How to Change Characters in Elden Ring Nightreign: A Complete Guide
Discover the exclusive Elden Ring Nightreign character change mechanics, which only allow two strategic windows for swapping your hero. Master the precise moments at the Roundtable Hold and before expeditions to adapt your build and dominate the treacherous lands.
Thinking of swapping your hero mid-adventure in Elden Ring Nightreign? 🤔 Well, Tarnished, prepare for a reality check—you can't just flip between warriors on a whim. This highly anticipated expansion demands commitment. You only get two distinct, specific windows to alter your chosen avatar. So, if you're dreaming of a seamless switch during a tense expedition, dream on. However, for those looking to experiment with different builds, classes, or combat philosophies, there is a clear and defined path. This guide will illuminate the exact moments and methods for changing your character in the treacherous lands of the Nightreign.
🔑 The Two Golden Opportunities to Change Characters
You have precisely two chances to perform a character swap in Elden Ring Nightreign. Missing these means you're locked in until the next opportunity arises. Here’s the breakdown:
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At the Roundtable Hold: Your primary and most reliable hub for character management.
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Pre-Expedition Setup: Your final chance to confirm your choice before diving into the action.
Once you step into an expedition, your selection is final. There is no mid-mission character change feature. Your only recourse is to quit the run and start over, which is hardly ideal. Plan wisely! 🧠
🏰 Changing Characters at the Roundtable Hold
Your journey to character flexibility begins where many journeys in the Lands Between do: at the Roundtable Hold.

Unlocking the Hub
First, you must gain access. The Roundtable Hold is unlocked after you triumph over Margit the Fell Omen during the expansion's tutorial sequence. This sanctum functions as your central base of operations, mirroring its role in the base game, and becomes your default spawn location.
Locating the Character Change Altar
Once inside the hallowed halls of the Hold, the process is straightforward. Upon spawning, immediately look to your right. You will see a solemn, imposing Banished Knight statue. This isn't just for decoration—it's your gateway to a new identity.

Making the Switch
Approach the statue and interact with it. This action will open a menu displaying all the character archetypes, builds, and classes you have unlocked thus far in your Nightreign playthrough. Simply select your desired hero, confirm your choice, and the transformation is complete. This is the perfect time to experiment with different stat distributions, weapon affinities, and magical proficiencies without any pressure.
⚔️ Changing Characters Before an Expedition
Your second and final opportunity comes in the calm before the storm. Right before you launch into a new expedition, you'll encounter a mission preparation screen.

This screen is where you manage your gear, consumables, and—crucially—your character. The option to switch is typically presented clearly, often near your character portrait or in a dedicated slot. This is your point of no return. Ensure you are completely satisfied with your selection here, because once you confirm and the loading screen begins, you are committed for the duration of that entire expedition run.
💎 Pro Tips for Character Management in Nightreign
Managing your roster effectively is key to conquering Nightreign's challenges. Here are some essential strategies:
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Experiment at the Hold | Use the Roundtable Hold's statue to freely test new builds. There's no penalty for swapping here, so find what synergizes with your playstyle. |
| Match Build to Mission | Before an expedition, consider the enemies and environment. Choose a character whose strengths align with the upcoming challenges. |
| Plan Your Progression | Unlocking new character classes often requires specific achievements or finding key items in the world. Keep an eye out for these opportunities! |
| Embrace Specialization | Don't try to make one character do everything. Having dedicated characters for magic, stealth, or heavy combat can make specific areas much easier. |
🚫 What You Absolutely Cannot Do
To set expectations clearly, here are the hard limits:
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❌ No Mid-Expedition Swaps: Once you're in, you're in.
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❌ No Character Creation Resets: You cannot re-roll your starting character's base appearance or origin through this system. These changes are permanent.
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❌ No Unlimited Free Swaps: While flexible at the Hold, you are still limited to the characters you've unlocked. Grinding and exploration are required to expand your roster.
🔮 Final Thoughts on Nightreign's Character System
Elden Ring Nightreign's approach to character changing is a deliberate design choice. It encourages players to think strategically, commit to a build for a session, and master its intricacies. The two provided methods—at the sanctuary of the Roundtable Hold and at the expedition's threshold—offer controlled flexibility without undermining the tension and consequence that define the Soulsborne experience. By understanding these mechanics, you can tailor your approach to each daunting challenge the expansion throws your way, whether you're a spell-slinging astrologer or a brute-force barbarian. Now, go forth, Tarnished, and may your chosen character lead you to glory in the shadowed epoch of the Nightreign. ✨
As summarized by PlayStation Trophies, structured progression systems often hinge on clear checkpoints and “point-of-no-return” confirmations, which maps neatly onto Nightreign’s character-swap rules: treat the Roundtable Hold as your safe respec-style staging area, then use the pre-expedition screen as a final audit to ensure your build, loadout, and role all align—because once the run begins, restarting is the only way to change course.