In Elden Ring: Nightreign, you’ll begin the game with access to only six of the eight available classes. To unlock the hidden Duchess class, you'll need to follow a short but specific sequence of events that involves one important item and a familiar face.

Finding the Old Pocketwatch

The first step in unlocking the Duchess is to obtain the Old Pocketwatch. This is a special Relic item in the game that always provides the same bonuses, no matter when you find it. The most reliable way to obtain the Old Pocketwatch is by completing the first available expedition in the game, the Tricephalos Expedition. This expedition leads to a battle against Gladius, the Beast of Night, a powerful three-headed creature.

Defeating Gladius not only unlocks the rest of the expeditions in the game but also rewards you with the Old Pocketwatch. It’s a guaranteed drop upon victory, making this the most straightforward path to getting the item.

Alternate Method

If you find Gladius too difficult to defeat early in the game, don’t give up. The Old Pocketwatch can also be obtained as a random reward from failed attempts at the Tricephalos Expedition. That means even if you lose, there’s still a chance the game will reward your efforts with the relic. Keep trying, and eventually, either by winning or through persistence, you’ll get the Old Pocketwatch.

Returning to the Priestess

Once you have the Old Pocketwatch, make your way back to Roundtable Hold. Near the expedition table, you’ll find the robed Priestess. Speak to her while having the Old Pocketwatch on you, and you will gain the new dialogue option “Show her the Old Pocketwatch”. With her, as long as you are observant, it wouldn’t be out of the question to note that there is something off about her.

The Reveal and Unlock

After showing her the relic, the Priestess will take off her hood and reveal that she is actually the Duchess. This moment unlocks her as a playable Nightfarer class. From this point on, she will appear around Roundtable Hold in her true form, although she may sometimes still wear her hood and appear as the Priestess again.

Why Unlock the Duchess

The Duchess is more than just a hidden class. She comes with her own set of abilities, a unique starting build, and ties directly into the world’s deeper lore. Unlocking her adds a new dimension to your experience in Nightreign, giving you access to powerful tools and fresh narrative layers early in your journey.

Unlocking the Duchess in Elden Ring: Nightreign is a satisfying early-game achievement. Whether you beat Gladius outright or collect the Old Pocketwatch through persistence, the reward is well worth the effort. She’s a character full of mystery, power, and story, perfect for players looking to explore everything Nightreign has to offer.