic or legendary weapons, making fights against Night Lords much easier.
Final Thoughts: Maximize Your Gains in Nightreign
The castle in Elden Ring Nightreign is more than just a location—it's the most efficient leveling zone in the early-to-mid game. Whether you're going it alone or teaming up, understanding the enemy types, layout, and timing can help you walk out of there with:
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Over 300,000 runes
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Rare weapons and buffs
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Valuable talismans
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A solid path to level 15
Just remember:
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Solo runs should target Banished Knights only.
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In co-op, clear methodically, separating for trolls and using stuns for Erdtree Knights.
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Always loot red-eye enemies and bosses for maximum rewards.
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Clear every level thoroughly before moving on.
Stick to this guide, and you’ll not only survive but dominate the rest of your expedition, fully geared and several levels ahead of the competition.
FAQ – Elden Ring Nightreign Castle Guide
Q1: When is the best time to enter the castle?
A: If you're playing solo, go during the second night only if Banished Knights are present. In co-op, the best time is the second half of the first night when the circle begins closing over the castle.
Q2: Can I clear the castle solo?
A: Yes, but only reliably if Banished Knights are the enemy type. Trolls and Erdtree Knights make solo clearing much harder due to their aggression and health pools.
Q3: What level should I be before taking on the rooftop boss?
A: Aim to be at least level 9. Ideally, reach levels 12–13 for smoother combat and to avoid risking high rune losses.
Q4: Which castle enemies drop the best loot?
A: Red-eye enemies often drop unique weapons, passive buffs, or bonus loot. Always check defeated enemies for loot, especially these variants.
Q5: What’s the benefit of clearing the castle fully?
A: You can gain up to 300,000 runes, unlock multiple talismans, and acquire powerful early-game gear in one condensed area—making it one of the most efficient zones for leveling.
Q6: Should I split up or stay together in co-op?
A: Split up for trolls to avoid projectile spam. Stick together against knights if under-leveled. Communicate clearly and assign targets when playing with friends or randoms.
Q7: What should I do after clearing the castle?
A: Head to nearby points of interest like the Crater, Noxtella City, or Rotted Forest. You’ll be high-level and well-equipped to handle tougher content and bosses.
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