How to unlock the new Nightfarers in Elden Ring Nightreign’s Forsaken Hollows DLC

How to unlock the Scholar and the Undertaker characters

The Elden Ring Nightreign‘s Forsaken Hollows DLC introduces two distinctive Nightfarers that significantly expand your strategic options. The Scholar represents the game’s inaugural dedicated support specialist, bringing unprecedented team utility through healing and buffing capabilities. Meanwhile, the Undertaker specializes in close-quarters devastation with a unique melee-focused kit that complements existing damage dealers. Both characters fill crucial gaps in the current roster, offering fresh gameplay approaches for veterans seeking new challenges.

Understanding these characters’ unlock requirements early ensures you can integrate them into your expedition strategies immediately. This comprehensive guide details every prerequisite and procedural step needed to add both Nightfarers to your available roster, saving you valuable exploration time while maximizing your DLC investment value.

Before attempting to unlock these powerful new allies, ensure you meet the fundamental access requirements. First, you must possess the Forsaken Hollow DLC through purchase or via the Elden Ring Nightreign Deluxe Edition inclusion. This paid expansion content is mandatory – without it, the unlock process cannot initiate regardless of your progression level.

Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

Your next critical requirement involves completing the Tricephalos expedition by defeating its formidable final boss, Gladius, Beast of Night. This prerequisite specifically targets new players – veterans who have previously conquered Gladius can bypass this step entirely. The game tracks this achievement automatically, so if you’ve already triumphed in this encounter, your progress is preserved. For optimal preparation, we recommend reviewing our Class Guide to understand which existing Nightfarers perform best against Gladius’s particular attack patterns.

Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with Gladius, focus on dodging his three-phase attack sequence rather than aggressive offense. His night-based abilities become more predictable once you recognize the visual cues preceding each major assault.

Once prerequisites are satisfied, begin the actual unlock sequence by returning to the expedition roundtable. Here, a brief cinematic triggers automatically where Iron Menial informs you about a message waiting at the Small Jar Bazaar. This NPC provides the crucial narrative impetus that initiates the character unlock chain.

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco

Navigate through the entrance positioned between the Priestess and Guardian NPCs, proceeding down the corridor until you locate the Small Jar Bazaar stationed before a partially closed doorway. This distinctive merchant serves as your guide for the subsequent phase. After conversing with the Small Jar Bazaar, it will direct your attention toward the adjacent door.

Critical Insight: Interacting with this door immediately transports you into a boss confrontation against the Dreglord. Importantly, victory in this encounter is completely unnecessary for progression. The game only requires that you survive the engagement long enough to be ejected from the battle arena. This design choice accommodates players of varying skill levels, ensuring accessibility regardless of combat proficiency.

Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

Upon returning to the Small Jar Bazaar’s location, you’ll discover the previously restricted door now stands fully open. Within this newly accessible chamber, both the Scholar and Undertaker await your interaction. Engage in dialogue with each character individually to permanently add them to your available Nightfarer selection for all future expeditions. For optimal team composition strategies featuring these new additions, consult our Complete Guide to maximize their combat effectiveness.

Understanding these Nightfarers’ unique capabilities ensures you leverage their strengths effectively once unlocked. The Scholar operates as a dedicated support specialist, featuring abilities that provide sustained healing, defensive buffs, and resource regeneration for your entire team. His kit includes area-of-effect restoration fields, single-target emergency healing, and damage mitigation shields that can dramatically improve expedition survivability.

Conversely, the Undertaker excels as an aggressive melee combatant with high burst damage potential. His ability toolkit focuses on closing distances rapidly, executing devastating combos, and applying debilitating status effects to enemies. The Undertaker’s playstyle rewards aggressive positioning and timing, making him ideal for players who prefer high-risk, high-reward combat approaches.

Advanced Strategy: Pair the Scholar with durable front-line Nightfarers to maximize his support value, while the Undertaker synergizes exceptionally well with ranged specialists who can cover his engagement gaps. For optimal weapon selections to complement these new characters, our Weapons Unlock guide provides detailed equipment recommendations.

Common Pitfall Avoidance: Many players mistakenly attempt to defeat the Dreglord, wasting resources on an unnecessary battle. Remember – survival alone satisfies the progression requirement. Additionally, ensure you speak with both characters individually after accessing their chamber, as overlooking one interaction will leave that Nightfarer locked.

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