Elden Ring is one of the best games of 2022, and that would still be true even if the rest of the year was packed with 10/10 bangers. The world of The Lands Between is steeped in mystery, deep lore, and hostile foes around every corner. It can feel overwhelming at times but break the environments down piece by piece and you’ll soon find yourself becoming the one true Elden Lord. Or you can upend the system ordained by the Greater Will entirely, if you’d prefer that.
A game like Elden Ring requires dozens upon dozens of powerful, memorable bosses. If you count every boss that has a big health bar, then there are more than 100 bosses. Not every one of them is thrilling and memorable, of course, and that’s why we’ve put together a list of the ten best bosses in the game. These are the bosses you don’t want to miss for the true Elden Ring experience. And they’re all easy to beat with our Magic Swordsman build and a Mimic Tear, honestly.
[mm-video type=video id=01g13cwxrk9b8nfs6k64 playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g13cwxrk9b8nfs6k64/01g13cwxrk9b8nfs6k64-da9875bf13d32969894a0bfbb44480d1.jpg]
Margit, the Fell Omen
Elden Ring‘s first big boss, Margit, the Fell Omen is so intimidating that many players returned to Limgrave, the Weeping Peninsula, Caelid – basically anywhere else to get away from Margit’s offensive strikes. Caelid is arguably a much tougher area than Stormveil Castle to get through, but that’s the kind of impression Margit can leave. Early Souls bosses don’t often have his variety of offensive attacks, which include swift follow-up strikes and thrown daggers in case you retreat. This might be the game’s first proper boss, but it’s also the game’s most intimidating.
Royal Knight Loretta
Royal Knight Loretta‘s spirit guards Caria Manor and the path towards Ranni, and this potentially early encounter is much more memorable than when you meet Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree. Once you have your build and playstyle in place, meeting the real Loretta doesn’t feel like such a threat. This first encounter is devastating though as you juggle between dodging her spells and physical attacks. Loretta’s pattern is hard to nail down, but getting it right is one of the most satisfying experiences Elden Ring has to offer.
Full-Grown Fallingstar Beast
Sitting atop Mt. Gelmir, the Full-Grown Fallingstar Beast is in a league of its own when compared to many other bosses, simply because it can knock you straight off the mountaintop before you even know what to do – and it’s happened to you too, don’t deny it. This creature can be evaded entirely by using Torrent to leap from the mountaintop on the right side, but defeating it is far more satisfying after such a rough introduction.
Lichdragon Fortissax
We love to fight a proper dragon in a Souls game, and Lichdragon Fortissax might be the best dragon in the game – sorry Dragonlord Placidusax, we still love you anyway. Fortissax spawns and throws lightning at you and spreads it across the ground, making the creature feel incredibly ferocious. Luckily it’s not actually all that bad, in motion, just very intimidating. Once you get into the swing of things you’ll be able to take down Lichdragon Fortissax, and you’ll never forget it.
Mohg, Lord of Blood
Finding Mohgwyn Palace is an ordeal of its own, with the only ways to get in being part of Varre’s quest, and a single portal hidden in one of the final areas of the game. But once you find your way in, you can finally approach Mohg, Lord of Blood. Mohg throws blood and flames around the arena while striking you with a crimson trident. He cuts an imposing figure at first, but things only get more serious as Mohg grows huge wings and begins flying around the temple while opening up portals that spew blood and flames like a sprinkler. If you haven’t optimized your build before fighting Mohg, you’re going to be here for a while.
Starscourge Radahn
Yes, the man, the myth, the legend. FromSoftware tried to nerf him, and he brought back his own strength in the very next patch. The fact is that Starscourge Radahn is very intimidating, especially if you venture into Caelid before Lirunia of the Lakes, but not actually too tough compared to some of the bosses in this list. You can summon a large number of NPC helpers that you can use to distract Radahn during the fight. To make things even easier, hang back while riding Torrent, using a Meteorite Staff and Rock Sling from a safe distance to deal damage over time. This is a way to make the battle much easier for you.
Maliketh, the Black Blade
Maliketh is one of few bosses in Elden Ring that is 100% necessary for completing the game. Even the best speedruns require entering Maliketh’s chamber, even if they don’t technically have to fight the beast anymore. On the subject of beasts, the first phase of this creature is the Beast Clergyman, which is a much less memorable fight. Maliketh on the other hand is ruthless, with devastating attacks that can tear your character apart.
Godfrey, First Elden Lord
He has a Stand. It’s amazing. The huge ghostly lion leaning over Godfrey‘s shoulder is one of the coolest character designs in FromSoftware’s history, and yet, neither Godfrey nor the lion are the real reason for this list placement. Hoarah Loux is Godfrey’s second phase and starts the fight with an incredible powerbomb. Hoarah Loux can throw down smoke and sneak through to get a grapple in on you, and it’s incredible. Easily one of the best fights in Elden Ring.
Radagon of the Golden Order
The embodiment of the shattered Elden Ring itself, Radagon of the Golden Order is the final boss of the game – kind of, anyway – and is a masterpiece of a fight. Radagon’s long wind-ups conclude with swift dashes towards you and heavy blows that strike quickly. The lightning attacks he can shoot through the ground should absolutely have you feeling nervous, too. His offensive capabilities are stellar, but of course, there’s a second phase to this fight, with the unfathomable Elden Beast. Beast Clergyman and Maliketh were two halves, one of which can easily be dismissed. That’s not true here – you will always remember fighting Radagon and the Elden Beast.
Malenia, Blade of Miquella
You knew this had to be at the top, right? Malenia has been a hot topic since the launch of Elden Ring, with many players “finishing” the game and having no idea that she’s even present. Far to the North of The Lands Between is the Haligtree, a fortress that Malenia helped cultivate in order to replace the Erdtree, and care for Miquella. She’s a ferocious swordfighter with combination attacks that can rip apart your guard if you’re not adept with your dodges. But of course, she has a second phase too, where you fight Malenia, Goddess of Rot. She grows rotten butterfly wings and flies around the arena inflicting rot while absorbing your health. This fight is incredible and is the obvious choice for first place.
Written by Dave Aubrey on behalf of GLHF.
[listicle id=1865511]
