Can Starscourge Radahn Bleed? A Deep Dive into Elden Ring’s Toughest Foe

Yes, Starscourge Radahn is indeed susceptible to the Bleed status effect in Elden Ring. While he’s a formidable opponent renowned for his overwhelming power and gravity magic, exploiting his weakness to Hemorrhage can significantly tip the scales in your favor. Understanding how to effectively apply Bleed, and other related weaknesses, is crucial for Tarnished seeking to conquer this demigod.

Radahn’s Vulnerabilities: More Than Just Bleed

While Bleed is a highly effective strategy against Radahn, it’s not the only tool in your arsenal. Let’s delve deeper into his vulnerabilities and resistances:

• Bleed: As mentioned, Radahn is highly susceptible to Bleed. Weapons with innate Bleed buildup or those that can be infused with Bleed-enhancing Ashes of War are extremely valuable. Fast weapons allow for quicker application of the status.
• Scarlet Rot: This is another potent status effect against Radahn. Rot Pots and arrows imbued with Scarlet Rot can inflict significant damage over time, chipping away at his health.
• Frostbite: While not as effective as Bleed or Scarlet Rot, Frostbite can still deal a substantial burst of damage and temporarily reduce Radahn’s damage negation.
• Physical Damage: Radahn has no particular resistance to physical damage, so a well-upgraded weapon with high raw damage can also be effective, especially when coupled with status effects.
• Resistances: Radahn’s main resistance is to Holy damage. Faith builds should consider using Lightning or Fire incantations instead.

Building a Bleed Strategy for Radahn

Crafting a successful Bleed strategy involves several key elements:

1. Weapon Choice: Prioritize weapons that naturally inflict Bleed, such as the Uchigatana, Bloodhound’s Fang, or Hookclaws. Dual-wielding katanas, like the Uchigatana and Nagakiba, can rapidly apply Bleed. The Rivers of Blood katana is also a powerful option, inflicting both physical and fire damage alongside Bleed buildup.
2. Ashes of War: If your weapon doesn’t naturally inflict Bleed, use Ashes of War like Bloody Slash or Seppuku to add Bleed buildup. Seppuku dramatically increases Bleed buildup but also damages you.
3. Talismans: Equip talismans that enhance Bleed or overall attack power. The Lord of Blood’s Exultation is crucial, as it significantly boosts your attack power when Blood Loss occurs nearby.
4. Stats: Focus on leveling Arcane, Dexterity, and Vigor. Arcane directly influences Bleed buildup, Dexterity improves weapon scaling and attack speed, and Vigor ensures you can survive Radahn’s powerful attacks. Endurance is also valuable for managing stamina.
5. Utilize Summons: The numerous NPC summons available for the Radahn fight are critical. They draw Radahn’s aggro, allowing you to safely inflict Bleed buildup. Re-summon them as they fall to keep the pressure on Radahn.
6. Weapon Buffs: Use weapon buffs like Bloodflame Blade to apply bleed to your weapons to build up Blood Loss much faster.

Radahn’s Phases and Bleed Application

Radahn’s fight is divided into two distinct phases:

• Phase 1: Radahn rides his horse, Leonard, and utilizes ranged attacks. This phase is ideal for applying Bleed and Scarlet Rot. Use the summoned NPCs to distract him and focus on landing quick, successive attacks with your Bleed weapon.
• Phase 2: After reaching half health, Radahn launches himself into the sky and returns as a meteor. In this phase, his attack patterns become more aggressive, but his vulnerabilities remain the same. Continue to use summons to draw aggro and apply Bleed whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best Bleed weapon to use against Radahn?

The Rivers of Blood katana is arguably the best option due to its high Bleed buildup and additional fire damage. However, the Uchigatana and Bloodhound’s Fang are also excellent choices, especially if you’re focusing on a Dexterity build. Dual-wielding katanas like the Uchigatana and Nagakiba will also work very well.

2. Does Arcane stat affect Bleed buildup against Radahn?

Yes, the Arcane stat directly influences Bleed buildup. Weapons that scale with Arcane generally inflict Bleed buildup or fire damage. Increasing your Arcane stat will significantly improve your ability to inflict Blood Loss on Radahn.

3. Can Radahn be staggered?

Yes, Radahn can be staggered if you land enough successive attacks, especially heavy attacks, while his phantoms keep him busy. A staggered Radahn falls to his knees, allowing for critical strikes, which can deal substantial damage.

4. Is Scarlet Rot better than Bleed against Radahn?

Both Scarlet Rot and Bleed are effective against Radahn. Bleed offers quicker bursts of damage, while Scarlet Rot provides sustained damage over time. Combining both status effects can be a highly effective strategy.

5. What talismans are best for a Bleed build against Radahn?

The Lord of Blood’s Exultation is essential for increasing your attack power when Blood Loss occurs. Other useful talismans include the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia (increases attack power with successive attacks) and the Marika’s Soreseal (increases Arcane, Mind, Intelligence, and Faith but also increases damage taken).

6. Is Radahn immune to any status effects?

Radahn is not immune to any status effects. His notable resistance is to Holy damage. He is particularly vulnerable to Bleed, Scarlet Rot, and Frostbite.

7. How do I deal with Radahn’s gravity magic?

Radahn’s gravity magic can be devastating. Dodging is crucial. Time your rolls carefully to avoid his ranged attacks and close the distance to inflict Bleed. Use the terrain and summoned NPCs for cover.

8. What level should I be to fight Radahn?

It’s generally recommended to be around level 60-80 with weapons upgraded to +12 or higher before attempting to fight Radahn. However, skilled players can defeat him at lower levels with optimized builds and strategies.

9. Is it possible to solo Radahn?

Yes, it is possible to solo Radahn, but it requires a high level of skill, a well-optimized build, and a deep understanding of his attack patterns. Utilizing Bleed and other status effects is crucial for soloing him.

10. Does summoning spirits make the fight harder?

No, summoning spirits makes the fight easier. The summoned NPCs draw Radahn’s aggro, allowing you to safely inflict damage and apply status effects. Re-summon them as they fall to keep the pressure on Radahn.

11. What armor should I wear for the Radahn fight?

Prioritize armor with good physical damage negation and poise. Poise helps you avoid being staggered by Radahn’s attacks, allowing you to continue applying Bleed. Don’t sacrifice mobility for defense; medium armor is usually a good balance.

12. Why does Radahn use such a small horse?

The lore suggests that Radahn’s love for his horse, Leonard, allowed him to defy the effects of Scarlet Rot on his mind and continue riding him, despite Radahn’s immense size. It’s a touching detail that adds depth to his character.

13. Is Radahn considered one of the hardest bosses in Elden Ring?

Yes, Radahn is widely considered one of the hardest bosses in Elden Ring, especially for players encountering him early in their playthrough. His aggressive attack patterns, gravity magic, and vast arena make him a formidable opponent.

14. Are there any easy strategies to beat Radahn?

There isn’t necessarily an “easy” strategy, but utilizing Bleed and Scarlet Rot, summoning all available NPCs, and carefully timing your dodges are key to success. Patience and persistence are also crucial.

15. What is the best way to learn more about Elden Ring strategies and game mechanics?

There are numerous online resources available, including wikis, forums, and video guides. Engaging with the Elden Ring community can provide valuable insights and tips. Understanding the game mechanics and experimenting with different builds is essential for mastering the game. Consider exploring resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, which delve into the deeper aspects of gaming and learning through play.

Conquering Starscourge Radahn is a challenging but rewarding experience in Elden Ring. By understanding his vulnerabilities, crafting a strategic build, and utilizing all available resources, you can overcome this formidable demigod and continue your journey to become the Elden Lord.