Boss fights in Elden Ring are often brutal, punishing, and unforgettable. Whether you're facing the relentless pressure of Malenia or the crushing power of Radahn, outsmarting these bosses requires more than brute force. Here are 7 practical tips that can help you gain the upper hand against some of the game’s most notorious foes.
1. Study Boss Patterns Before Engaging
Every Elden Ring boss has a rhythm—recognizing attack sequences, delays, and combo finishers is key. Don’t rush in blindly. Instead, take a few attempts just to observe. For example, Morgott's delayed slashes and sudden thrusts can catch overly aggressive players off guard.
Tip: Use a light loadout so you can roll faster while studying the fight.
2. Use Spirit Ashes to Divide Aggro
Summoning Spirit Ashes is often the difference between chaos and control. They draw the boss’s attention, giving you openings to heal, cast, or attack safely. The Mimic Tear remains a top-tier choice, but others like Black Knife Tiche excel in evasive roles.
Don’t forget to upgrade your Spirit Ashes at Roderika’s hut in Roundtable Hold for maximum effectiveness.
3. Equip Runes and Talismans That Match the Fight
If you want to buy Elden Ring runes or grind efficiently, make sure you’re investing them in traits suited to your preferred combat style. Likewise, tailor your talismans—Green Turtle Talisman for stamina recovery or Dragoncrest Shield Talisman for physical resistance can dramatically shift the tide of battle.
Always check if the boss uses elemental damage and adjust your gear accordingly.
4. Use Buffs and Consumables Wisely
Many players ignore the potential of consumables. Items like Flame, Grant Me Strength, Golden Vow, or even simple Grease coatings can make a significant impact. Against magic-weak enemies, try Magic Grease or Scholar’s Armament to amplify damage.
You should always carry essential consumables into every boss fight—don’t underestimate their value.
5. Punish Recovery Windows, Not Just Openings
Rather than trying to force damage during obvious attack gaps, wait for recovery animations—when bosses are transitioning between moves or recovering from a heavy slam. These windows are often longer and safer for getting in big hits or charged spells.
6. Exploit Status Effects and Weapon Scaling
Using bleed, poison, or frostbite builds is one of the best ways to wear down even the toughest bosses. Weapons like Rivers of Blood or Reduvia apply bleed quickly, while Frostbite tools like Icerind Hatchet can reduce enemy defenses.
Try combining Arcane-scaling weapons with high Arcane stats to trigger effects faster.
7. Adjust Your Build If You’re Stuck
Don’t be afraid to respec using Larval Tears. If a boss counters your melee build, switch to sorcery or faith for ranged advantages. If you need more endurance for dodging, reallocate points accordingly. Flexibility is part of what makes Elden Ring so dynamic.
Bosses in Elden Ring are designed to test your patience and adaptability. By mastering your gear, timing, and strategy, you’ll not only survive—but dominate even the hardest encounters. Whether you're in it for the glory or just want to buy runes to prepare for late-game fights, every little detail counts.