Elden Ring: Mandatory Bosses and Navigating the Critical Path
In Elden Ring, the vast open world of the Lands Between offers unparalleled freedom. However, to ultimately claim the title of Elden Lord, you must defeat a specific set of bosses crucial to progressing the main storyline. These mandatory bosses serve as gatekeepers, their demise unlocking key locations and advancing the narrative. Prepare yourself, Tarnished, as your path is destined to cross with the following:
- Margit, the Fell Omen: The first major hurdle guarding the entrance to Stormveil Castle.
- Godrick the Grafted: The ruler of Stormveil Castle and a key shardbearer.
- Red Wolf of Radagon: Found within the Academy of Raya Lucaria, blocking access to Rennala.
- Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon: Another shardbearer and ruler of the Academy of Raya Lucaria.
- Godfrey, First Elden Lord (Golden Shade): A spectral encounter in Leyndell, Royal Capital.
- Morgott, the Omen King: Another major roadblock within Leyndell, Royal Capital.
- Fire Giant: Located in the Mountaintops of the Giants, requires defeating to progress to the Forge of the Giants.
- Godskin Duo: Located in Crumbling Farum Azula, must be defeated to progress further into the area.
- Maliketh, the Black Blade: Found at the end of Crumbling Farum Azula.
- Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing: Found in Leyndell, Ashen Capital, and is the only mandatory human boss.
- Godfrey, First Elden Lord/Hoarah Loux, Warrior: Fought after Gideon Ofnir in Leyndell, Ashen Capital.
- Radagon of the Golden Order: The penultimate boss fight.
- Elden Beast: The final boss and true form of the Elden Ring.
Defeating these bosses is not merely about brute force. It demands strategic thinking, skillful execution, and a deep understanding of their attack patterns. The fate of the Lands Between rests on your shoulders, Tarnished.
Understanding the Mandatory Path
The ‘mandatory’ status of a boss in Elden Ring hinges on whether its defeat is essential to progress the main storyline and unlock new areas required to reach the game’s ending. While Elden Ring offers a plethora of optional dungeons, bosses, and side quests, only the aforementioned bosses are absolutely necessary. This core path dictates the unfolding of the narrative and the acquisition of the Great Runes needed to enter the Erdtree.
It’s important to note that while optional bosses aren’t mandatory to complete the game, defeating them often yields powerful weapons, armor, spells, and talismans that can significantly aid in overcoming the challenges posed by the mandatory bosses. Moreover, some optional bosses grant access to entirely new areas, enriching the overall gaming experience.
Branching Paths and Great Runes
The mandatory bosses are strategically placed along a relatively linear path. Godrick and Rennala are the primary shardbearers you’ll encounter early in the game. After conquering them, you’ll journey through Leyndell, the Royal Capital, culminating in the battles against Godfrey (Golden Shade) and Morgott.
The Fire Giant in the Mountaintops of the Giants is a crucial gatekeeper, guarding the path to the Forge of the Giants, a location essential for burning the Erdtree. This act opens up the endgame areas, including Crumbling Farum Azula, where you’ll confront the Godskin Duo and Maliketh. Returning to the now-transformed Leyndell, Ashen Capital, you will fight Sir Gideon Ofnir followed by Godfrey/Hoarah Loux. Finally, the battle against Radagon and the Elden Beast concludes the main story.
Preparing for Mandatory Encounters
Success against the mandatory bosses requires more than just raw power. Leveling up your character, upgrading your weapons, and equipping appropriate armor are fundamental. Consider experimenting with different weapon arts, spells, and incantations to find strategies that suit your playstyle. Summoning spirits and engaging in cooperative multiplayer can also provide a significant advantage, especially against particularly challenging bosses like the Godskin Duo or the Fire Giant.
Exploration also plays a vital role. Discovering optional dungeons, defeating minor bosses, and collecting valuable items will provide you with the resources and experience needed to face the mandatory bosses head-on. Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment with different builds. Elden Ring rewards those who are curious and willing to adapt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Elden Ring Mandatory Bosses
1. Can I skip Margit, the Fell Omen?
While challenging, Margit is technically mandatory to access Stormveil Castle and progress to Godrick. However, skilled players can bypass Stormveil Castle through a hidden path on the cliffs, but they will ultimately need to return and defeat Godrick to progress towards the capital.
2. Do I have to defeat all Shardbearers to finish the game?
No, you do not need to defeat all Shardbearers. Godrick and Rennala are the primary Shardbearers encountered on the main path. Defeating Radahn and Rykard is not required to complete the game. Mohg and Malenia are also optional.
3. Is there a specific order I need to fight the mandatory bosses?
While there’s some flexibility, the general order is Margit, Godrick, Red Wolf of Radagon, Rennala, Godfrey (Golden Shade), Morgott, Fire Giant, Godskin Duo, Maliketh, Sir Gideon Ofnir, Godfrey/Hoarah Loux, Radagon, and Elden Beast. This order ensures you are adequately leveled and equipped for the challenges ahead.
4. What happens if I get stuck on a mandatory boss?
If you are struggling with a mandatory boss, consider leveling up your character, upgrading your weapons, summoning spirits, or seeking assistance from other players through cooperative multiplayer. Additionally, exploring optional areas and dungeons can provide valuable resources and experience. Consider respeccing your stats at Rennala if necessary to try new builds.
5. Are there any glitches that allow me to skip mandatory bosses?
While some glitches may exist, exploiting them can compromise the intended gaming experience and may lead to unforeseen issues. It’s generally recommended to overcome the challenges legitimately to fully appreciate the game’s design and narrative.
6. How do I know if a boss is mandatory?
If defeating a boss unlocks a critical path location or progresses the main storyline significantly, it is likely a mandatory boss. Additionally, the bosses listed at the beginning of this article are the core mandatory encounters.
7. Is Commander Niall a mandatory boss?
No, Commander Niall is not a mandatory boss. He guards the Haligtree Secret Medallion (Right) required to access the Consecrated Snowfield and ultimately the Haligtree, an optional area.
8. Can I beat Elden Ring at level 1?
Yes, it is possible to beat Elden Ring at level 1, but it is an incredibly difficult challenge that requires exceptional skill, knowledge of the game’s mechanics, and potentially the use of specific equipment and strategies.
9. What is the easiest mandatory boss to defeat?
Many players find Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon to be one of the easier mandatory bosses, particularly if using physical damage builds. However, difficulty is subjective and depends on individual playstyles and builds.
10. Are any of the optional areas required to beat a mandatory boss?
While no optional area is strictly required, exploring optional areas will net you powerful items and weapons that make mandatory boss fights significantly easier. Locations such as Nokron and Ainsel River can provide items that help with boss fights later on.
11. How do I unlock the Elden Beast fight?
You must first defeat Radagon of the Golden Order. The Elden Beast immediately appears after Radagon’s defeat, marking the final encounter of the main storyline.
12. Is Maliketh the hardest mandatory boss?
Many players find Maliketh, the Black Blade to be among the most challenging mandatory bosses due to his aggressive attacks, rapid movements, and the Destined Death status effect, which reduces your maximum health.
13. Do I need to beat the Fire Giant to get all the endings?
Yes, the Fire Giant is mandatory to progress to the Forge of the Giants, a location essential for burning the Erdtree. Burning the Erdtree is required to unlock access to the endgame areas and various endings.
14. Is Fortissax a mandatory boss?
No, Lichdragon Fortissax is not a mandatory boss. The Dragon is part of Fia’s questline and is entirely optional.
15. Is Rykard a mandatory boss?
No, Rykard is not a mandatory boss. While he holds a Great Rune, his defeat is not required to complete the game or gain access to later areas.