Is Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, a Difficult Boss in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide

Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, is a Shardbearer boss in Elden Ring, located in the Academy of Raya Lucaria. Whether she’s considered a difficult boss is subjective and heavily depends on your build, level, and playstyle. Generally, many players find Rennala to be relatively manageable, particularly compared to some of the later, more infamous bosses like Malenia. Her first phase focuses on a unique, puzzle-like mechanic, while her second phase, though visually stunning and magically potent, can be overcome with an aggressive, strategically executed offense. While some players find Rennala’s fight to be trivial, others find her to be extremely difficult, especially when dealing with her Phase 2 magic spam. In summary, Rennala’s difficulty lies not in complex attack patterns or overwhelming health, but in exploiting her weaknesses and adapting to her magical onslaught.

Breaking Down the Fight: Why Opinions Differ

Rennala’s fight consists of two distinct phases, each presenting its own challenges and opportunities.

Phase 1: The Cradle of Rebirth

This phase is more of an interactive puzzle than a traditional boss fight. You must identify and attack the glowing, singing scholars scattered around the grand library. These scholars are protecting Rennala with an aura, and after breaking three auras, Rennala will fall from the sky, leaving her vulnerable to attack.

• Why it’s easy: The scholars are relatively weak, and their attacks are easily avoidable. The main challenge is identifying them amidst the chaos.
• Why it’s difficult: The constant barrage of books thrown by the scholars can stagger you, and some of the scholars are hidden out of reach. Ranged characters may struggle if they run out of FP (Focus Points, used for spells and skills).

Phase 2: Queen of the Full Moon

Once Rennala’s health is depleted in Phase 1, the real fight begins. Rennala transforms into the Queen of the Full Moon, a powerful sorceress capable of unleashing devastating magical attacks and summoning spectral allies.

• Why it’s easy: Rennala is highly susceptible to staggering. Aggressive melee builds with high poise-breaking weapons can rapidly deplete her health and prevent her from casting spells. Moreover, summons can provide crucial distractions.
• Why it’s difficult: Rennala’s magic attacks deal substantial damage, and her summons (wolves, a dragon, etc.) can quickly overwhelm you if you’re not careful. Her Full Moon spell is particularly dangerous, drastically increasing magic damage taken. Players who are less aggressive or rely solely on ranged attacks may struggle to deal consistent damage and avoid her relentless offensive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rennala

1. What level should I be to fight Rennala?

A recommended level range for the Rennala fight is 40-45, with your weapon upgraded to +7/+8. This provides a good balance of health, damage output, and survivability.

2. What are Rennala’s weaknesses?

Rennala is particularly vulnerable to Bleed damage. Fast weapons with bleed buildup, like Katanas, can quickly deplete her health. She is also susceptible to staggering, making her very weak against any form of aggressive melee attacks.

3. What is the best weapon to use against Rennala?

Weapons with Bleed buildup are highly effective. The Carian Knight’s Sword is specifically mentioned in the original article as a great option. Katanas, Curved Swords, and twinblades infused with bleed are all strong choices. Consider using weapon arts that further increase bleed buildup.

4. What are some good summons to use against Rennala?

Lone Wolf Ashes and Godrick Soldier Ashes are recommended for their ability to interrupt Rennala’s spellcasting. More durable summons like Oleg or the Lhutel the Headless are also effective for drawing aggro and surviving her magical onslaught. Experiment with different summons to find what works best for your playstyle.

5. How do I avoid Rennala’s magic attacks?

Rolling is your best friend. Learn the timing of her spells and dodge accordingly. Pay close attention to her casting animations to anticipate incoming attacks. Consider using equipment that increases your magic resistance or the Barrier of Gold incantation if you’re struggling to survive.

6. How do I deal with Rennala’s summons?

Focus on quickly dispatching the summons while maintaining awareness of Rennala’s location and attacks. Use area-of-effect spells or weapon arts to clear out the summons efficiently. Prioritize dodging Rennala’s spells over attacking the summons if necessary.

7. Can I skip Rennala?

Yes, it is possible to bypass Rennala and still progress through the main story. However, defeating her grants access to the Great Rune of the Unborn, which allows you to respec your character’s stats, making her fight highly valuable for character customization.

8. What is the reward for beating Rennala?

Defeating Rennala grants you 40,000 Runes, the Remembrance of the Full Moon Queen, and the Great Rune of the Unborn. The Remembrance can be exchanged for powerful spells or weapons, while the Great Rune unlocks the ability to respec your character’s stats at Rennala.

9. What is the Dark Moon Ring found in the chest behind Rennala?

The Dark Moon Ring is a key item required for completing Ranni’s questline. It’s essential if you intend to pursue this important side story and unlock one of the game’s alternate endings.

10. What are some alternative strategies for defeating Rennala?

• Night Maiden’s Mist: This sorcery creates a lingering cloud of damaging mist, which can be effective against Rennala due to her relatively stationary fighting style.
• Claws: Some players have found success using claw weapons, as their rapid attacks and bleed buildup can quickly stagger Rennala.

11. What should I do after beating Rennala?

After defeating Rennala, you can either explore more of Liurnia of the Lakes, such as the Carion Manor, or head to Caelid to confront General Radahn. You only need two Great Runes to progress to Leyndell, Royal Capital, so your path is somewhat flexible.

12. Is Rennala a mandatory boss?

No, Rennala is not a mandatory boss in Elden Ring. You do not need to defeat her to beat the game. However, she drops an important Great Rune that allows you to respec your character.

13. Does Rennala have a Great Rune?

Yes, Rennala possesses the Great Rune of the Unborn. Unlike other Great Runes, it cannot be equipped but it allows the player to reset all of their stats and reassign them.

14. Can I summon help to fight Rennala?

Yes, you can summon other players to assist you in the Rennala fight. This can significantly ease the difficulty, especially if you’re struggling with her magical attacks or summons.

15. Where is Rennala located?

Rennala is located in the Grand Library at the top of the Raya Lucarian Academy, which is found at the center of the Liurnia of the Lakes.

Final Verdict

Rennala is a unique and memorable boss fight in Elden Ring, but her difficulty is subjective. Players who adapt to her weaknesses, utilize effective weapons and summons, and employ aggressive strategies can overcome her with relative ease. However, those who struggle with dodging her magical attacks or dealing with her summons may find her a more significant challenge. Ultimately, Rennala serves as a good test of your early-to-mid game build and preparation, and defeating her is a rewarding experience. The Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org, is an outstanding resource for learning more about the mechanics behind video game designs, which can help improve skills and understanding of games like Elden Ring.