Elden Ring Bosses: Ranked By Difficulty

Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware, is well known for its challenging bosses and intricate world design. This article ranks some of the most difficult bosses in the game, providing insights into their unique challenges and strategies for overcoming them. Understanding these rankings will help you prepare for the tough encounters ahead as you journey through the Lands Between. Whether you’re experienced or new to the game, this guide will assist you in getting ready for the trials you’ll face.

Elden Ring’s Bosses: Ranked

Here is a table ranking the bosses in Elden Ring with details unique to each boss:

Rank	Boss Name	Unique Details
1	Elden Beast	The final boss, representing the Elden Ring itself, with cosmic and holy attacks.
2	Malenia, Blade of Miquella	Malenia can heal herself with every hit she lands, even on blocks. She has a second phase with aggressive Scarlet Rot attacks.
3	Dragonlord Placidusax	Found in Crumbling Farum Azula, he has multiple phases and time-warping abilities.
4	Commander Niall	Located in Castle Sol, he uses frost and summoning abilities to overwhelm players.
5	Radagon	The first part of the final boss encounter, Radagon of the Golden Order has holy-based attacks.
6	Mohg, Lord of Blood	This fight involves blood magic and a ritual that makes him invincible for a short period.
7	Godfrey, First Elden Lord (Hoarah Loux)	His second phase, Hoarah Loux, is a brutal melee fighter with wrestling moves.
8	Lichdragon Fortissax	An ancient dragon with death-infused attacks, found in Deeproot Depths.
9	Godskin Duo	These two bosses, Godskin Apostle and Noble, use black flame and rapid attacks in tandem.
10	Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree	Uses powerful sorceries and rides a spectral steed.
11	Beast Clergyman / Maliketh, the Black Blade	Maliketh uses death magic and can nullify healing.
12	Mohg, the Omen	A variant of Mohg, Lord of Blood, found in Subterranean Shunning-Grounds.
13	Astel, Naturalborn of the Void	An alien-like creature that uses gravity magic and meteoric attacks.
14	Commander O’Neil	Located in the Swamp of Aeonia, uses scarlet rot and summons phantom soldiers.
15	Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing	Uses a variety of spells and knowledge of player abilities.
16	Ancient Dragon Lansseax	Another ancient dragon, this one uses red lightning attacks.
17	Valiant Gargoyle & Valiant Gargoyle (Twinblade)	Dual bosses with poison and stone-based attacks.
18	Morgott, the Omen King	The true form of Margit, he has more advanced attacks and phase changes.
19	Alecto, Black Knife Ringleader	Leader of the Black Knife Assassins, quick and deadly with her blade.
20	Elemer of the Briar	Wields a sword with telekinetic powers, found in The Shaded Castle.
21	Mohg, the Omen	A variant of Mohg, Lord of Blood, found in Subterranean Shunning-Grounds.
22	Vyke, Knight of the Roundtable	Wields the Frenzied Flame and invades the player.
23	Crucible Knight & Crucible Knight Ordovis	Powerful knights with formidable shield and sword skills.
24	Black Blade Kindred	Dual-wielding gargoyle with death-infused attacks, found in various locations.
25	Tree Sentinel	Mounted knight that guards the entrance to the Lands Between, uses holy attacks.
26	Fire Giant	Massive boss found in the Mountaintops of the Giants, uses fire and physical attacks.
27	God-Devouring Serpent/Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy	Rykard’s fight involves a phase with a giant serpent and another with his true form using fire and lava.
28	Starscourge Radahn	Massive fight on a wide battlefield, can summon meteors and has a gravitational pull attack.
29	Godrick the Grafted	The first Shardbearer, uses wind-based attacks and grafts a dragon head onto his arm.
30	Dragonkin Soldier	Found in various underground regions, uses lightning and frost attacks.
31	Godfrey, First Elden Lord	His first form, uses powerful axe swings and earth-shattering attacks.
32	Margit, the Fell Omen	An early game boss, uses a combination of melee and magical attacks.
33	Godefroy The Grafted	Similar to Godrick, found in Golden Lineage Evergaol.
34	Night’s Cavalry (Duo)	Mounted knights that patrol at night, use large weapons and quick attacks.
35	Putrid Avatar	Rot-infused version of the Erdtree Avatar, uses scarlet rot attacks.
36	Death Rite Bird	An undead bird that uses death magic, found in multiple locations.
37	Runebear	Large bear with high health and powerful physical attacks.
38	Regal Ancestor Spirit	A spiritual deer that uses life-draining attacks and teleports.
39	Ancestor Spirit	Similar to Regal Ancestor Spirit but found in Siofra River.
40	Sanguine Noble	Blood magic user found in Altus Plateau.
41	Crucible Knight Siluria	A variant of the Crucible Knight with a different moveset and weapon.
42	Godskin Apostle and Godskin Noble (Spiritcaller Snail)	Bosses summoned by the Spiritcaller Snail in Spiritcaller Cave.
43	Full-Grown Fallingstar Beast	Uses gravity magic and charges, found in Mt. Gelmir.
44	Godskin Apostle	Uses black flame attacks and has a stretchy, whip-like weapon.
45	Godskin Noble	Uses black flame and a large rapier, found in multiple locations.
46	Tree Sentinel (Duo)	Two mounted knights that guard certain areas together.
47	Decaying Ekzykes	Dragon that inflicts scarlet rot with its breath attacks.
48	Borealis the Freezing Fog	Frost dragon found in Mountaintops of the Giants.
49	Red Wolf of Radagon	Large wolf with magical sword attacks, found in the Academy of Raya Lucaria.
50	Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon	Uses powerful sorceries and summons, found in the Academy of Raya Lucaria.
51	Wormface	Tree-like creature with a face that uses death blight attacks.
52	Black Knife Assassin	Quick and agile enemy with a dagger that inflicts blood loss.
53	Grave Warden Duelist	Uses large hammers and traps, found in various catacombs.
54	Draconic Tree Sentinel	Variant of the Tree Sentinel that uses lightning attacks.
55	Abductor Virgins (Duo)	Pair of mechanical enemies with grab attacks that transport players to Volcano Manor.
56	Glintstone Dragon Adula	Sorcery-based dragon found in the Three Sisters area.
57	Crucible Knight & Misbegotten Warrior	Duo boss fight with different fighting styles, found in Redmane Castle.
58	Fia’s Champions	Group of champions summoned by Fia in Deeproot Depths.
59	Beastman of Farum Azula (Duo)	Pair of fast and aggressive enemies, found in various locations.
60	Deathbird	Bird-like creature with death-infused attacks, appears at night.
61	Ulcerated Tree Spirit	Large, grotesque creature with erratic movements and fire attacks.
62	Omenkiller	Uses large cleavers and fire attacks, found in multiple locations.
63	Magma Wyrm	Dragon-like creature that uses magma attacks.
64	Great Wyrm Theodorix	Large dragon found in the Mountaintops of the Giants.
65	Royal Revenant	Fast and unpredictable enemy with poison attacks.
66	Magma Wyrm Makar	Found in Ruin-Strewn Precipice, uses magma-based attacks.
67	Royal Knight Loretta	Knight that uses sorcery and fights on horseback.
68	Night’s Cavalry	Patrolling knight that appears only at night, uses large weapons.
69	Grafted Scion	Spider-like enemy with multiple limbs grafted onto its body.
70	Omenkiller & Miranda the Blighted Bloom	Duo boss fight with different fighting styles and attacks.
71	Glintstone Dragon Smarag	Sorcery-based dragon found near Raya Lucaria Academy.
72	Flying Dragon Agheel	Large dragon that uses fire breath and sweeping attacks.
73	Flying Dragon Greyll	Dragon with similar attacks to Agheel, found in Caelid.
74	Putrid Crystalian Trio	Trio of crystalline enemies with different weapon types and rot attacks.
75	Crystalian Spear & Crystalian Ringblade	Duo of crystalline enemies with unique weapon types.
76	Ancient Hero of Zamor	Warrior with frost-based attacks, found in various locations.
77	Demi-Human Queen Gilika	Leader of the demi-humans, found in multiple locations.
78	Demi-Human Queen Margot	Another leader of the demi-humans, found in Altus Plateau.
79	Demi-Human Queen Maggie	Similar to other demi-human queens, found in Hermit Village.
80	Erdtree Burial Watchdog (Duo)	Pair of watchdogs with unique movements and fire attacks.
81	Cleanrot Knight (Duo)	Pair of knights with rot-infused attacks.
82	Onyx Lord	Uses gravity-based attacks and found in various locations.
83	Crucible Knight	Strong defensive enemy with powerful melee attacks and incantations.
84	Perfumer Tricia & Misbegotten Warrior	Duo fight with a focus on buffs and aggressive melee.
85	Ulcerated Tree Spirit	Same as previous entry, but found in different locations.
86	Necromancer Garris	Necromancer that summons skeletons and uses death magic.
87	Cemetery Shade	Shadowy enemy with fast, teleporting attacks.
88	Mimic Tear	Copies the player’s current build, found in Nokron, Eternal City.
89	Fell Twins	Pair of large, aggressive enemies with different weapon types.
90	Kindred of Rot (Duo)	Pair of enemies with rot-infused attacks, found in various locations.
91	Esgar, Priest of Blood	Blood magic user with aggressive melee attacks.
92	Putrid Grave Warden Duelist	Rot-infused variant of the Grave Warden Duelist.
93	Adan, Thief of Fire	Uses fire-based attacks and a large flail.
94	Demi-Human Chief	Leader of the demi-humans, found in multiple locations.
95	Mad Pumpkin Heads	Pair of enemies with large maces and head armor.
96	Elder Dragon Greyoll	Largest dragon in the game, found in Caelid, uses rot breath.
97	Battlemage Hugues	Uses both melee and sorcery attacks, found in Sellia Hideaway.
98	Nox Swordstress & Nox Priest	Duo with sorcery and melee attacks, found in various locations.
99	Bloodhound Knight	Fast and aggressive enemy with a curved sword.
100	Cleanrot Knight	Uses rot-infused attacks and strong defensive moves.
101	Frenzied Duelist	Uses frenzied flame attacks and a large flail.
102	Spirit-Caller Snail	Summons other enemies to fight for it, found in multiple locations.
103	Stonedigger Troll	Large troll with high health and strong melee attacks.
104	Erdtree Burial Watchdog (Impaler’s Catacombs)	Unique watchdog with fire and magic attacks.
105	Onyx Lord	Same as previous entry, found in different locations.
106	Crystalian Spear & Crystalian Staff (Duo)	Duo of crystalline enemies with unique weapon types.
107	Crystalian	Uses strong physical attacks and high defense.
108	Bols, Carian Knight	Knight with sorcery-based attacks, found in Caria Manor.
109	Misbegotten Crusader	Aggressive enemy with unique moveset.
110	Alabaster Lord	Uses gravity-based magic and a curved sword.
111	Scaly Misbegotten	Large misbegotten with powerful melee attacks.
112	Erdtree Burial Watchdog	Found in multiple catacombs, uses fire and magic attacks.
113	Miranda the Blighted Bloom	Plant-like enemy with poison attacks.
114	Leonine Misbegotten	Aggressive enemy with quick attacks, found in Castle Morne.
115	Erdtree Avatar	Tree-like creature with high health and strong physical attacks.
116	Tibia Mariner	Summons skeletal minions and uses death magic.
117	Mad Pumpkin Head	Large enemy with strong melee attacks and head armor.
118	Beastman of Farum Azula	Fast and aggressive enemy with curved swords.
119	Stonedigger Troll	Same as previous entry, found in different locations.
120	Guardian Golem	Large, slow enemy with powerful melee attacks.
121	Grave Warden Duelist	Same as previous entry, found in different catacombs.
122	Patches	Trickster enemy that surrenders mid-fight and can be encountered multiple times.

The Early Game Hurdles

Elden Ring’s early bosses serve as a trial by fire for new players. Margit, the Fell Omen, tests your timing and pattern recognition with his relentless attacks and unpredictable moves. Godrick the Grafted, a grotesque figure with multiple grafted limbs, presents a multi-phase battle that demands adaptability. These encounters teach you the importance of patience, dodging, and understanding enemy attack patterns.

Boss	Location	Difficulty
Margit, the Fell Omen	Stormhill	Medium
Godrick the Grafted	Stormveil Castle	Medium-Hard

Mid-Game Trials and Tribulations

As you venture deeper into the Lands Between, you’ll face tougher challenges. Starscourge Radahn, a colossal demigod who commands gravity magic, offers a thrilling spectacle with his meteor shower attacks and mounted combat. Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, tests your ability to break her magical shield and survive her devastating lunar spells. These mid-game bosses push you to refine your build and strategies.

Boss	Location	Difficulty
Starscourge Radahn	Caelid	Hard
Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon	Raya Lucaria Academy	Medium

Late-Game Legends and Nightmares

The late game of Elden Ring is where the true trials lie. Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is considered the game’s hardest boss, a relentless warrior with a deadly Scarlet Rot attack and a flurry of sword strikes that can quickly drain your health. Maliketh, the Black Blade, is a fast and agile foe who punishes mistakes with his powerful attacks. These bosses demand mastery of the game’s mechanics and a well-prepared build.

Boss	Location	Difficulty
Malenia, Blade of Miquella	Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree	Very Hard
Maliketh, the Black Blade	Crumbling Farum Azula	Hard

Beyond the Main Path: Optional Encounters

Elden Ring also features a variety of optional bosses that offer unique challenges and rewards. From the towering Crucible Knights to the elusive Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, these encounters test your skills and knowledge of the game’s lore. They provide a chance to experiment with different builds and strategies while earning valuable loot and runes.

Boss	Location	Difficulty
Crucible Knight Ordovis	Auriza Hero’s Grave	Hard
Astel, Naturalborn of the Void	Lake of Rot	Very Hard

Key Takeaways

• Elden Ring features a variety of challenging bosses.
• Each boss requires different strategies.
• Understanding rankings aids in preparation.

Ranking the Bosses of Elden Ring

Elden Ring offers a wide range of boss encounters, from the towering Fire Giant to the cunning Margit, the Fell Omen. This section breaks down key criteria for ranking the bosses, spotlights the toughest challengers, and highlights common mechanics.

Criteria for Ranking

Difficulty: The measure of how hard it is to defeat a boss. This includes their attack patterns, health, and damage output. For example, Malenia’s quick attacks and healing ability make her particularly daunting.

Boss Encounters: Some bosses like Godfrey, First Elden Lord, are fought multiple times with varying forms and difficulties. These repeat encounters can affect the overall ranking.

Mechanics: Unique abilities and techniques used by bosses. Radagon of the Golden Order has powerful magic attacks that require precise dodging and positioning.

Top Challenging Bosses

Malenia: Known for her healing ability and waterfowl dance attack. Very high difficulty due to speedy attacks and long-range abilities.

Fire Giant: Massive size with area-of-effect attacks. Requires careful spacing and timing to avoid heavy damage from fire and stomps.

Starscourge Radahn: Uses gravitational attacks and meteors. High health and complex mechanics make him one of the toughest boss fights.

Mohg, Lord of Blood: Uses blood magic, healing himself while draining players’ health. Complex phases make him a major challenge.

Frequent Boss Mechanics

Dodging: Essential to avoid heavy damage. Bosses like the Full-Grown Fallingstar Beast have attacks that require precise movement.

Summons: Often used for aid against tougher foes. For instance, you may need help to deal with Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, during his intense phases.

Magic Attacks: Many bosses use ranged magic attacks. Starscourge Radahn and Radagon of the Golden Order are prime examples of this challenging mechanic.

Poise: Higher poise means a boss can absorb more hits without getting staggered. The Godskin Duo’s fights demand learning their poise levels to maximize damage opportunities.

Exploring the Lands Between and Its Inhabitants

Elden Ring’s vast open-world offers diverse environments and formidable bosses scattered throughout its regions. Understanding this intricate landscape is key to navigating its challenges.

Geography and Environmental Challenges

The Lands Between features a variety of terrains, each presenting unique obstacles. Limgrave, lush and green, is the starting area, guiding players with moderate enemies.

Stormveil Castle, a foreboding fortress, signifies a difficulty spike.

Crumbling Farum Azula, floating ruins in the sky, hosts some of the game’s toughest foes like Maliketh.

Leyndell, the royal capital, combines urban warfare with labyrinthine design.

Varied environments force players to adapt their strategies continually.

Noteworthy Bosses Across Regions

Each region boasts distinct bosses. Limgrave houses introductory bosses like the Grafted Scion and the Ulcerated Tree Spirit.

In Stormveil Castle, Godrick the Grafted tests player’s skills early on.

Leyndell’s formidable foes include Godfrey, First Elden Lord, marking a significant challenge.

Farum Azula’s daunting location, Crumbling Farum Azula, is home to extreme threats like Maliketh.

The variety in bosses ensures no single tactic serves throughout the game.

Special Encounters and Optional Bosses

In addition to mandatory battles, Elden Ring includes numerous optional bosses. The Red Wolf of Radagon and Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree, provide extra challenges.

Field bosses like Borealis and Lichdragon Fortissax surprise players with their sudden appearances.

Unique encounters like the Mimic Tear and Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, offer varied combat experiences.

These additional bosses reward adventurers who explore off the beaten path, enhancing the rich, immersive gameplay within the Lands Between.