Elden Ring Nightreign Relics and Relic Rites Explained

TL;DR

  • Relics provide permanent stat boosts and are earned through expedition completion
  • Three quality tiers (Delicate, Polished, Grand) determine bonus quantity and power
  • Relic Rites require color-matched Relics to activate powerful passive effects
  • Strategic slot management and vendor purchases maximize your progression efficiency
  • First-time Nightlord boss defeats guarantee special high-value Relic rewards

Elden Ring Nightreign introduces a sophisticated character advancement system centered around collectible items called Relics, which serve as the foundation for your Nightfarer’s long-term development. These powerful artifacts deliver lasting enhancements that persist across your entire gameplay experience.

Relics in Elden Ring Nightreign
Image Credit: FromSoftware, Elden Ring Nightreign (screenshot by Aryan Singh/Beebom)

Relics function as equippable items that permanently augment your Nightfarer’s core statistics and combat capabilities. You acquire these valuable assets as completion rewards following each expedition, with their potency directly influenced by your progression within the game’s three-day cycle structure. The specific Relics awarded at expedition conclusion feature randomized attribute distributions, though defeating a Nightlord boss for the initial time ensures you receive an exclusive, predetermined Relic.

The Relic system encompasses three distinct quality classifications: Delicate, Polished, and Grand. Delicate Relics represent the entry-level tier, conferring a single passive enhancement. Polished Relics occupy the intermediate position, providing two complementary bonuses, while Grand Relics stand as the premium category, delivering three powerful passive effects simultaneously.

In their operational mechanics, Relics closely resemble the Talisman system from the original Elden Ring, maintaining active buffs continuously while equipped. These enhancements span a broad spectrum, including elevated offensive power, improved defensive resilience, stamina regeneration improvements, and various specialized combat advantages.

Relic Rites constitute the specialized containers where you socket your collected Relics. Each Relic Rite contains precisely three slots displaying distinct colors, requiring insertion of Relics with matching hues to activate their passive benefits. Relics themselves are categorized into four color variants: Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow. To illustrate, Wylder’s initial Relic Rite configuration features two red slots and one blue slot, necessitating corresponding colored Relics for full utilization.

Elden Ring Nightreign Relic Rites Altar
Image Credit: FromSoftware, Elden Ring Nightreign (screenshot by Aryan Singh/Beebom)

You manage Relic placement through interaction with the Relic Rite altar situated adjacent to the Table of Lost Grand within the Roundtable Hold. Every character archetype possesses its unique assortment of Relic Rites, with additional options available for purchase at the Small Jar Bazaar as you advance through the game.

Successfully completing expeditions and advancing further unlocks exclusive vessels featuring uncolored slots within the bazaar’s inventory. Additionally, players gain the capability to directly acquire Relics by selecting from randomly generated bonus options, providing targeted progression opportunities.

Elden Ring Nightreign Small Jar Bazaar Vendor
Image Credit: FromSoftware, Elden Ring Nightreign (screenshot by Aryan Singh/Beebom)

Seasoned players should prioritize strategic color coordination when assembling their Relic loadouts. Mismatched colors represent one of the most common progression pitfalls, as they prevent activation of valuable passive bonuses. Always verify your Relic Rite’s slot configuration before embarking on expeditions to ensure maximum benefit from your equipped Relics.

For optimal progression efficiency, focus on completing full three-day cycles to access higher-tier Relics, as expedition depth significantly influences reward quality. Early-game players should concentrate on acquiring Polished Relics, as they provide the best value-to-effort ratio during initial progression phases.

The Small Jar Bazaar becomes increasingly vital as you advance, offering specialized vessels with flexible slot configurations that accommodate diverse build strategies. These advanced Rites typically become available after defeating your second Nightlord boss, dramatically expanding your customization options.

A critical advanced technique involves deliberate expedition repetition to farm specific Relic colors that complement your preferred Relic Rite configurations. This targeted approach ensures you can activate synergistic bonus combinations that significantly enhance your Nightfarer’s combat effectiveness.

When purchasing Relics from vendors, always prioritize bonuses that complement your current build rather than simply selecting the highest rarity option. A well-chosen common Relic that synergizes with your playstyle often outperforms a random high-tier Relic with mismatched attributes.

Action Checklist

  • Complete expeditions to acquire base Relics and progress through three-day cycles
  • Defeat Nightlord bosses for guaranteed special Relic rewards
  • Match Relic colors to your Relic Rite slot configurations at the Roundtable Hold altar
  • Purchase additional Relic Rites from Small Jar Bazaar as you progress
  • Focus on acquiring Polished Relics for optimal early-game progression
  • Utilize vendor purchases to target specific Relic colors for completion

No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » Elden Ring Nightreign Relics and Relic Rites Explained Master Elden Ring Nightreign's progression system with essential Relic strategies and optimization techniques