The sneaky thief you’ve had in mind.
Well, you’ve been slicing through Nightreign and heard whispers of a mysterious player by the name of The Duchess. Cultured, deadly, and brimming with sneaky magic tricks, she’s a fan-favourite, and yes, she can be unlocked. But she doesn’t merely stroll over and say hello. You’ve got to work for her.
Here’s what you need to do in order to get the Duchess class and roster her up.
Who Is the Duchess?
The Duchess is a hidden Nightfarer class in Elden Ring: Nightreign. She is not one of the classes that you have as soon as the game starts, but instead one that you have to discover and unlock while playing through the game.
Why should you care?
She is not just another class. The Duchess brings together:
- Stealth and agility are perfect for those who prefer calculated strikes over brute force.
- Magic-infused daggers, giving her an edge in both melee and mid-range skirmishes.
- Support capabilities, which make her a smart pick for solo and co-op runs alike.
If you’re into rogue-type classes or want to try a more elusive playstyle, she’s your girl.
Step-by-Step: How to Unlock the Duchess
Complete the Tricephalos Expedition
After completing the tutorial and reaching the Roundtable Hold, your first real mission is the Tricephalos Expedition. This is the first whole expedition in the game and serves as your introduction to the new world and mechanics.
- You’ll fight through hordes of enemies.
- Encounter some rich lore moments.
- Fight mini-bosses that test your early build.
(Note: Have your Relics and chalice slots laid out in a configuration that will be adequate prior. The trouble escalates in a flash.)
Defeat Gladius, Beast of Night
Once you’ve finished the Tricephalos Expedition, you’ll have a confrontation with Gladius, an enormous boss who’s also referred to as the Beast of Night. He’s a mean one and hits like a big rig, but beating him is how you open the Duchess.
What You Get for Beating Gladius:
- Old Pocketwatch – This is the most essential item you need.
- Plentiful resources, XP (Ash), and loot to level up.
Gladius is not someone to be taken lightly. Get ready for rapid combos, large hitboxes, and AoE slams. Bring your best equipment, a balanced Relic configuration, and perseverance.
Return to the Roundtable Hold
With the Old Pocketwatch at your waist, return to the Roundtable Hold. Things start getting more interesting here.
Speak to the Priestess
Find the Priestess, a robed and quiet NPC who just sits next to the expedition planning table (you may have already seen her offering cryptic advice).
- Start conversing with her.
- Choose the action to “Show her the Old Pocketwatch.”
Watch the Cutscene
Showing the Old Pocketwatch triggers a special cutscene. The Priestess has been hiding the fact about her true identity.
Plot twist: She’s really The Duchess.
She reveals her past, her connection with the Nightreign, and the reason for spying on you all along. It is a fantastic lore moment that enriches the game and expands the character.
The Duchess Is Now Playable
After the cutscene is completed, the Duchess class is now available to play. You can select her as part of your team when you initiate future expeditions.
Duchess Class Overview
Role: Fast rogue/support
Primary Weapons: Daggers, short blades, magical throwing knives
Abilities:
- Shadowstep – blink/dodge combo that makes her nearly untouchable when perfectly timed.
- Veil of Dusk – disguises herself or allies with temporary camouflage.
- Enchanted Slice – spell-imbued attack scaling with Dexterity and Intelligence.
The Duchess excels at:
- Players who like an evasive, speed-oriented combat playstyle.
- Dexterity and Intelligence build.
- Supporting co-op parties with buffs and mobility utilities.
Unlocking the Duchess is not a matter of learning a new class—it’s a very gratifying prize for an investment in exploration and combat proficiency. In order to slice through foes without being noticed or enchant your party with finicky spells, she adds a lot of playfulness and versatility to the game.
So collect that Old Pocketwatch, defeat Gladius, and push the Priestess; your new favourite rogue is waiting.
