Conquer the Stars Alone: Do You Have to Summon to Beat Radahn in Elden Ring?
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No, you absolutely do not have to summon to beat Starscourge Radahn in Elden Ring. While the game heavily implies and even encourages the use of summons for this particular boss fight, skilled and determined players have proven time and again that Radahn can be felled solo. The difficulty is certainly elevated, demanding mastery of dodging, spacing, and exploiting Radahn’s weaknesses, but the victory is all the sweeter for it. This guide provides tips and addresses common questions about this challenging encounter.
The Allure (and Peril) of Summons
The Festival Atmosphere
The fight against Radahn is presented as a grand festival of warriors, creating a palpable sense that you’re meant to engage in a large-scale battle alongside other heroes. The arena is littered with summon signs for powerful NPCs like Blaidd, Alexander, and Okina, further pushing you towards embracing the cooperative spirit.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Summoning NPCs offers a clear advantage: drawing Radahn’s aggro. This allows you opportunities to heal, reposition, or unleash powerful attacks while Radahn is focused elsewhere. However, as some players have discovered, the chaos of multiple combatants can also be detrimental. With numerous characters on screen, it can be challenging to track Radahn’s movements, leading to unexpected hits and frustrating deaths. Some find that summoning makes the fight harder than it should be.
Soloing the Starscourge: A Path to Glory
Understanding Radahn’s Weaknesses
Regardless of whether you choose to summon or not, understanding Radahn’s vulnerabilities is crucial. He is vulnerable to Frostbite and, most significantly, Scarlet Rot. Utilizing weapons, spells, or consumables that inflict these status effects can significantly shorten the fight. Rot Pots and arrows imbued with Scarlet Rot are excellent choices.
Level and Build Considerations
The article mentioned suggests being at least level 70 before facing Radahn. A solid build is even more critical when attempting a solo run. Consider these points:
- Weapon Choice: Opt for a weapon with good reach and damage output. Greatswords, katanas, and spears can all be effective.
- Stats: Prioritize Vigor (for health), Endurance (for stamina), and the attribute that scales with your chosen weapon.
- Talismans: Equip talismans that boost your damage, defense, or stamina recovery.
Mastering the Art of Dodging
Radahn’s attacks are powerful and far-reaching. Learning his attack patterns and mastering the timing of your dodges is paramount to survival. Pay close attention to his tells and be prepared to roll through his sweeping attacks. Patience is key.
Torrent: Your Loyal Steed
Even when soloing, Torrent remains invaluable. Use Torrent to traverse the vast arena, reposition yourself, and create distance when necessary. The ability to quickly dismount and attack before remounting can be a lifesaver.
The Two Phases
The fight against Radahn has two distinct phases. Phase one starts with Radahn raining down arrows on your location. The second phase will then take place on the battlefield, where you will have to learn his attacks and know when to strike and when to flee.
Exploiting Openings
Don’t get greedy with your attacks. Focus on landing one or two hits during openings and then retreating to safety. Overextending can leave you vulnerable to Radahn’s punishing attacks.
Managing Resources
Managing your health and stamina is crucial. Keep an eye on your FP as well if you are casting spells, and make sure to have enough potions, and craft enough Rot Pots, if you’re using them.
FAQs: Radahn and the Art of Solo Combat
1. What level should I be to fight Radahn solo?
While level 70 is a good baseline, you can certainly attempt the fight at a lower level with a well-optimized build and exceptional skill. The recommended levels are around 60-70, ensuring the content will be challenging.
2. What is Radahn’s biggest weakness?
Radahn is vulnerable to Scarlet Rot. Exploiting this weakness can significantly reduce the length and difficulty of the fight. Also, Frostbite is a decent option.
3. Is Radahn harder with summons?
For some players, yes. The chaos of multiple combatants can make it difficult to track Radahn’s movements and avoid his attacks. Consider trying the fight both with and without summons to see which approach works best for you.
4. Do I have to summon Alexander for Radahn?
No, summoning Alexander is not required to continue his questline. While his presence can be helpful, you can still progress his story even if you skip summoning him for this fight. Missing him at Radahn won’t break his quest, he’ll still be present in later locations.
5. What happens if Alexander dies at Radahn?
It’s not a permanent death. You can summon him again in subsequent attempts. His death in this fight has no impact on his questline.
6. Is Radahn optional?
Radahn is optional in the sense that you don’t have to defeat him to complete the main storyline of Elden Ring. However, he is a shardbearer, and defeating two shardbearers is required to enter Leyndell, Royal Capital.
7. Is Radahn the hardest boss in Elden Ring?
While a challenging encounter, many players consider Malenia, Blade of Miquella to be the hardest boss in Elden Ring. Radahn’s difficulty often stems from his unpredictable attacks and the vastness of the arena.
8. What are the best weapons for fighting Radahn solo?
Weapons with good reach and damage are ideal. Greatswords, katanas, and spears can all be effective. Consider using a weapon that can inflict Scarlet Rot or Frostbite. The Blasphemous Blade (due to its fire damage) is a good option as well.
9. Is Radahn stronger than Malenia?
Malenia is at least every bit as strong as Radahn in many ways that matter most. Malenia has a lot more health than Radahn (over 33,000 HP divided between two phases, compared to Radahn’s 9,000+ HP), though she also has a lot less poise.
10. What level should I be for Caelid?
The recommended levels are around 60-70. This ensures that the content will be challenging and limit the frustration of repeatedly dying.
11. Can you defeat Radahn alone?
Yes, it is 100% possible. But be warned, it can be a very challenging fight. Be sure to study his attack patterns.
12. Did Radahn get nerfed?
Radahn was accidentally nerfed in a patch but has since been returned to his full strength.
13. Is Radahn armor the best?
The Radahn armor set has the highest Poise value in the game, the best physical damage mitigation, and the best lightning resistance.
14. I am having trouble dodging Radahn’s arrows at the beginning of the fight. Any tips?
The terrain offers some cover. Utilize the scattered debris and wreckage to shield yourself from the initial barrage of arrows. Alternatively, dodge at the very last second to avoid getting hit. You can also craft the arrow resistance talisman if you are getting one shot.
15. What if I missed Alexander at Radahn?
This isn’t detrimental to his questline. You can still meet him in later areas.
Final Thoughts
Beating Radahn solo is a testament to your skill and determination as a Tarnished. While summoning is a viable option, the challenge and satisfaction of overcoming this formidable foe alone are unparalleled. Remember to exploit his weaknesses, master your dodging, and never give up. Good luck, and may the Greater Will guide you!
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