Can you equip different weapons when starting an expedition in Elden Ring Nightreign?

Elden Ring Nightreign gives you a ton of freedom when it comes to weapons. With you going on expeditions, there are tons of weapons available for each Nightfarer to use. Furthermore, every class boasts a specific weapon by default in the beginning. So, you might be wondering, can you change it to something else?

The answer is no, you cannot equip a different weapon before starting an expedition in Elden Ring Nightreign. However, you're free to swap things around based on what you've found during the run, what your team needs, or whatever enemy you're dreading that night. Let's look more into it.

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Every character has distinct equipment in Elden Ring Nightreign, and you cannot change it before an expedition

Gameplay still from Nightreign (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || FromSoftware)

There's one thing I noticed right away — there are no weapon restrictions tied to which Nightfarer you pick. Every single one of them can use every weapon during a run. However, all classes carry a particular weapon set that you cannot change before starting an expedition.

It also matters whether your stats are high enough to unlock a weapon’s special skill after you acquire it in an expedition. But here’s the key bit — even if your stats don’t meet the requirement, you’ll still get the passive effects of that item. That’s a nice bonus if you're just using a weapon for its built-in buffs.

You don’t have to deal with weight, but space matters

There’s no equipment weight system anymore. You don’t get punished for carrying a massive greatsword or a couple of backup weapons. Movement and roll speed stay the same no matter what you’re carrying. But your inventory is limited, and that’s where you need to plan.

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Weapon rarity affects performance

The colors distinguish the rarity of the weapons, not just for show. Here’s how they rank:

• Common (grey)
• Uncommon (blue)
• Rare (purple)
• Legendary (gold)

The higher the rarity, the better the weapon’s damage and passives.

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You can upgrade weapons — if you’ve got the materials

If you’ve found a weapon you like, but it’s a bit too basic, you can upgrade its rarity. You’ll need Smithing Stones and an Anvil, which are often found near merchants. I’ve seen Smithing Stones drop from enemies, show up in chests, or just lying around in caves. You can also just buy them if a merchant has some in stock.

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Merchants are useful for weapons

Status on Armaments and more (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || FromSoftware)

Even though you start with a default character-specific weapon, and if you’re not having any luck with drops, merchants are a solid backup. Most of them sit near a campfire by a structure. Moreover, their gear can come with elemental attacks, which help a lot early on, especially when you don’t know what your Nightlord is weak to.

They also sell a Pouch upgrade that lets you carry one more consumable. It’s helpful, but if you’re low on Runes, I’d recommend holding off and focusing on leveling up first. A new level usually makes a bigger difference early on.

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Quick look at some of the strongest weapons by Nightfarer

If you’re looking to obtain a new weapon during an expedition but not sure what’s worth running, here’s what I’ve seen work well for each class:

• Wylder: Blasphemous Blade, Golden Order Greatsword
• Executor: Hand of Malenia, Rivers of Blood
• Guardian: Bolt of Gransax, Commander’s Standard, Ant’s Skull Plate
• Ironeye: Serpent Bow, Black Bow
• Duchess: Glintstone Kris, Scorpion’s Sting, Carian Regal Scepter
• Raider: Grafted Blade Greatsword, Devourer’s Scepter, Axe of Godfrey
• Revenant: Dragon Communion Seal
• Recluse: Carian Regal Scepter, Erdtree Seal

These weapons offer a good mix of power and utility depending on how you’re playing.

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Check out more articles on the game:

• How to access the training area in Elden Ring Nightreign
• Elden Ring: Nightreign day-night cycle explained
• How to play Ironeye in Elden Ring: Nightreign
• What happens when you die in Elden Ring Nightreign?
• Elden Ring: Nightreign Fatal Error and Black Screen issue: Potential fixes to try
• Is there a photo mode in Elden Ring: Nightreign?
• What are Remembrances in Elden Ring: Nightreign?
• Elden Ring Nightreign: How to find the Secret of the Mountaintop
• Is there fall damage in Elden Ring Nightreign?