Elden Ring: Nightreign - Ironeye Hands-On Preview - IGN

In the world of *Elden Ring*, the bow has traditionally served as a support weapon, ideal for drawing enemy attention or softening them up before engaging with a primary weapon. It's also been a go-to for those infamous bird rune farming sessions. However, when you dive into *Nightreign* and take on the role of the Ironeye class, the bow becomes the centerpiece of your strategy. This class offers a unique playstyle, distinct from the other eight classes in *Nightreign*, and is the game's closest equivalent to a support class. Be sure to watch the exclusive Ironeye gameplay video below to see this in action.

The first thing you'll notice about the Ironeye is their vulnerability. Though they can wield any weapon, sticking to the bow is key to staying out of harm's way, especially in the early stages where just a few hits can be fatal. Fortunately, the starting bow is quite effective, offering decent damage and the Mighty Shot skill, which allows for long-range attacks with additional damage and poise disruption.

It's important to note that the mechanics of bows have been significantly revamped in *Nightreign*. Bows now shoot faster, and you can move more quickly while targeting enemies. Arrows are no longer a concern; you're equipped with an unlimited supply of the type your bow uses, eliminating the worry of running out during critical moments like boss fights. Other enhancements include a new animation for shooting arrows mid-roll, the ability to perform acrobatic feats such as wall-running and shooting, a faster manual aim mode without switching to first-person, a strong attack that releases three arrows simultaneously, and the option to execute backstabs or visceral attacks with arrows. These changes transform the bow into a formidable primary weapon, addressing the limitations it had in the base *Elden Ring*.

As the Ironeye, the bow is not just a weapon; it's the core of your gameplay. The class's main skill, Marking, is a swift dagger dash that pierces through enemies, marking them for increased damage from all sources. With a short cooldown, you can keep this debuff active on bosses almost continuously, making it not only a damage booster but also a great tool for mobility, allowing you to evade danger swiftly.

The Ironeye's ultimate ability, Single Shot, is a powerful, invulnerability-granting shot that, once charged, pierces through enemies and deals massive damage, perfect for clearing groups of foes.

What truly sets the Ironeye apart in team scenarios is their ability to revive allies from a safe distance. In *Nightreign*, reviving a fallen ally involves emptying a segmented circle above their character by attacking them. While other classes must risk close combat or use valuable resources, the Ironeye can safely and resource-free revive from afar. This capability can be the deciding factor in a team's success. However, reviving becomes more challenging with each additional segment added to the circle upon an ally's subsequent deaths, as the Ironeye's long-range damage may not suffice without using their ultimate.

While the Ironeye may not match the raw damage output of some other classes, their impact on a team is undeniable. From enhancing damage through marking, boosting item discovery, clearing mobs with their ultimate, to their unmatched ability to revive allies safely, the Ironeye's utility is a game-changer in *Nightreign*.