How Many Mandatory Bosses Are in Elden Ring?

The Lands Between in Elden Ring are vast and filled with peril, teeming with both optional and mandatory bosses. While the freedom to explore is a major draw, progressing the main storyline necessitates defeating a select group of formidable foes. So, the burning question is: How many mandatory bosses are in Elden Ring? The answer is six. These six bosses are essential to defeat in order to see the game’s main ending.

Defining Mandatory Bosses in Elden Ring

Understanding “Mandatory”

Before diving into the list, it’s crucial to define what we mean by “mandatory.” In the context of Elden Ring, a mandatory boss is one that must be defeated to progress the primary storyline and unlock one of the game’s main endings. You can’t circumvent them, cheese them entirely (though skillful play and builds can certainly make them easier), or simply ignore them and still become Elden Lord. Skipping them means hitting a dead end in your quest for the Elden Ring.

Differentiating Mandatory from Important

It’s also important to distinguish between mandatory and important. Several bosses, while not strictly required, provide crucial items, Runes, or access to areas that significantly benefit your journey. However, these aren’t included in the list of six mandatory bosses. We’re focusing solely on those who are essential roadblocks.

The Six Mandatory Bosses

Here’s a breakdown of the six mandatory bosses you must defeat to complete Elden Ring’s main storyline:

1. Godrick the Grafted: The first Shardbearer you’ll likely encounter, Godrick guards Stormveil Castle. Defeating him is the first major step in claiming the Great Runes. He stands in the way of progressing further into Liurnia of the Lakes.

2. Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon: Located in the Raya Lucarian Academy in Liurnia, Rennala holds another Great Rune. Defeating her is necessary to progress past Liurnia and obtain the Great Rune of the Unborn, which is vital for character respec.

3. Radahn, Festival General: Radahn resides in Caelid, specifically Redmane Castle. You need to defeat him to clear the path leading to Nokron, Eternal City, which is essential for storyline progression. Triggering the Radahn Festival is tied to other NPC quests, making this encounter more involved.

4. Morgott, the Omen King: Located in Leyndell, Royal Capital, Morgott guards the Erdtree. Defeating him is necessary to gain access to the Mountaintops of the Giants. He uses similar attacks to Margit, the Fell Omen, but with greater strength and speed.

5. Fire Giant: Found in the Mountaintops of the Giants, the Fire Giant is a massive creature guarding the Forge of the Giants. Defeating it allows you to proceed to the next stage of the game involving burning the Erdtree.

6. Elden Beast/Radagon of the Golden Order: This final duo is encountered in the Erdtree after completing the Forge of the Giants sequence. Radagon is the first phase, followed immediately by the Elden Beast. Defeating both is required to claim the title of Elden Lord and see the main ending. They are arguably the toughest and most impactful bosses in the entire game.

Why Only Six? The Open World Factor

Elden Ring’s open-world nature allows for significant flexibility in how you approach the game. While many Shardbearers exist, only a select few are mandatory for progressing the main story. This design choice gives players agency in choosing which challenges to face and how to build their characters. Players can still explore and defeat other bosses, but that doesn’t make them mandatory for beating the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are there alternative paths to avoid mandatory bosses?

No, there are no legitimate in-game ways to completely bypass these six mandatory bosses and still achieve the main ending. While some speedrunning glitches might exist, these aren’t standard gameplay experiences.

2. Does the order in which I fight these bosses matter?

Yes and no. You must defeat Godrick and Rennala early on to progress past their respective regions. However, the order of Radahn and Morgott can be somewhat flexible, depending on your level and build. The Fire Giant must be defeated before you can access the final area and face Radagon/Elden Beast.

3. Are there any “easy” mandatory bosses?

“Easy” is subjective and depends on your build and playstyle. However, many players find Godrick the Grafted to be the easiest of the six, especially with spirit ash summons and NPC assistance. Conversely, the Elden Beast is often considered the most challenging.

4. What level should I be for each mandatory boss?

These are recommended approximate levels:

• Godrick: Level 30-40
• Rennala: Level 50-60
• Radahn: Level 60-75
• Morgott: Level 80-95
• Fire Giant: Level 90-105
• Radagon/Elden Beast: Level 120+

These are simply guidelines, and skilled players can beat them at lower levels.

5. Do Spirit Ashes work on mandatory bosses?

Yes! Spirit Ashes are a vital tool in Elden Ring, and they can be summoned for all six mandatory boss fights (unless a specific location restriction prevents it). Experiment with different ashes to find the ones that best suit your strategy.

6. Can I summon other players for help against mandatory bosses?

Yes, you can summon other players for cooperative play against any of the mandatory bosses, provided you are online and have the necessary summoning items. This can significantly increase your chances of success.

7. Are there any specific weapons or builds that are particularly effective against these bosses?

Each boss has different weaknesses and resistances. In general, weapons that deal bleed damage are effective against many bosses, as are those that deal high amounts of poise damage. Experimentation and adaptation are key.

8. What happens if I defeat all the optional bosses before the mandatory ones?

Defeating optional bosses can grant you powerful weapons, spells, and upgrades that make the mandatory bosses easier. However, it doesn’t change the fact that you still need to defeat the mandatory bosses to progress the story.

9. Do I need to defeat all the Shardbearers to get the “Elden Lord” ending?

No. There are multiple endings, some requiring specific actions and quests. However, to achieve the most straightforward “Elden Lord” ending, you only need to defeat the six mandatory bosses.

10. Is it possible to respec my character if I’m struggling with a mandatory boss?

Yes, after defeating Rennala, you can respec your character’s stats using Larval Tears. This allows you to adjust your build to better suit the challenges you’re facing.

11. Are there any missable items or quests tied to the mandatory bosses?

While the bosses themselves don’t have directly missable quests, some NPC questlines are tied to certain areas or events that are triggered by defeating them. Pay attention to NPC dialogue and explore thoroughly.

12. What Great Runes do I need to activate?

You’ll need to activate at least two Great Runes to progress through Leyndell. Godrick’s Great Rune is a popular choice due to its stat boosting effect. Rennala’s Great Rune is not activated at a Divine Tower, and is not required to progress the game. Radahn’s, Morgott’s and Mohg’s are other possibilities to activate.

13. Does difficulty increase after defeating each mandatory boss?

The game’s difficulty generally increases as you progress through new areas and encounter stronger enemies. While defeating a mandatory boss doesn’t directly increase the difficulty, it opens up access to more challenging content.

14. Are there any lore implications linked to the mandatory bosses?

Absolutely. Each mandatory boss plays a significant role in the overarching lore of Elden Ring. Their motivations, histories, and connections to the Greater Will and the Lands Between are deeply intertwined with the game’s narrative. Exploring their stories through item descriptions, dialogue, and environmental details adds depth to the experience.

15. What happens after I defeat the Elden Beast?

After defeating the Elden Beast, you’ll be presented with a choice of endings, depending on the actions you’ve taken throughout your playthrough. Each ending offers a different perspective on the fate of the Lands Between and your role as Elden Lord.

In conclusion, while Elden Ring offers immense freedom and exploration, there are six mandatory bosses that you must defeat to achieve the main ending. Understanding their significance and preparing for their challenges is crucial to becoming Elden Lord. Good luck, Tarnished!