How Many Unique Boss Fights Are There in Elden Ring?

The number of unique boss fights in Elden Ring is a topic of much debate, thanks to the game’s open-world structure and the presence of repeated boss encounters. While the total number of boss encounters can reach upwards of 238, a more accurate estimation of truly unique boss fights hovers around 39 to 40. This figure excludes variations of the same boss, bosses that appear as regular enemies, and player model NPCs. Determining the definitive number depends on how strictly one defines “unique.” It’s a bit of a grey area, really, but let’s delve deeper into why this question is more complex than it seems.

Understanding Boss Variety in The Lands Between

Elden Ring boasts a staggering number of bosses, ranging from relatively simple dungeon encounters to the legendary Shardbearers. However, not all bosses are created equal. Some are variations of existing bosses, reskinned with slightly different movesets or elemental affinities. Others, like certain Tree Spirits, can be found both as regular enemies in the open world and as “bosses” in specific dungeons. This is where the ambiguity arises.

• Main Bosses: These are the central figures of the game, including the Shardbearers, who are essential to progressing the main story.

• Optional Bosses: These powerful enemies guard valuable rewards or unlock new areas, but are not required to complete the game. Dragonlord Placidusax, for example, is an optional boss.

• Mini-Bosses: These are generally smaller-scale encounters, often found in dungeons or roaming the open world.

• Repeated Bosses: These bosses appear multiple times throughout the game, sometimes with minor alterations.

The distinction lies in whether to count reskins and minor variations as “unique” bosses. If we consider only those bosses with entirely distinct models, movesets, and lore implications, the number settles around 39 to 40. Lion Guardian might qualify as unique if we make the argument it never is encountered as a boss. However, to count all 165 of the potential main, optional, mini or secret bosses is likely inflating the real number that most gamers will experience during their playthrough.

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding the number of unique boss fights in Elden Ring provides insight into the game’s overall design and replayability. It highlights the impressive variety of encounters FromSoftware has crafted, even if some are variations on a theme. This information is valuable for players planning their builds, strategizing for different encounters, and deciding which areas to explore. Moreover, it influences discussions about the game’s difficulty, progression, and overall quality.

FAQs About Elden Ring Bosses

1. What is considered the rarest Elden Ring boss to defeat?

The rarest boss to defeat in Elden Ring is generally considered to be Dragonlord Placidusax. This optional boss is located in the Crumbling Farum Azula and is often missed by players.

2. Who is the most popular agreed-upon hardest boss in Elden Ring?

Most players agree that Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is the hardest boss in Elden Ring. Her aggressive fighting style, healing ability, and infamous Waterfowl Dance attack make her a formidable opponent.

3. How many total boss encounters are there in Elden Ring?

The total number of boss encounters in Elden Ring is approximately 238. This number includes main bosses, optional bosses, mini-bosses, and repeated encounters. Keep in mind many consider this to be inflated.

4. What is the most visually impressive boss fight in Elden Ring?

Many players find the Elden Beast to be one of the most visually stunning bosses in Elden Ring, followed closely by Maliketh, The Black Blade, Malenia, Blade Of Miquella, Regal Ancestor Spirit, and Astel, Naturalborn Of The Void.

5. Are there any bosses that are considered “unfair” in Elden Ring?

Some players consider bosses like Starscourge Radahn, Mohg, Lord of Blood, and Astel, Naturalborn of the Void to be “unfair” due to their challenging movesets, environmental factors, or unique mechanics.

6. At what level should I face Malenia?

It is recommended to be at least level 120, ideally closer to level 150, with fully upgraded weapons and equipment before facing Malenia.

7. What are some of the scariest bosses in Elden Ring?

Some of the scariest bosses in Elden Ring include Death Rite Bird, Abductor Virgins, Grafted Scion, and Ulcerated Tree Spirit.

8. Who is considered the easiest boss in Elden Ring?

The Soldier of Godrick is widely considered the easiest boss and the tutorial boss in Elden Ring, due to its simple moveset and low health.

9. Who are the shardbearers in Elden Ring?

The shardbearers are key bosses in Elden Ring, including: Godrick the Grafted, Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, Starscourge Radahn, Mohg, Lord of Blood, Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, Morgott the Omen King, and Malenia, Blade of Miquella.

10. What is Radagon of the Golden Order weak to?

Radagon of the Golden Order is surprisingly weak to fire damage. Flame-based attacks, skills, and spells can quickly dispatch him.

11. What do you get for defeating Malenia, Blade of Miquella?

Defeating Malenia, Blade of Miquella, rewards the player with 480,000 runes, the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess, and Malenia’s Great Rune.

12. How many people have actually completed Elden Ring?

While achievement rates vary across platforms, approximately 50% of players have completed Elden Ring, indicating a relatively high completion rate compared to other challenging games.

13. What are some of the most annoying enemies in Elden Ring?

Some of the most annoying enemies in Elden Ring include Lesser Runebears, Ancestral Followers, Giant Dragonflies, Giant Lobsters, and Revenants.

14. Are there any announced DLC for Elden Ring?

The long-awaited Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, is highly anticipated, though the official release date is still unknown.

15. How does Elden Ring use game-based learning?

Elden Ring can be an interesting example of game-based learning, as documented at the Games Learning Society, https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The game offers several forms of indirect instructions. Players must learn from failure and success. Also, the world itself guides the learning.

Conclusion

Determining the exact number of unique boss fights in Elden Ring is more than just counting; it requires understanding the nuances of the game’s design. While estimates vary from 39 to upwards of 238 (or even 165), acknowledging the presence of reused bosses and minor variations provides a more accurate understanding of the game’s scope. Regardless, Elden Ring offers a wealth of challenging and memorable boss encounters, making it a defining experience in the action RPG genre. Now, go forth and conquer those bosses, Tarnished!