Starting strong in Elden Ring Nightreign is key to beating the Nightlord. Here’s where to go first, what to prioritize on Day 1, and why skipping Shifting Earth early might save your run.
📍 Where to Go First in Elden Ring Nightreign (Day 1 Strategy Guide)
Every expedition in Elden Ring Nightreign can run anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes of grinding, looting, and boss slaying—all leading up to the Nightlord showdown on Day 3. But here’s the truth: if your Day 1 start is bad, the whole expedition can unravel fast.
Whether you’re soloing or in a squad, this guide walks you through what to do the moment you land in Limveld, and how to set your team up for a smooth ride into the Nightboss battles.
🎯 What to Do First After Dropping In
Once you land, you’ll spawn near a small enemy camp. These enemies are pretty easy and drop enough Runes to hit Level 2—your first mini power spike. Clear them out, then interact with the Site of Grace to level up.
Your next move? Find the nearest Churches.
Why Churches?
- Each Church = a Sacred Flask upgrade
- More Flask uses = higher survivability through Day 1 & Night 1
- Every expedition has at least three Churches, and you’ll want all of them
Open your map and place a pin (use R3 on controller). If you’re in a group, this ping is visible to your teammates—super helpful for keeping everyone on track.
🧭 What to Explore Next (After Flask Upgrades)
After snagging your first few Flask upgrades, start branching out to nearby:
- Encampments – Good XP, simple minibosses
- Forts – Usually contain loot, bosses, and sometimes even Stonesword Keys
- Ruins – Lower-tier bosses and decent early drops
These early spots give you quick access to gear, XP, and sometimes hidden info via interactable notes or side rooms.
🔍 Target the Nightlord’s Weakness
As you prep for the final boss, open your map and try to identify locations that may drop weapons or gear that exploit the Nightlord’s elemental weakness.
For example:
- Tricephalos Expedition → Nightlord Gladius is weak to Holy
- Look for Forts, Ruins, or Castles that drop Holy weapons
Once you find a promising spot, either hoof it manually or use the nearest Spectral Hawk Tree to get there faster.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on Sorcerer’s Rises. These puzzle towers don’t require combat but reward you with powerful gear once you crack the gimmick.
🌍 Should You Attempt Shifting Earth on Day 1?
After your first expedition, you’ll unlock The Shifting Earth event—a world modifier that changes terrain, adds powerful enemies, and introduces blessings and unique loot.
But here’s the catch:
It’s NOT recommended for Day 1.
Why?
- Bosses in Shifting Earth zones are very strong
- Terrain becomes harder to navigate, especially for new players
- If Night’s Tide closes in from the wrong side, you might get trapped and lose all your Runes
Hold off on Shifting Earth until you’ve leveled up and know your way around. It’s better saved for Day 2 or later.
✅ Quick Day 1 Checklist
- Clear starting camp & reach Level 2
- Activate nearby Site of Grace
- Mark and head to Churches for Flask upgrades
- Explore Encampments, Forts, and Ruins for early loot
- Watch for Nightlord weakness locations
- Avoid Shifting Earth zones (for now)
Day 1 in Elden Ring Nightreign sets the tone for the whole expedition. If you can focus on leveling, collecting flask upgrades, and grabbing a few decent weapons, you’ll walk into Night 1 confident and capable.
Once you know the map markers (see our map symbol guide if you missed it) and start spotting patterns in where loot types spawn, route planning becomes second nature.
Related articles:
- Recommended Levels for Each Night in Elden Ring Nightreign
- How to Change Characters in Elden Ring Nightreign
- How to Play Solo in Elden Ring Nightreign
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