FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is packed with unforgettable boss fights—some feel like warm-ups, while others push even veteran Souls players to their limits. Difficulty can vary depending on your build, level, and playstyle, but certain bosses are widely regarded as tougher than others.
Below is a ranked list of Elden Ring bosses from easiest to hardest, followed by a detailed table summarizing their difficulty, location, and why they stand out.
How This Ranking Works
Bosses are ranked based on:
- Average player difficulty reports
- Required mechanics and reaction speed
- Damage output and survivability
- Complexity of move sets
- Common community consensus
Note: Optional field bosses and some mini-bosses are excluded to focus on major and memorable encounters.
Elden Ring Bosses Ranked (Easiest → Hardest)
| Rank | Boss Name | Location | Difficulty | Why This Boss Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soldier of Godrick | Stranded Graveyard | Very Easy | Tutorial boss designed to teach basic mechanics |
| 2 | Margit, the Fell Omen | Stormhill | Easy–Medium | First real skill check with delayed attacks |
| 3 | Godrick the Grafted | Stormveil Castle | Medium | Aggressive but predictable with clear openings |
| 4 | Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon | Raya Lucaria Academy | Medium | Unique magic-based fight with low physical threat |
| 5 | Red Wolf of Radagon | Raya Lucaria Academy | Medium | Fast, reactive, and punishing to slow builds |
| 6 | Starscourge Radahn | Caelid | Medium–Hard | Massive battlefield fight with NPC summons |
| 7 | Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy | Volcano Manor | Hard | Gimmick fight requiring specific weapon usage |
| 8 | Fire Giant | Mountaintops of the Giants | Hard | Huge health pool and devastating AoE attacks |
| 9 | Godskin Duo | Crumbling Farum Azula | Very Hard | Two bosses at once with relentless pressure |
| 10 | Maliketh, the Black Blade | Crumbling Farum Azula | Extremely Hard | Fast, aggressive, and drains max HP |
| 11 | Hoarah Loux (Godfrey) | Leyndell, Ashen Capital | Extremely Hard | Brutal melee combat with minimal recovery windows |
| 12 | Radagon of the Golden Order | Erdtree | Extremely Hard | High damage and holy-based pressure |
| 13 | Elden Beast | Erdtree | Extremely Hard | Long fight emphasizing endurance and positioning |
| 14 | Malenia, Blade of Miquella | Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree | Legendary Difficulty | Life-steal, Waterfowl Dance, and near-perfect aggression |
The Most Difficult Boss: Malenia, Blade of Miquella
Malenia is widely considered the hardest boss in Elden Ring. Her ability to heal with every hit—blocked or not—forces players to master timing, spacing, and patience. Combined with her infamous Waterfowl Dance, she remains a true test of skill even for experienced Souls veterans.
The Easiest Boss: Soldier of Godrick
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Soldier of Godrick serves as a safe introduction to the game’s combat system. Most players defeat him in seconds, but his role as a tutorial boss makes him memorable nonetheless.
Honorable Mentions
Some optional bosses deserve recognition for their difficulty:
- Dragonlord Placidusax
- Mohg, Lord of Blood
- Astel, Naturalborn of the Void
These bosses can rival main-story encounters depending on your level and build.
Final Thoughts
Elden Ring’s boss difficulty is highly subjective, but certain fights consistently stand out as easier or more punishing. Whether you’re just starting your journey or revisiting the Lands Between, understanding which bosses pose the biggest challenge can help you prepare more effectively.
