Is Radahn Weak to Holy? A Comprehensive Elden Ring Guide

▶

Radahn, the Starscourge, presents a formidable challenge in Elden Ring. A common question among players facing this demigod is: Is Radahn weak to Holy damage? The answer is a resounding no. In fact, Radahn’s only notable resistance is to Holy damage. This means that faith builds reliant on Holy incantations will need to adjust their strategy significantly when facing him. Thankfully, he has other vulnerabilities you can exploit.

Understanding Radahn’s Resistances and Weaknesses

Before diving into specific strategies, it’s crucial to understand what works and what doesn’t against Radahn. While Holy damage is a definite no-go, Radahn exhibits significant vulnerabilities to other damage types and status effects.

• Resistances: Holy (High)
• Weaknesses: Frostbite, Bleed, and especially Scarlet Rot

Exploiting Radahn’s Vulnerabilities

Given Radahn’s resistance to Holy damage, players need to leverage his weaknesses to succeed. The following are some effective approaches:

• Scarlet Rot: This is by far Radahn’s greatest weakness. Inflicting Scarlet Rot will rapidly deplete his health. Rot Pots and Arrows imbued with Scarlet Rot are extremely effective. Applying it once in the first phase and again early in the second phase can significantly shorten the fight.
• Bleed: Radahn is also vulnerable to Bleed. Weapons with innate Bleed buildup, or those buffed with Bleed-inducing Ashes of War, can inflict considerable damage.
• Frostbite: While not as potent as Scarlet Rot or Bleed, Frostbite can still provide a damage boost and temporarily reduce Radahn’s defenses.
• Other Damage Types: Since Holy is out, other damage types are viable. Lightning and Fire incantations are good options for Faith builds. Spellcasters should use whatever sorceries they are comfortable with, focusing on non-Holy damage.
• Summons: The Radahn fight is designed around summoning NPC allies. Utilize the numerous summon signs scattered around the arena. These summons provide valuable distractions and opportunities to inflict damage. Don’t underestimate their importance.

Strategies for Faith Builds

Faith builds centered around Holy damage need to adapt. Here’s how:

1. Respec (Optional): If you have the ability to respec your character (using a Larval Tear), consider temporarily reallocating your stats to focus on Strength or Dexterity and using weapons that inflict Bleed or Frostbite.
2. Lightning and Fire Incantations: Focus on Lightning and Fire incantations. Lightning Spear and Flame, Grant Me Strength are excellent choices.
3. Weapon Buffs: Use greases or incantations to imbue your weapon with Fire or Lightning damage.
4. Support Role: Prioritize healing and buffing your summoned allies. Keeping them alive will draw Radahn’s attention and allow you to deal damage when opportunities arise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Radahn

Here are 15 FAQs that delve deeper into Radahn’s weaknesses, strategies, and other important considerations.

1. Is Radahn weak to Poison? While Radahn can be poisoned, it’s not as effective as Scarlet Rot or Bleed. The damage output is lower, making it a less efficient strategy.
2. What level should I be to fight Radahn? A recommended level range is 40-60, with weapons upgraded to at least +8. However, this can vary depending on your build and skill level.
3. Can I summon other players to help me fight Radahn? Yes, you can summon other players to assist you in the fight. However, given the abundance of NPC summons, it’s often more efficient to rely on them.
4. What are the best weapons to use against Radahn? Weapons that inflict Bleed or Frostbite are highly effective. Some examples include the Rivers of Blood katana, the Morgott’s Cursed Sword, and weapons that can be infused with Frostbite-inducing Ashes of War.
5. How do I avoid Radahn’s arrows at the beginning of the fight? Utilize the terrain for cover. Summon allies as quickly as possible, as they will draw Radahn’s aggro. Rolling at the last moment before the arrows hit is crucial. Using Torrent to dash between cover is also effective.
6. What happens if I die during the Radahn fight? You will respawn at the stake of Marika near the boss arena. You can then re-enter the fight and summon allies again.
7. Does Radahn’s weakness to Scarlet Rot remain in phase two? Yes, Radahn remains vulnerable to Scarlet Rot even in his second phase.
8. Is Radahn harder after the nerf? The general consensus is that Radahn is easier now than he was before the initial nerf. The patch adjusted his damage output and hitbox sizes.
9. Why is Radahn so difficult? Radahn is a challenging boss due to his high damage output, long range attacks, and aggressive AI. He is designed to test players’ ability to utilize summons and exploit enemy weaknesses.
10. Can I cheese Radahn? There are various strategies that some players consider “cheesing” the fight. These often involve exploiting Radahn’s AI or using specific terrain features to avoid his attacks. However, these methods may be less reliable after patches.
11. What is the lore behind Radahn? Radahn is one of the demigod children of Radagon and Rennala. He is renowned for his immense strength and mastery of gravity magic, which allows him to ride his small horse, Leonard. He holds back the stars, preventing them from fulfilling their destiny.
12. Is Radahn stronger than Malenia? In their prime, Malenia and Radahn were considered equals. However, Malenia succumbed to Scarlet Rot during their battle, while Radahn’s mind was consumed by it. Had Radahn been in his right mind, he may have been stronger. The impact of games learning society on strategic gaming is palpable through these intricate dynamics.
13. What happens if you beat Radahn early in the game? Defeating Radahn unlocks access to Nokron, Eternal City, which is crucial for progressing certain questlines, particularly Ranni’s.
14. Who are the best summons to use against Radahn? Blaidd, Alexander the Warrior Jar, and Great Horned Tragoth are all excellent summons. They provide decent damage and can draw Radahn’s attention.
15. What gear is recommended for the Radahn fight? Armor with good physical resistance is recommended. Talismans that boost attack power, increase survivability, or enhance status effect buildup are also beneficial. The Green Turtle Talisman for stamina regeneration is especially helpful for dodging.

Conclusion

While Radahn is a formidable foe in Elden Ring, understanding his weaknesses and resistances is paramount to victory. Avoid Holy damage at all costs, and instead focus on exploiting his vulnerability to Scarlet Rot, Bleed, and Frostbite. Utilize the available summons and adapt your build to the challenge. With the right strategy and perseverance, you can overcome the Starscourge and continue your journey in the Lands Between. For deeper insights into the mechanics of games and their educational impact, explore resources at Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.