Okay, so I've been grinding Elden Ring Nightreign since it dropped earlier this year, and man, it's been a wild ride. FromSoftware really switched things up with this one—I mean, the multiplayer vibe is totally different from what we're used to. It's not flawless, like some bugs can drive you nuts, but the Ultimate Arts? Holy cow, they're the real MVP here. They add this crazy strategic layer, whether you're going solo or squadin' up with friends. After countless hours and finally taking down the Nightlord myself, I'm spillin' the tea on my top 8 Ultimate Arts. Trust me, some of these are absolute game-changers, and others... well, let's just say they need work. Buckle up, 'cause this is gonna be a deep dive into what makes Nightreign tick in 2025.

🎮 8. Raider's Totem Stela

First off, let's talk about the Raider's Totem Stela—it's low-key the worst of the bunch, and I'm not even exaggerating. On paper, it sounds cool: decent damage and an attack buff for your team. But in reality? It's a hot mess. The main issue? The dang thing can trap enemies inside that stone obelisk, making them invincible to your attacks while they whale on you. Like, what's up with that? 🤦‍♂️ Plus, unless you've got ranged heroes nearby, the height advantage is useless. I've lost count of how many times this bug screwed me over in raids. Honestly, it's so inconsistent that I avoid it unless I'm feeling masochistic. Totem Stela, you had potential, but nah... it's a hard pass.

• Pros: Team attack buff, decent AoE damage.

• Cons: Buggy AF, traps enemies, situational height use.

• My take: Stick to other Arts unless you're a glutton for punishment. It's like bringing a knife to a gunfight—just not worth it.

🔫 7. Ironeye's Single Shot

Next up is Ironeye's Single Shot, and I gotta say, it's a step up from Raider's mess. This thing looks epic—one powerful shot that can one-shot small foes and gives you those sweet invincibility frames. No bugs here, thank goodness! But here's the kicker: it's so dang hard to use for reviving teammates. In tight boss fights, like against the Everdark Sovereigns, timing it right feels like threading a needle blindfolded. Plus, you need perfect positioning, which isn't easy when everything's moving at lightning speed. I've seen top players pull off magic with it, but for us mortals? It's hit or miss. Overall, it's solid but not clutch enough for my liking.

• Pros: High damage, invincibility frames, no glitches.

• Cons: Tricky targeting, poor for revives, requires skill.

• My take: If you're a sharpshooter, go for it—otherwise, it's a bit meh. Kinda like ordering fancy coffee when you just need caffeine.

🛡️ 6. Guardian's Wings of Salvation

Now, Guardian's Wings of Salvation—I didn't vibe with this character at first (too mechanical for me), but this Ultimate Art? It's saved my bacon more times than I can count. Picture this: you're in a Fell Omen Raid, teammates are down, and boom—Wings of Salvation revives them even with full bars, plus it dishes out damage and shields an area. That's clutch! But oh boy, the targeting is whack. It moves slower than a snail, and in fast-paced battles like Shifting Earth events, I always miss the sweet spot. I swear, no one I've played with nails it consistently. Still, when it works, it's a lifesaver, literally.

• Pros: Revives allies, AoE protection, damage output.

• Cons: Slow targeting, hard to aim, not for newbies.

• My take: A must-have for support players, but practice makes perfect. It's like driving a stick shift—frustrating but rewarding.

🎶 5. Recluse's Soulblood Song

Recluse was my sleeper hit—she seemed weak at first, but Soulblood Song? It's low-key OP, especially for high-skill play. This Art doesn't deal direct damage; instead, it heals HP and restores Mana as you attack in range. Against bosses like Gnoster, it turns the tide by keeping your team alive longer. Pair it with mana-hungry characters, and it's unstoppable. But, and it's a big but, it takes skill to master. I remember one run where my squad abused this, and we cruised through the Nightfarer Remembrance Quests like it was nothing. For solo play, though, it's less effective—kinda like bringing a party trick to a library.

• Pros: Mana and HP regen, game-changing in teams.

• Cons: High skill ceiling, weak solo, situational.

• My take: If you're grinding with friends, this is S-tier. Otherwise, it's niche but oh-so-satisfying.

🏃‍♂️ 4. Wylder's Onslaught Stake

Wylder's Onslaught Stake is criminally underrated, especially for solo players like me. It deals massive damage, breaks poise, and gives you distance—perfect for hit-and-run tactics. Plus, combo it with Claw Shot for map traversal, and you'll max out your Estus Flasks by day three. Easy peasy! But in co-op? It falls flat 'cause it feels designed for lone wolves. I've had moments where I zipped across Limveld, dodging bosses, and it felt epic. Yet, in team fights, it's often overlooked. Honestly, it deserves more love for its versatility.

• Pros: High damage, mobility, great for exploration.

• Cons: Poor in co-op, situational in teams.

• My take: Solo players, this is your jam. It's like having a secret weapon—understated but deadly.

👑 3. Duchess's Finale

Duchess's Finale is pure co-op gold, and in a game built for squads, it's top-tier. Activate it, and your whole team turns invisible, letting you revive fallen allies or ditch aggro without a fuss. Attacks don't break it, so you can unleash chaos freely. I've used this in random events like the Augur Raid to sneak past bosses and save runs. It's clutch for avoiding unnecessary fights, too—like skirting around field bosses to save runes. Sure, it's not flashy in damage, but for strategy? Chef's kiss.

• Pros: Team invisibility, aggro removal, safe revives.

• Cons: Low damage output, less useful solo.

• My take: If you're always in a party, this is essential. It's the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card.

💀 2. Revenant's Immortal March

Revenant's Immortal March is bonkers—it revives allies, prevents death, deals massive damage, and triggers summons. Talk about overkill! In my runs, having a Revenant almost guaranteed victory, like against the Everdark Sovereigns. It's versatile and overpowered, making other Arts look tame. But mastering this character? That's the catch—it's complex and not for everyone. Still, when it clicks, it's unstoppable.

• Pros: Revives, damage, summon synergy, OP relics.

• Cons: Steep learning curve, tricky to use.

• My take: A must for hardcore players—it's like wielding a nuke. Handle with care.

🐉 1. Executor's Aspects Of The Crucible: Beast

And the crown jewel: Executor's Aspects Of The Crucible: Beast. Hands down, the best Ultimate Art in the game. It heals you, clears mobs, resurrects teammates, and breaks boss poise—all with insane speed. Whether I'm soloing or in co-op, it never fails. In Shifting Earth events, it's been my go-to for clutch saves. Plus, it recharges fast, so I'm not hoarding it. The relics? Meh, not great, but the Art's sheer versatility more than compensates. After playing all characters, this one feels like home.

• Pros: Full heal, AoE damage, quick cooldown, revives.

• Cons: Mediocre relics.

• My take: The ultimate all-rounder—solo or team, it slays. It's the Swiss Army knife of Nightreign.

🔮 My Future Outlook

Looking ahead to 2026, I'm stoked for where FromSoftware takes this. Nightreign's Ultimate Arts are a solid foundation, but imagine if they add more customization or refine the buggier ones in future updates. Like, c'mon, fix Totem Stela already! 🤣 I'd love to see Arts that blend even better with the Shifting Earth mechanics—maybe dynamic combos or seasonal tweaks. Overall, this game's potential is off the charts, and I'm here for the ride. If you're diving in, prioritize these Arts—they'll make your journey way smoother. Catch you in Limveld, Tarnished!