The next DLC for this hit action-RPG is just around the corner, and the recent trailers and gameplay reveals have given us a lot to unpack. From new maps and raids to a slew of fresh bosses, relics, and skills, there’s plenty for both casual and hardcore players to get excited about. After going through the footage and analyzing the numbers, I wanted to break down the two most interesting new characters—Undertaker and Scholar—while sharing some practical tips for making the most out of the DLC.

The Undertaker: Versatility Meets Raw Power

The Undertaker is shaping up to be one of the most versatile Nightfarers in the game. Her stats strike a balance between survivability and offense, with strong HP and decent bulk, comparable to the Exeutor. Her A-scaling in both Strength and Faith makes her ideal for hybrid builds, whether you want to wield hammers or dabble in incantations.

Her hammer moveset is particularly impressive. The charged heavy attack hits as hard as a colossal sword but executes faster, making it perfect for breaking enemy stance quickly. Light attacks are slightly slower but extend farther, and her four-hit combo synergizes with her relics and character skill, Trance.

Trance is a game-changer. It’s a 10-second timed buff that grants a Bloodborne-style dodge and Tier 2 hardness, letting you tank hits that would stagger others. On top of that, it gives a small damage boost—roughly 5%—that can increase to around 12–13% when you complete her light attack combo. Pair this with her ultimate attack, Loathome Hex, and her passive, which can grant free ultimates after teammates trigger theirs or after a grab dodge, and you have a character capable of dominating both solo and team fights.

One personal tip: if you ever get an Undertaker on your team, try to coordinate ultimate usage. Her kit thrives on synergy, and knowing when to chain attacks can turn a standard boss encounter into a smooth victory. For players struggling to gather enough in-game currency to experiment with builds, you might consider ways to buy Elden Ring runes, which can make testing relics and upgrades much faster. Services like U4GM have become a reliable go-to for some players looking to speed up the grind.

The Scholar: A Consumable-Based Powerhouse

The Scholar is a very different kind of character. At first glance, his stats appear underwhelming. Low HP, FP, and stamina, with Arcane being his primary offensive stat, makes him feel “mid” in raw combat. Most weapons don’t scale well with Arcane, meaning his effectiveness heavily depends on his passive, Bagcraft.

Bagcraft allows the Scholar to hold twice as many items and level them up through usage. For example, leveling a fire pot to level 2 increases damage by about 70%, and combined with relic boosts, consumables can out-damage most spells. The question of whether tools themselves can be upgraded remains, but the potential for massive damage through consumables is already clear.

His character skill, Analyze, is another intriguing tool. By studying enemies, the Scholar can either debuff them—reducing damage dealt and increasing damage taken—or buff allies with a stamina boost and protective bubble. Tier 3 buffs and debuffs can dramatically shift the battlefield if used strategically. The ultimate, Communion, tethers enemies together, spreading damage and healing the team simultaneously. While multi-boss fights are rare, coordinated play can make this skill extremely rewarding.

For players who find themselves low on runes or resources for consumable-heavy builds, options to buy Elden Ring runes fast delivery might be worth exploring. Quick access to currency can allow for testing various relics and consumable setups without grinding endlessly in-game.

Key Relics to Watch

Both characters have relics that significantly enhance their versatility. The Undertaker’s relics boost ultimate damage, enhance light attack power, and provide healing for allies hit by ultimates. Scholar’s relics focus on item leveling, slowing skill decay, and augmenting ultimate effects. Players who plan builds around these relics will likely see a huge difference in performance.

A small but useful tip: when experimenting with relics, always test combinations in casual or co-op settings first. The Undertaker’s buffs and ultimates can chain in ways that may not be obvious at first, and the Scholar’s item scaling can feel game-breaking once optimized.

This DLC introduces some of the most mechanically rich characters yet. The Undertaker offers raw offensive and defensive versatility, ideal for players who like hybrid builds and ultimate chaining. The Scholar provides a unique, consumable-based playstyle that rewards careful planning and strategic item usage. Both characters have potential for high-skill gameplay, and understanding their kits is crucial before diving into late-game raids and boss fights.

If you’re aiming to maximize your playtime and experimentation, considering in-game resource shortcuts—like buying runes or leveraging fast delivery services such as U4GM—can save hours of grinding and allow you to focus on learning the nuances of each Nightfarer.

Special Report: Game mechanics and Weapons changes for Elden Ring DLC