As a longtime fan of FromSoftware's masterpieces, I've been utterly captivated by the success of Elden Ring Nightreign. It feels like a grand celebration of the studio's legacy, weaving elements from Dark Souls into a fresh, roguelike adventure that keeps me coming back for more. When the trailer first hinted at the Nameless King's inclusion, my excitement soared—I couldn't help but wonder aloud which other iconic bosses might join the fray. Currently, Nightreign features six Dark Souls bosses, and FromSoftware has teased that more could be on the way. But for me, the real gem that deserves a spotlight is none other than the Pursuer from Dark Souls 2. This boss, with its eerie single red eye and haunting float, always felt like a relentless shadow in Drangleic, and I believe its addition could transform Nightreign's current invasion system into something truly magical.

Reflecting on the discussions among the community, names like Ornstein and Smough come up as nostalgic nods to Dark Souls' roots—their dual battle could be a thrilling throwback, like revisiting an old friend in a new city. Then there's the Burnt Ivory King, whose portal mechanics could add layers of strategy to fights, making encounters feel more dynamic and chess-like. And who could forget Gael? His epic scale would be the ultimate spectacle, a dazzling crescendo against Nightreign's motley crew of Nightfarers. But as I've played through countless runs, I've realized that while these bosses are iconic, the Pursuer offers something uniquely suited to Nightreign's DNA. Its repeated appearances in Dark Souls 2 mirrored the player's journey, much like Margit does now, but with a consistency that built genuine tension. I remember my first encounter with it in the Forest of Fallen Giants—it dropped from a great eagle, a moment that sent chills down my spine, akin to how Nightfarers descend with malicious intent. That kind of persistent pursuit is rare, and it could elevate Nightreign beyond its current state.

Speaking of the current state, I've got to share my personal frustrations. Nightreign's boss invasions, while innovative, often leave me feeling more annoyed than exhilarated. Take Augur, for instance—it's not much of a challenge, but its teleportation antics can yank me into absurdly awkward spots, like plopping me out of a boss fight mid-strike or right into the path of the night's tide. It's like stumbling over an invisible tripwire in the dark—unexpected and jarring. 😫 Then there's Margit: he's tough and rewarding when he shows up, but his infrequent appearances mean I rarely get to test my mettle against him. Worse, he often pops up when I'm underpowered, turning what should be a thrilling duel into a frustrating slog. This imbalance makes invasions feel like a necessary evil rather than a highlight, and as a player, I yearn for a system that offers consistent challenge without the unfair setbacks.

Here's where the Pursuer could swoop in as the perfect antidote. Instead of a one-off encounter, imagine multiple appearances throughout a run—each time it descends, the stakes rise. With each consecutive defeat, the Pursuer grows tougher, its attacks more relentless, while the rewards scale up to match. This iterative approach could iron out the kinks in the current system, avoiding those soul-crushing roadblocks that derail entire runs. After all, Nightreign is a roguelike; we expect some runs to end abruptly, but they should feel like valiant efforts, not cheap losses. Adding the Pursuer would infuse each session with a palpable sense of progression, like a dark symphony building to a climax. It's not just about combat; it's about the narrative thread it weaves—a haunting melody that echoes through the corridors of memory, always one step behind. Or, to use another metaphor, it's like a phantom limb that pulses with each stride, a constant reminder of battles past and challenges ahead. Such a mechanic could make every run feel like a personal odyssey, where the Pursuer becomes a spectral companion pushing you to your limits.

To illustrate why this works, consider the benefits:

• Enhanced Tension: Each Pursuer encounter would escalate the drama, turning random invasions into a cohesive storyline.

• Better Balance: By tying difficulty to player progress, it avoids the pitfalls of current invasions like Augur's chaotic teleports.

• Rewarding Progression: Increased rewards with each defeat would incentivize mastery, much like leveling up in a classic RPG.

Feature	Current Invasions	With Pursuer
Frequency	Sporadic and unpredictable	Regular, escalating appearances
Challenge Level	Often mismatched (e.g., underpowered)	Scaled to player strength
Player Experience	Frustrating setbacks	Satisfying progression

In my view, this isn't just a nostalgia trip; it's a chance to refine Nightreign into a masterpiece. But as we stand in 2025, with FromSoftware constantly innovating, I find myself pondering: what if they could weave past and future in ways we haven't dreamed of? Could this herald a new era where every boss invasion feels like a finely tuned orchestra, where each instrument finds its place? The possibilities stretch beyond The Pursuer, inviting us to imagine a world where FromSoftware's legacy isn't just remembered but reimagined.