The Forsaken Hollows marks the first major expansion for Elden Ring: Nightreign, releasing on December 4, 2025. This DLC introduces new Nightfarers, a vast subterranean region, new bosses, and fresh challenges designed for experienced players.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Release timing, pricing, and edition options
- Requirements, system specs, and DLC starting point
- Scholar and Undertaker overviews: roles, abilities, and lore
- The Great Hollow and all new world content
- New and legacy boss encounters
- Additions to the bestiary, gear, and cosmetic options
- Balance expectations and impact on progression
- Whether this DLC is right for you
Forsaken Hollows DLC Overview – Release Date, Price, Platforms
- Release Date: December 4, 2025 (Confirmed)
- Price: $15 USD (Free with Deluxe or Collector’s Edition)
- Platforms: PC (Steam), PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Main Content:
- 2 New Playable Nightfarers (Scholar & Undertaker)
- 2 New Final Bosses (including The Dreglord)
- 1 New Shifting Earth Event: The Great Hollow
- New Field Bosses, Enemies, and Points of Interest
Requirements & Getting Started
What Transfers Into Forsaken Hollows? Progression, Characters, & Unlocks
To play The Forsaken Hollows, you must own the base game, Elden Ring: Nightreign. The PC system requirements for the DLC are identical to the base game. Ensure your game is updated to the latest version to access the new content upon its release.
How to Start The Forsaken Hollows DLC
To begin the DLC, travel to the Roundtable Hold and speak with the Small Jar Bazaar merchant after installing The Forsaken Hollows. Official marketing states, “Your journey to rally new allies and explore new lands shall begin there.” From this interaction, you will gain access to the new expedition that leads into the DLC’s primary new area.
What Carries Over into the DLC?
Based on how previous Nightreign updates have handled progression, all unlocked Nightfarers, cosmetics, and Relics from the base game are expected to carry over and be usable within the DLC content.
Which Version Should You Buy?
For new players, the Deluxe Edition of Elden Ring: Nightreign offers the best value, as it includes the base game and The Forsaken Hollows DLC. If you already own the base game, you can purchase the DLC separately for $15.
Important Note: The “Deluxe Upgrade Pack” has been renamed to “The Forsaken Hollows DLC.” If you already own the Deluxe Upgrade, you will get the DLC automatically and should not purchase it again. Pre-purchasing the DLC before release grants access to a digital artbook and mini soundtrack.
New Nightfarers in Forsaken Hollows – Scholar & Undertaker
The Forsaken Hollows introduces two new Nightfarers—the game’s playable class-equivalents.
The Scholar: The Arcane Tactician
The Scholar fills a distinct tactical role, focusing on battlefield control and support.
| Role | Arcane Support / Battlefield Controller |
| Primary Stats | Arcane |
| Weapon (Trailer-based) | Thrusting Sword (likely cane sword–style weapon) |
| Highlights | Links enemies to share damage, debuffs targets, gains advantages via “battlefield observation.” |
An academic who “gains incredible advantages through battlefield observation,” the Scholar’s highest stat is Arcane. In Nightreign, Arcane is associated with status-focused and magic-leaning builds.
- Skills and Abilities (Datamined/Speculated): The Scholar’s ultimate ability, Joint Chain, reportedly binds enemies together, causing damage dealt to one to be shared among all of them. A similar effect on allies may share positive effects like healing or buffs. His character skill is said to apply a debuff to enemies in view, potentially slowing them down.
- Lore (Datamined): Dialogue suggests the Scholar is from a different race of people searching for his ancestral home, heavily implied to be the new Great Hollow area. He harbors a deep, personal hatred for the Dreglord, hinting that the creature was responsible for the downfall of his people.
The Undertaker: The Strength-Faith Juggernaut
The Undertaker is a formidable holy warrior, poised to be a powerful and aggressive frontline combatant.
| Role | Strength/Faith Melee Juggernaut |
| Primary Stats | Strength, Faith |
| Weapon (Trailer-based) | Hammers / Great Hammers |
| Highlights | Counter-attacks with a spectral weapon, high single-target damage, versatile with incantations. |
Described as an “Abbess who was mandated to slay the Nightlord,” the Undertaker is a Strength/Faith character. Her introduction presents a significant opportunity to revitalize heavy weapon classes with a fresh, powerful moveset.
- Skills and Abilities (Datamined/Speculated): Her character skill, Trans Mode, is described as an auto-dodge and counter, where she performs a quick backstep before lunging with a character-specific spectral weapon. Her ultimate skill is known as Blink Stake, a chargeable ability.
- Gameplay Considerations: A key consideration for this character will be the accessibility of Sacred Seals for casting incantations. The effectiveness of her early game may be improved if existing seals are updated to provide more immediate utility.
- Lore (Datamined): Early datamining indicates the Undertaker may begin as an antagonist. Her Remembrance quest reportedly involves her fighting against the other Nightfarers, though this has not been fully confirmed.
The Great Hollow Map – New Shifting Earth Zone & World Expansion
With both new classes established, the next major pillar of the DLC is the expanded world they inhabit.
The Great Hollow: A New Shifting Earth
The expansion will feature a single, large-scale Shifting Earth event—Nightreign’s evolving map mechanic—that opens a massive chasm in the middle of Limveld. This reveals The Great Hollow, a vast subterranean landscape described as being filled with exotic ruins, sacred towers, and crystals that release a cursed miasma.
Forsaken Hollows Bosses – New Final Bosses & Returning Legacy Foes
- New Final Bosses (Confirmed): The expansion features two new “third-day” bosses. The first is The Dreglord, a grotesque abomination formed from the “souls and blood of the fallen.” The second final boss has not yet been named.
- Legacy Bosses (Strongly Indicated by Previews): Trailer footage and media previews strongly suggest the return of iconic bosses, including Artorias the Abysswalker (Dark Souls) as a field boss and the Divine Beast Dancing Lion (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree) as a major encounter. These appearances are based on trailer visuals and preview breakdowns, not yet on official naming.
All New Enemies in Forsaken Hollows – Full Bestiary Breakdown
- Confirmed by Previews & Trailer: Fire Knights, Ka-Den Knights, and Messmer Soldiers from Shadow of the Erdtree will appear.
- Datamined Candidates: Datamined files suggest a broader list of returning enemies, including Lion Head Imps, Spider Scorpions, Bloodfiends, and Inquisitors. The Ghostflame Dragon also appears in these files, though it is a purely datamined entry with no trailer hints.
How Forsaken Hollows Changes Nightreign
New Gear, Cosmetics, & Remembrances
(Speculated/Datamined) New weapons, Relics, and cosmetics are expected, some likely inspired by Shadow of the Erdtree. Datamining has also confirmed that the Scholar and Undertaker will have their own unique Remembrance quests, adding to their backstory and unlocking unique rewards.
Balance, Progression, & System Expectations
The new content will likely be integrated through dedicated expeditions. According to hands-on previews, this includes at least two new expeditions’ worth of content, though the exact number is not officially confirmed. It is not yet clear how this content will be added to the endgame Deep of Night mode.
Crucially, the release of a major DLC is an ideal time to address overall game balance. There is a strong community hope that the accompanying patch will include buffs for underperforming Nightfarers (such as Revenant) to ensure all characters are equally viable.
Co-op and Multiplayer Synergy
Both new Nightfarers are expected to function fully in co-op. The Scholar’s linking and debuffing abilities especially appear designed with team synergy in mind, making him a potentially valuable asset in a three-player expedition.
Progression Expectations – Recommended Experience Before Forsaken Hollows
Where The DLC Fits in Your Progression
The Forsaken Hollows appears to be content tuned for experienced players. The new area, Limveld, is tormented by these new threats post-base-game, suggesting players should be comfortable with Nightreign’s existing endgame before diving in.
How Big Is The Forsaken Hollows DLC? Size, Length & Content Scope
For context, Nightreign has previously received free updates like Everdark Sovereigns (enhanced bosses) and Deep of Night (a hard-mode rogue-like endgame). The Forsaken Hollows is the first full, paid expansion, adding entirely new classes, final bosses, and a sizeable new Shifting Earth area.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy The Forsaken Hollows?
- For Dedicated Nightreign Fans: This is an essential purchase. It offers exactly what veteran players want: more classes to master, tougher bosses to conquer, and a significant new area to explore.
- For Players Who Finished the Base Game and Want More: If you enjoyed the core loop of Nightreign but ran out of content, this DLC provides a compelling reason to return with fresh mechanics and challenges.
- Who Might Want to Wait: If you haven’t yet completed the base game or explored the Deep of Night mode, you may want to tackle that content first. The Forsaken Hollows is poised to be a challenging, endgame-focused experience.
Summary: Confirmed vs. Speculated
| Feature | Confirmed | Strongly Indicated (Previews/Trailer) | Datamined & Speculated |
| Release & Price | Dec 4, 2025, $15 | – | – |
| New Nightfarers | Scholar (Arcane) & Undertaker (Str/Fth) | Scholar uses a thrusting sword; Undertaker uses hammers. | Skill names (Joint Chain, Trans Mode), detailed mechanics, and lore. |
| New Area | The Great Hollow in Limveld | – | Functions as a large, multi-expedition map. |
| New Bosses | The Dreglord + one unnamed final boss | Artorias the Abysswalker, Divine Beast Dancing Lion | Additional legacy bosses (Fume Knight, etc.) |
| New Enemies | Enemies from Shadow of the Erdtree | Fire Knights, Messmer Soldiers | Ghostflame Dragon, Spider Scorpions, etc. |
| Other Content | – | – | New skins, weapons, Relics, and an “Everdark Holster” event. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Elden Ring Nightreign: The Forsaken Hollows DLC release?
The Forsaken Hollows DLC is scheduled to release on December 4, 2025, as confirmed by official announcements. This timing places it at the end of Nightreign’s first major content cycle, making it the most substantial update the game has received since launch. Players can pre-purchase the DLC ahead of time to automatically unlock it on release day.
How much does The Forsaken Hollows DLC cost?
The DLC is priced at $15 USD, making it a relatively affordable expansion considering the amount of content it adds. Players who own the Deluxe Edition or Collector’s Edition will receive the DLC at no extra charge. Additionally, buying the DLC before launch grants access to a digital artbook and mini soundtrack, included as pre-purchase bonuses.
How do I start The Forsaken Hollows DLC in Nightreign?
After installing the DLC, head to the Roundtable Hold and speak with the Small Jar Merchant. This NPC acts as the gateway into the new story arc. Once you interact with him, you’ll unlock a new expedition path that leads directly into The Great Hollow, the DLC’s primary area. This entry method mirrors how previous Nightfarers and mechanics have been integrated into Nightreign.
Do I need to finish the base game before starting The Forsaken Hollows?
While you aren’t required to complete the base game, The Forsaken Hollows is clearly designed for experienced or endgame-ready players. The enemies, bosses, and challenges shown in previews appear significantly tougher than early-game content. For the smoothest experience, it’s best to complete most of the main content and familiarize yourself with Nightreign’s expedition structure.
What content carries over into The Forsaken Hollows DLC?
All unlocked Nightfarers, cosmetics, Relics, and progression milestones from the base game are expected to transfer directly into the DLC. This includes character levels, completed expeditions, unlocked spells, and cosmetic skins. Based on how previous updates were handled, players won’t need to start fresh to access new content—your existing roster and builds will work normally.
What are the new playable characters in The Forsaken Hollows?
The DLC introduces two new Nightfarers:
- Scholar – an Arcane-focused tactician who manipulates the battlefield through debuffs, linked damage, and observation-based passive bonuses.
- Undertaker – a Strength/Faith juggernaut who excels in punishing counterattacks, tanky weaponry, and spectral impact attacks.
Both characters come with unique skill sets, animations, Remembrance quests, and starting gear.
What is the Scholar’s playstyle in Nightreign?
The Scholar plays as an Arcane-based controller, capable of weakening groups of enemies and amplifying team damage through powerful linking mechanics. His purported ultimate, Joint Chain, binds enemies together so that damage spreads across the entire group. He also has a debuff ability that affects enemies in view, slowing or disrupting their attack patterns. In co-op, he excels at controlling large engagements and boosting team efficiency.
What is the Undertaker’s playstyle in Nightreign?
The Undertaker specializes in Strength/Faith hybrid combat, wielding massive hammers or great hammers. Her identity revolves around counterattacking, using skills like Trans Mode—a backstep followed by an empowered spectral strike. She also gains strong synergy with Faith-based spells and incantations. This makes her ideal for players who enjoy aggressive melee roles supported by divine magic.
Can the Scholar and Undertaker be used in co-op?
Yes. Both new Nightfarers are fully compatible with Nightreign’s three-player co-op system. The Scholar offers particularly strong synergy because his linking mechanics and debuffs enhance everyone’s damage output. Meanwhile, the Undertaker brings frontline stability and burst damage that benefits coordinated groups. Together, they add meaningful new team compositions to expedition runs.
What is The Great Hollow in The Forsaken Hollows DLC?
The Great Hollow is the DLC’s primary new zone, created by a massive Shifting Earth event that tears open the middle of Limveld. This underground biome features ancient ruins, crystalline formations releasing cursed miasma, temple structures, and entirely new traversal paths. It’s built as a large, multi-layered exploration area intended to feel like a full expansion zone rather than a minor extension of existing maps.
Does The Forsaken Hollows add new bosses?
Yes. The DLC includes two new final (third-day) bosses, the first of which is The Dreglord, a grotesque creature formed from blood, sediment, and the remains of the fallen. There are also several new field bosses, along with multiple returning legacy-style bosses that appear based on trailer imagery and preview analysis.
Is Artorias in The Forsaken Hollows DLC?
Although not officially confirmed by name, multiple previews and trailer breakdowns strongly indicate that Artorias the Abysswalker appears as a field boss in the DLC. His silhouette, moveset hints, and arena style have all been noted by the community. However, players should wait for release-day confirmation to know his exact role.
Is the Divine Beast Dancing Lion returning in the DLC?
The Dancing Lion—originally from Shadow of the Erdtree—appears to return as a major encounter within The Great Hollow. Several scenes in the official trailer show a lion-like, multi-elemental beast with moves reminiscent of the original fight, though its exact variant or lore justification has not been detailed.
What new enemies appear in The Forsaken Hollows?
Confirmed enemies include Fire Knights, Ka-Den Knights, and Messmer Soldiers from Shadow of the Erdtree. Datamining points to even more returning creatures such as Lion Head Imps, Spider Scorpions, Bloodfiends, and Inquisitors. One entry, the Ghostflame Dragon, appears exclusively in datamined files with no trailer confirmation.
Will there be new weapons, Relics, and cosmetics?
Most likely. Trailer footage and datamining suggest that The Forsaken Hollows includes new weapons, new Relics, and a variety of cosmetic skins, possibly including one for each Nightfarer. The Scholar and Undertaker each have unique Remembrance quests, which usually reward class-specific gear or abilities.
How big is The Forsaken Hollows DLC compared to other Nightreign updates?
This DLC is significantly larger than previous free updates. While patches like Deep of Night added systems and difficulty modes, The Forsaken Hollows adds entirely new classes, multiple bosses, a large map zone, and new expeditions. It is designed to feel like a full expansion rather than a small content drop.
Are there new expeditions in the DLC?
Yes. Based on hands-on previews, The Forsaken Hollows features multiple new expeditions tied to The Great Hollow. These are integrated into the new narrative arc and appear to offer fresh objectives and enemy layouts. The exact number of expeditions hasn’t been officially confirmed but seems larger than standard expedition updates.
Will the DLC affect existing builds in Nightreign?
Almost certainly. New Relics, spells, and weapons typically shift the build meta. Community speculation also suggests the accompanying patch may buff several underperforming Nightfarers, such as Revenant, which could further shake up optimal builds and co-op team compositions.
Does The Forsaken Hollows prevent duplicate purchases?
Yes. The Deluxe Upgrade Pack has now been renamed to The Forsaken Hollows DLC. If you purchased the upgrade previously, the DLC will unlock automatically on release. This prevents players from unintentionally buying the same content twice.
Is The Forsaken Hollows worth buying?
For players who enjoy Nightreign’s core gameplay and want more late-game content, this DLC is a strong recommendation. It adds substantial value through new classes, world content, bosses, and build options. However, players still early in the base game may prefer to finish foundational systems like Deep of Night before tackling the expansion.
