Elden Ring: Ranking the Most Challenging Bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring has raised the bar for FromSoftware’s already notoriously challenging gameplay. This expansion brings a host of new bosses, areas, and mechanics that test the patience and skill of even the most seasoned Tarnished. With eleven major bosses populating this treacherous journey, the DLC challenges players with creative designs, formidable move sets, and unpredictable difficulty spikes. Here’s a ranking of the hardest bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree, showcasing what makes each encounter unforgettable.
Table of Contents
- 1 11. Golden Hippopotamus
- 2 10. Romina, Saint of the Bud
- 3 9. Divine Beast Dancing Lion
- 4 8. Metyr, Mother of Fingers
- 5 7. Rellana, Twin Moon Knight
- 6 6. Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame
- 7 5. Scadutree Avatar
- 8 4. Putrescent Knight
- 9 3. Bayle the Dread
- 10 2. Messmer, The Impaler
- 11 1. Promised Consort Radahn
- 12 Boost Your Success in Elden Ring with GladiatorBoost
11. Golden Hippopotamus
Location: Shadow Keep
Drops: 200,000 Runes, Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns, Scadutree Fragments
Starting the list is the Golden Hippopotamus, a deceptive name for one of the most aggressive bosses in the DLC. With its relentless charges and massive health pool, this beast offers no respite from the start. Its moves evoke memories of the terrifying Sulyvahn’s Beast from Dark Souls 3. Players should be prepared to master the art of dodging and perfecting counterattacks to claim victory.
10. Romina, Saint of the Bud
Location: Church of the Bud
Drops: 380,000 Runes, Remembrance of the Saint of the Bud
Romina combines her enormous frame with a long-reaching blade, unleashing rolling attacks that are both unpredictable and devastating. This non-optional boss’s rapid movements keep players on their toes, and her arena leaves little room to maneuver. Success comes with not only a hefty Rune reward but also one of the most exhilarating battles in the game.
9. Divine Beast Dancing Lion
Location: Belurat, Tower Settlement
Drops: 90,000 Runes, Divine Beast Head, Divine Beast Tornado
With lightning-fast moves and deadly AoE attacks, the Divine Beast Dancing Lion lives up to its name, literally dancing around players with unmatched agility. This optional encounter may not provide a game-changing reward, but it certainly delivers a memorable fight for those brave enough to challenge it.
8. Metyr, Mother of Fingers
Location: Finger Ruins of Miyr
Drops: 420,000 Runes, Remembrance of the Mother of Fingers
A lore-rich encounter, Metyr is as bizarre as she is dangerous. Made entirely of fingers, she embodies FromSoftware’s penchant for the grotesque. Metyr’s attacks are difficult to anticipate, but her weakness to Slash damage offers a glimmer of hope. The reward of her remembrance is worth the repeated attempts it might take to bring her down.
7. Rellana, Twin Moon Knight
Location: Castle Ensis
Drops: 240,000 Runes, Remembrance of the Twin Moon Knight
Rellana’s elegant yet relentless attacks make her one of the most iconic bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree. Her dual-wielding swordplay and moon-powered magic create a stunning visual spectacle, but players must stay sharp to survive her onslaught. This early-game skill check sets the tone for the challenges ahead in the DLC.
6. Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame
Location: Midra’s Manse
Drops: 410,000 Runes, Remembrance of the Lord of Frenzied Flame
Midra begins unassumingly, but his second phase is a fiery nightmare. Spikes erupting from the ground, deadly AoEs, and relentless aggression characterize this fight. Despite his large health pool, Midra’s vulnerability to stance-breaking attacks provides an opportunity for strategic players to gain the upper hand.
5. Scadutree Avatar
Location: Scadutree Base
Drops: 260,000 Runes, Remembrance of the Shadow Sunflower, Miquella’s Great Rune
The Scadutree Avatar is an ultimate test of endurance and adaptability. With three escalating phases, this boss forces players to anticipate a variety of attack patterns. Successfully defeating this guardian of Miquella’s Great Rune not only rewards players with an invaluable item but also provides the satisfaction of overcoming one of the DLC’s most intricate fights.
4. Putrescent Knight
Location: Stone Coffin Fissure
Drops: 220,000 Runes, Remembrance of the Putrescence
The Putrescent Knight and its spectral horse deliver a haunting yet thrilling fight. With wide-reaching blue flame AoEs and swift sword strikes, this encounter tests a player’s ability to multitask and maintain composure. While optional, the knight offers great rewards for those who dare to take it down.
3. Bayle the Dread
Location: Jagged Peak
Drops: 490,000 Runes, Heart of Bayle
Bayle, a dragon unlike any other, pushes players to their limits with its resistance to elemental damage and devastating aerial attacks. Piercing weapons are the key to surviving this showdown. The reward of Bayle’s Heart makes this a must-fight encounter for those seeking powerful upgrades.
2. Messmer, The Impaler
Location: Shadow Keep, Specimen Storehouse
Drops: 400,000 Runes, Remembrance of the Impaler
Messmer’s spear attacks are fast and lethal, leaving little room for error. Its ability to transform into a serpent adds complexity to the fight, demanding adaptability and precision from players. Messmer’s importance to the DLC’s progression ensures that every Tarnished will face its wrath—and reap the rich rewards of victory.
1. Promised Consort Radahn
Location: Enir-Ilim
Drops: 500,000 Runes, Remembrance of a God and a Lord
Topping the list is none other than Promised Consort Radahn, a terrifying evolution of the Starscourge. With meteorite barrages, gravity-defying moves, and the addition of Miquella in the second phase, this battle redefines what it means to fight a final boss in Elden Ring. Every second of this fight demands mastery of mechanics, patience, and flawless execution.
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