Struggling to beat Elden Ring’s toughest bosses like Malenia, Radahn, and Godrick? This expert guide breaks down advanced tactics, builds, and strategies to help you conquer the game’s most brutal enemies.
Why Bosses Define the Elden Ring Experience
Elden Ring is renowned for its expansive open world, deep lore, and challenging gameplay—but nothing defines the experience more than its unforgettable boss encounters. These battles test your reflexes, build choices, and strategic thinking. Whether you’re facing Malenia’s devastating healing mechanics or Radahn’s gravity-fueled chaos, this guide will equip you with the tools and knowledge to overcome the most difficult bosses in the game.
Top 3 Hardest Bosses in Elden Ring (And How to Beat Them)
1. Godrick the Grafted – Your First Major Test
Why he’s a challenge: Godrick’s unpredictable moveset and high-damage AoE attacks can overwhelm unprepared players. His second phase introduces a deadly fire-based element that punishes hesitation.
How to beat him:
- Stay mobile to avoid wide-sweeping axe attacks.
- Summon Spirit Ashes to divide his focus and create safe windows to heal or attack.
- During Phase 2, maintain mid-range distance and punish his recovery animations after dragon-arm slams.
Expert tip: Bleed-based weapons like Reduvia or Uchigatana can quickly shred through Godrick’s large health pool.
2. Starscourge Radahn – Battlefield Chaos at Its Finest
Why he’s iconic: Radahn’s encounter is more of a war zone than a standard boss fight. With enormous area attacks, mounted combat, and sudden phase transitions, the fight demands awareness and flexibility.
Winning strategy:
- Start the battle by summoning all available NPC allies to split Radahn’s aggression.
- Use your mount to reposition quickly and avoid gravity-based attacks during his re-entry phase.
- Look for opportunities to punish him when he’s distracted or staggered by allies.
Expert tip: Radahn is particularly vulnerable to Scarlet Rot and Frostbite. Consider using Rotten Breath or Hoarfrost Stomp for added pressure.
3. Malenia, Blade of Miquella – The Ultimate Test of Skill
Why she’s the hardest: Malenia heals with every hit she lands, making overly aggressive tactics risky. Her infamous Waterfowl Dance can eliminate unprepared players in seconds.
How to beat her:
- Focus on dodging rather than blocking to conserve stamina and avoid chip damage.
- Use stagger-heavy weapons such as greatswords or colossal weapons to interrupt her combo chains.
- Deploy Spirit Ashes that can endure prolonged aggression, such as Lhutel the Headless or Mimic Tear.
Expert tip: Bleed builds are particularly effective. Rivers of Blood or a cold-infused weapon can provide both pressure and status buildup.
Advanced Preparation: Gear, Stats & Tactics That Matter
Optimize Your Loadout Before Boss Battles
A well-prepared character can make a significant difference when facing Elden Ring’s toughest encounters.
- Mix your Flask of Wondrous Physick to enhance stamina regeneration or burst damage.
- Equip talismans that boost resistances specific to each boss (e.g., Fire or Holy damage).
- Maintain a balance between poise and mobility—heavy armor helps, but not at the cost of dodging.
Understand Boss Patterns (and Exploit Them)
Every boss in Elden Ring follows a pattern. Observing these patterns and reacting accordingly is often more important than raw stats.
- Learn attack telegraphs and practice precise dodge timing.
- Recognize phases and adjust your rhythm to their most dangerous moments.
- Patience often outperforms aggression. Wait for openings instead of forcing trades.
Make the Most of Magic and Spirit Summons
For magic users and hybrid builds, spell selection is critical.
- Long-range sorceries like Rock Sling or Comet Azur allow safe damage from a distance.
- Buff spells (e.g., Golden Vow, Flame, Grant Me Strength) offer excellent returns before and during boss encounters.
- Spirit Ashes act as tactical partners. Choose tanky summons to draw aggro or fast summons to disrupt spellcasting bosses.
FAQs – Quick Answers to Common Player Questions
What’s the best build to beat Malenia in Elden Ring?
A bleed-based dexterity build using Rivers of Blood or a strength/faith hybrid with Flame of the Redmanes and Mimic Tear offers strong results.
Is Radahn weak to any specific element?
Yes, Radahn is vulnerable to both Scarlet Rot and Frostbite, making those status effects highly effective during the battle.
How do I make boss fights easier as a mage?
Maintain distance, use summons to tank hits, and rely on high-damage sorceries like Comet Azur, Glintstone Icecrag, or Loretta’s Greatbow.
Final Thoughts: Adaptation is the Key to Victory
Elden Ring’s most difficult bosses are designed to push players to their limits. But each defeat teaches you something valuable. With the right preparation, a solid understanding of each boss’s mechanics, and a willingness to adjust your strategy, even the most intimidating enemy can be brought down.
Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned Souls veteran, remember: success in Elden Ring doesn’t come from brute force—it comes from learning, adapting, and persevering.
