Elden Ring Nightreign’s new ranked hard mode, Deep of Night, has been keeping players busy since launch. It’s fast, chaotic, and punishing, but also offers one of the most authentic ranked experiences in the game so far. Between relic loadouts, red bosses, and depth modifiers, there’s a lot to manage. Here’s a breakdown of the most important strategies to help climb ranks without burning out.
Preparing Relics Before Deep of Night
Preparation starts before the first match. The update introduced Deep Relics, which can shape the entire run. Up to six relics can be equipped, with three of them being deep relics. While these can be earned naturally by completing Deep of Night runs, the Jar Bazaar also sells randomized relics for 1,800 MC.
They’re expensive, but worth the gamble early. Many relics provide dormant powers, tilting loot tables toward specific weapon drops. For example, one relic boosts great hammer drops—now stronger than ever after the recent stance break buff. Planning relics around a preferred weapon or character is crucial. Even small advantages can set up smoother boss fights later.
Building Loadouts for Nightlords
Each run reveals the target Nightlord before loading in. This gives a chance to pre-select relic loadouts that counter specific foes. Building multiple presets is essential.
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Against Gladius, prioritize holy damage buffs and fire resistance.
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For Gaping Jaw, stack lightning resistance and poison effects.
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Avoid frost setups when facing Caliggo, since frostbite is less effective.
Rotating relic loadouts for specific encounters makes runs far more manageable and cuts down wasted attempts.
Targeting Red Bosses Early
The hardest part of Deep of Night isn’t always the enemies themselves—it’s the time they steal. Red enemies and bosses hit harder, take longer to kill, and slow progress. Still, two targets are always worth pursuing:
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Guardian Golems: Easy to poise break, often dying in one or two crits. They’re quick level boosts and clear potential snipers from the field.
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Flame Chariots: Their gimmick weakness still works in red form, making them free rune farms and momentum builders.
Clearing these early ensures levels stay ahead of the curve, avoiding punishing fights unprepared.
Ranking Up in Deep of Night
Ranking seems simple: win matches and earn depth points. Most victories grant around 200 points, but there are hidden details.
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Playing with lower-ranked friends can place the group in shallower depths. Winning still grants rank points, though usually reduced to around 150. This method can soften the climb when stuck at higher levels.
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Never leave matches early. Quitting carries severe penalties, with reports of players losing up to 400 points. Even if left solo, it’s safer to go AFK and die naturally.
Deep of Night Mode: Everything About & MEGATHREAD DISCUSSION
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Other best practices carry over from standard runs:
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Stick with teammates to avoid unnecessary wipes.
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Use consumables—items like boiled crab, exalted flesh, and bubble tears are lifesavers when buffed enemies overwhelm.
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Prioritize early Crucible Knights in castles for fast leveling.
Deep of Night isn’t about rushing through; it’s about staying prepared, adapting to modifiers, and using every advantage available.
What Lies Ahead
For depths one through three, planning relics, managing red bosses, and leaning on team coordination make the grind bearable. From depth four onward, runs turn brutal, with blank maps, harder modifiers, and tougher Nightlords. Those levels will push strategy, coordination, and patience to the limit. Until then, mastering these essentials is the best way to climb ranks steadily.
