How to Defeat the Most Challenging Elden Ring Bosses
Elden Ring is filled with Elden Ring Items tough enemies, but none are more intimidating than the bosses. Whether you're tackling a story boss or a secret optional challenge, many encounters in Elden Ring can feel like insurmountable obstacles. With immense difficulty and a variety of devastating moves, the toughest bosses will require a combination of strategy, patience, and skill to defeat.
In this guide, we’ll break down the strategies for taking down some of Elden Ring’s most challenging bosses, offering tips, tricks, and tactics to make these difficult encounters a bit more manageable.
1. Radahn, Starscourge - The Great Astral Beast
One of the first truly epic battles in Elden Ring, Radahn, Starscourge is a force of nature. Known for his colossal size, devastating area-of-effect attacks, and his gravity-based magic, Radahn can wipe out unprepared players in a heartbeat.
Strategy:
Use Summons and Allies: Radahn’s sheer size and power make it tough to solo, so summon NPCs and use Spirit Ashes to distract him. The battlefield also has friendly NPCs who can help you with the fight, so don’t be afraid to use them to your advantage.
Stay Mobile: Radahn’s attacks have wide area coverage. It’s crucial to keep moving and stay behind him whenever possible. He has a charge attack that is deadly up close, so it’s safer to dodge and get behind him during most of his attacks.
Aim for the Weak Spots: Radahn’s head is a critical hit zone. After he launches his arrows, you’ll have a brief window of time to attack his vulnerable head. Try to use ranged weapons or magic to focus on this area for maximum damage.
2. Malenia, Blade of Miquella - The Goddess of Rot
Malenia is one of Elden Ring’s most infamous and difficult bosses. Not only is she incredibly fast and deadly, but she also has a healing mechanic that restores a portion of her health with every hit she lands, making the battle feel like an eternal struggle.
Strategy:
Patience and Precision: Malenia’s healing ability can make this fight feel impossible, but it’s all about timing your attacks. You’ll need to carefully dodge her fast, devastating slashes and find openings to strike. Use bleed-based weapons or poise-breaking weapons to stagger her and reduce her ability to heal.
Focus on Dodging: Malenia has a wide range of attacks, including a deadly Waterfowl Dance combo. Dodge through her slashes instead of away from them to avoid getting caught in the rapid hit string.
Use Rot Resistance: Malenia inflicts Scarlet Rot, which deals heavy damage over time. Equip armor or talismans that provide Rot resistance (e.g., Preserving Boluses or Flame, Grant Me Strength incantations) to buy Elden Ring Runes minimize the damage and stay aggressive to prevent her from healing too much.