Elden Ring Nightreign: How to use skills, abilities, and ultimates

In Elden Ring Nightreign, you’ll come across enemies that get tougher as the day goes on. To survive, you’ll need to get the hang of using skills, abilities, and ultimates.

These aren’t just flashy moves—they’re often the difference between getting through a fight or respawning at the last Site of Grace.

Character skills and ultimate abilities in Elden Ring Nightreign

Image via FromSoftware

Every character or class in Nightreign comes with two special moves. One is a character skill, and the other is an ultimate ability. These are tied to your character and are meant to fit their overall playstyle.

The character skill recharges on its own over time. The ultimate recharges when you hit enemies with your weapon. So the more you stay in the fight, the faster you can use it.

Also Read: Elden Ring Nightreign: How to dual wield & two-hand weapons

Here’s how to use them depending on your platform:

PC (keyboard and mouse)

• Press E to use the character skill
• Hold E to use a different version or a charged-up version
• Press R to use your ultimate
• Hold R to charge the ultimate before using it

Xbox controller

• Press LT + Y to use the character skill
• Hold LT + Y to charge or switch it up
• Press RT + Y to use the ultimate
• Hold RT + Y to charge the ultimate before using it

PlayStation controller

• Press L2 + Triangle to use the character skill
• Hold L2 + Triangle to charge or use an alternate version
• Press R2 + Triangle to use the ultimate
• Hold R2 + Triangle to charge it before letting go

Weapon skills and how they work in Elden Ring Nightreign

Image via FromSoftware

Weapon skills aren’t the same as character abilities. They depend on the weapon you're holding and whether you're using it in one or two hands. Some weapons even have their own unique skills that can be game-changers if used right.

To switch between single and two-handed mode:

• On PC: Hold CTRL + Mouse Wheel Up
• On Xbox: Hold Y and press LB or RB
• On PlayStation: Hold Triangle and press L1 or R1

To use the weapon skill:

• On PC: Press Q
• On Xbox: Press LT
• On PlayStation: Press L2

If your off-hand has a weapon or shield with its own skill, it will override the skill of the weapon in your main hand. To avoid this:

• Leave the off-hand slot empty, or
• Use a weapon/shield without a skill in your off-hand

Also, check your weapon’s info screen. Some weapon skills require a certain level to use, which is shown in the top right corner when you're looking at it in your inventory.

Also Read: How to fix Elden Ring Nightreign matchmaking not working

FAQs

How do I use a character skill on the keyboard?

• Press the E key. Hold it for a charged or alternate version.

How do I use a weapon skill on a controller?

• Press L2 on PlayStation or LT on Xbox, as long as your off-hand doesn’t override it.

What if my ultimate isn’t charging?

• You need to land hits with your weapon to build it up. It won’t charge on its own like the character skill.

Why can’t I use my weapon skill?

• Make sure your off-hand isn’t blocking it with another active skill. Try unequipping it or switching to an item without a skill.

Do all weapons have skills?

• Most do, but some basic weapons may not. Always check your inventory to see what skill is listed.

Can I use both a character skill and weapon skill in the same fight?

• Yes, they’re separate systems. You can use them together as long as their cooldowns allow.