As a hardcore fan of FromSoftware‘s iconic Souls games, I‘ve been eagerly awaiting Elden Ring since it was first teased years ago. Now that it‘s finally here, I‘m blown away by the vast kingdom of the Lands Between and the incredible variety of unique bosses guarding its secrets.
In true Souls fashion, these encounters are as majestic as they are perilous. After countless hours relishing victories and agonizing defeats, I‘ve compiled this comprehensive guide to conquering Elden Ring‘s most memorable foes. While skill and perseverance are key, understanding these enemies‘ movesets and weaknesses is invaluable preparation for etching your name into legend as Elden Lord.
Why Elden Ring‘s Bosses Shatter Expectations
Elden Ring represents a thrilling evolution of the Souls formula by blending open world exploration with heart-pounding boss fights. Here‘s why its adversaries stand tall:
Unparalleled Variety: Wolf, dragon, demigod – no two bosses look or fight alike. My favorite is the creepy human-scorpion hybrid Astel.
Stunning Visuals: Epic designs combined with gorgeous magic and environmental effects. Maliketh‘s sinister blade draws in the very light around him.
Dynamic Challenge: Bosses adapt tactics mid-fight and unleash new moves in later phases, keeping tension high.
Mystifying Lore: Brief glimpses hint at their origins. I‘m still puzzling over the fire monk Fallingstar Beast.
Memorable Music: Hearing those bombastic boss themes swell as you pass through the fog gate never gets old.
Now let‘s dive into strategies for tackling these deadly foes on the journey to becoming Elden Lord. I‘ll cover every main boss in order and share tips from my experience besting them at level 150.
Early Game Bosses
These opening enemies test your skills using basic mechanics. Handle them well and you‘ll be ready for greater challenges ahead.
Margit, The Fell Omen
The first major test stands between you and the kingdom‘s capital. He hits hard and uses an assortment of weapon and sorcery attacks.
Stats
- Health: 5,300
- Attack: 130
- Weaknesses: Strike, Fire
Strategy: Keep distance and bait his leaping overhead smash or long wind up chain attacks. Dodge and punish with guard counters or heavy critical hits.
Godrick the Grafted
This obsessedfanatic wields many weapons and abilities. His second phase boosts damage and range.
Stats
- Health: 7,000
- Attack: 140
- Weaknesses: Strike, Fire
Strategy: Stay aggressive early. In phase two keep distance to avoid his dragon arm breath and wind strikes.
Red Wolf of Radagon
A swift giant wolf guards the magic academy. He lunges and uses agile combos.
Stats
- Health: 5800
- Attack: 120
- Weaknesses: Strike, Lightning
Strategy: Use spirit summons to occupy its attention. Dodge combos then retaliate with jumping heavy attacks.
Academy Bosses
These mystical researchers use sorceries to deadly effect. Having 60+ magic resistance helps a ton.
Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon
A sorrowful queen surrounded by her students. Summons and magic make up her arsenal.
Stats
- Health: 9400
- Attack: 120
- Weaknesses: Strike, Magic
Strategy: Play defensive and avoid summons, then unleash damage during openings.
Dragonkin Soldier
A formidable magical construct with lengthy combos and heavy spells. Found in Sellia Crystal Tunnel.
Stats
- Health: 11,000
- Attack: 140
- Weaknesses: Strike, Fire
Strategy: Stay mid range. Punish his long recovery animations after combos.
Astel, Naturalborn of the Void
This disturbing cosmic horror has lots of grab attacks and a deadly beam. Found in Yelough Anix Tunnel.
Stats
- Health: 8300
- Attack 150
- Weaknesses: Strike, Holy
Strategy: Keep distance and sprint from grab attacks. Attack the head when possible.
Legendary Heroes
These former champions provide intense clashes that test your focus and endurance. Stay cool under pressure!
Starscourge Radahn
A master of gravity magic. You can summon helpers and fight on horseback!
Stats
- Health: 21,000
- Attack: 140
- Weaknesses: Strike, Fire
Strategy: Never stop moving! Bait his leap attacks and huge AOEs. Chip away patiently.
Morgott, the Omen King
The noble king of Leyndell wields a massive cursed sword with speed and range.
Stats
- Health: 8500
- Attack: 150
- Weaknesses: Strike, Fire
Strategy: Dodge under his ranged jabs and huge leaps. Guard counter his combos. Use Margit‘s Shackle when he powers up.
Ancient Dragons
These primordial colossi offer intense tests of endurance. Stay beneath them and watch for openings after combos.
Lansseax, Glaive Master
An ancient lightning dragon with a giant curved blade. Found in Altus Plateau.
Stats
- Health: 18,000
- Attack: 160
- Weaknesses: Strike, Magic
Strategy: Bait his slam combos and punish. Avoid his fast tail whip punish.
Fortissax, Lightning Spear
A towering dragon wielding bolts of lightning. Lurks in Deeproot Depths.
Stats
- Health: 16,000
- Attack: 170
- Weaknesses: Strike, Fire
Strategy: Stay midrange to react to ranged lightning and wing attacks. Go in after combos end.
Demigods of the Shattering
These children of Queen Marika have aspects of divinity and must be confronted to repair the Elden Ring.
Radahn, Starscourge
This legendary general mastered gravity sorceries.
Stats
- Health: 21,000
- Attack: 140
- Weaknesses: Strike, Pierce, Fire
Strategy: Never stop moving and watch for delayed AOEs after meteor attacks. Summon allies for distraction.
Maliketh, Black Blade
Marika‘s loyal shadowbound beast wielding the Rune of Death itself.
Stats
- Health: 9000
- Attack: 160
- Weaknesses: Strike, Pierce
Strategy: Bait his combo then retaliate. Restore HP lost from Destined Death attacks.
Godfrey/Hoarah Loux
The first Elden Lord returned from banishment to guard the capital Leyndell.
Stats
- Health: 12,500/16,000
- Attack: 140/200
- Weaknesses: Strike, Pierce, Magic, Fire, Lightning, Holy
Strategy: Dodge his delayed axe attacks and body slams. Guard counter when possible.
Final Bosses
These last foes near the Erdtree test your skill and bravery. Stay focused and become Elden Lord!
Radagon of the Golden Order
Queen Marika‘s husband defends the Erdtree with divine power.
Stats
- Health: 12,500
- Attack: 180
- Weaknesses: Strike, Fire
Strategy: Avoid his explosive hammer combos. Use Holy damage negation. Summon ashes help greatly.
Elden Beast
A cosmic deity embodying the power of the Golden Order and Greater Will.
Stats
- Health: 15,000
- Attack: 150
- Weaknesses: Physical, Fire, Lightning
Strategy: Sprint from ranged holy attacks. Stay aggressive up close during openings.
Conclusion
Elden Ring‘s enemies certainly provide magical, memorable moments. But with knowledge of their movesets and resistances, you can topple even the most imposing foes. Remember to stay calm, be patient, and keep trying until you snatch victory. I believe in you, brave Tarnished. Now launch beyond the fog gate and make the Lands Between remember your name!
Let me know if you have any other boss questions. I‘m happy to offer more detailed tips and strategies!