Definitive Tactics for Every Major Encounter
Elden Ring’s bosses are punishing, but they all follow patterns that can be broken with patience, the right build, and a good understanding of their mechanics. This guide focuses on how to defeat every main story boss, from the early legacy dungeons to the final demigods and Elden Beast.
Margit, the Fell Omen
Location: Stormveil Castle gate
Tactics:
Margit punishes greedy players. Stay just outside his range and bait his jumping attacks. After his staff slam or combo finisher, close in for a quick strike, then retreat. Use Spirit Ashes like Lone Wolf or Jellyfish to split his attention. Bleed weapons or magic like Glintstone Pebble are highly effective early on.
Godrick the Grafted
Location: Stormveil Castle
Tactics:
Godrick is slow but has wide area attacks. His wind-based slams and sweeping strikes are highly telegraphed, so dodge diagonally. In phase two, he gains a dragon arm that breathes fire. Stay to his left side and punish him during his post-fire slam recovery. Bleed builds, fire resistance, and summons make the fight more manageable.
Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon
Location: Raya Lucaria Grand Library
Tactics:
Phase one is a puzzle. Break the glowing students’ barrier and strike Rennala when she falls. In phase two, she uses powerful sorceries and summons. Circle strafe to avoid projectiles and punish when she winds up a spell. Magic users should use anti-magic gear or switch to summons. Melee builds can stagger her easily with aggressive pressure.
Starscourge Radahn
Location: Caelid, Redmane Castle (Festival)
Tactics:
Summoning allies is crucial. Radahn’s arrow barrage can kill instantly, so mount up, summon quickly, and dodge sideways. When he charges, bait him into sweeping attacks, then punish. In phase two, he flies into the air and slams down. Time your escape. Use magic or status effects from a distance while NPCs distract him.
Morgott, the Omen King
Location: Leyndell, Royal Capital
Tactics:
A more refined version of Margit, Morgott combines speed with divine damage. Use Holy-resistant talismans and weapons. He telegraphs his bloodflame blade attacks clearly, giving time to dodge and retaliate. In phase two, he buffs himself but also leaves more openings after lunges. Shields are not recommended due to stamina damage.
Fire Giant
Location: Mountaintops of the Giants
Tactics:
This boss is massive and awkward. Target his weak ankle during phase one. In phase two, he rips it off and becomes a fireball-flinging nightmare. Stay behind or beneath him and avoid lingering in front. His attacks are delayed but wide-ranging. Torrent is useful for mobility, though you’ll need to dismount to strike accurately.
Godfrey / Hoarah Loux
Location: Erdtree inner sanctum
Tactics:
Godfrey is slow and physical. Learn his stomp patterns and dodge into them. In phase two, he becomes Hoarah Loux and fights like a wrestler. Grapples do massive damage. Keep your distance, punish after his heavy slams, and bring a summon to split his aggro. Strong poise and physical defence are recommended.
Maliketh, the Black Blade
Location: Crumbling Farum Azula
Tactics:
In phase one, he is Beast Clergyman, fast with erratic movement and dagger combos. In phase two, as Maliketh, he deals high Holy damage and inflicts a debuff that drains HP over time. Use fast weapons or spells to interrupt his chain attacks. Holy resistance and quick reaction time are key. Shields are nearly useless here.
Sir Gideon Ofnir
Location: Leyndell, Ashen Capital
Tactics:
Gideon is more of a narrative boss than a mechanical threat. He uses a variety of sorceries and incantations, but he is fragile and easy to stagger. Rush him down while dodging his initial spell combo. Watch out for Comet Azur and Black Flame spells, but overall, this is a breather fight.
Godskin Duo
Location: Crumbling Farum Azula
Tactics:
Try to isolate one while avoiding the other. The Godskin Apostle is faster, while the Noble is bulkier. Use Spirit Ashes like Mimic Tear or Greatshield Soldiers to control aggro. Sleep Pots or Sleep Arrows are surprisingly effective. Killing both too quickly causes a respawn, so focus on managing one at a time while keeping control of the arena.
Mohg, Lord of Blood
Location: Mohgwyn Palace
Tactics:
Mohg is one of the most dangerous demigods. He inflicts Blood Loss and uses Nihil, a scripted health-stealing move. Use Purifying Crystal Tear in your Flask to counter it. Equip bleed-resistant armour and pressure him during his cast windows. Fire and physical damage are effective. Do not allow him to stay at range.
Malenia, Blade of Miquella
Location: Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree
Tactics:
Malenia heals on hit and has lightning-fast attacks. She can be staggered, but punishing her is risky. Use rivers of blood, frost magic, or rot to chip away. Her Waterfowl Dance is deadly; either dodge into the first flurry and run from the rest or use pillars for cover. Phase two adds Scarlet Rot wings and explosive clones. Summons like Tiche can help absorb pressure.
Radagon of the Golden Order & Elden Beast
Location: Erdtree
Tactics:
Radagon is strong but straightforward. Dodge into his hammer strikes and punish quickly. He uses holy damage, so gear accordingly. In phase two, Elden Beast floats and uses magic trails and explosions. Stay close and hit the belly, but be ready to chase it as it swims away. Avoid the star rain attack by sprinting perpendicular to the trails.
Closing Tips
- Levelling Vigor to at least 40 will give you better margins for error.
- Spirit Ashes are not cheating. Use them to gain breathing space and control.
- Don’t cling to one weapon or strategy. Respec if needed at Rennala to adapt.
- Learn each boss’s rhythm. Once you understand their tempo, every fight becomes winnable.
Mastering Elden Ring is not about brute strength but understanding the dance. The game rewards adaptability, calm timing, and persistence. Every boss has a weakness. Find it, and strike.
