Is the Elden Beast the Hardest Boss in Elden Ring? Unpacking the Final Challenge

No, the Elden Beast is generally not considered the hardest boss in Elden Ring by most players. While it serves as the climactic final boss, its high health pool and unusual attack patterns don’t necessarily translate to overwhelming difficulty in the same way that some other encounters do. Bosses like Malenia, Blade of Miquella, and even Starscourge Radahn, often present a far greater challenge due to their aggressive move sets, punishing attacks, and unique mechanics. The Elden Beast, while visually impressive and thematically significant, is often seen as more of a war of attrition than a test of pure skill.

Understanding the Elden Beast’s Challenge

The Elden Beast fight is undeniably a spectacle. However, the difficulty stems primarily from a few key factors:

• High Health: The Elden Beast possesses a massive health bar, requiring a lengthy and potentially tedious fight.

• Holy Damage Focus: Its attacks are almost exclusively Holy damage, which can be easily mitigated with the right equipment and talismans.

• Running Simulator: The Elden Beast frequently teleports across the arena, forcing players to chase it down and limiting opportunities for sustained damage.

• Predictable (Eventually) Attack Patterns: While bizarre at first, the Elden Beast’s attack patterns are often telegraphed, allowing players to learn and dodge them with practice.

Why Other Bosses Are Considered Harder

Several other bosses in Elden Ring consistently rank higher in terms of difficulty:

• Malenia, Blade of Miquella: Infamous for her Waterfowl Dance attack, which can instantly kill unprepared players, and her ability to heal with every hit, Malenia demands near-perfect execution.

• Starscourge Radahn: A formidable foe with devastating gravity magic and a massive arena, Radahn requires players to navigate a chaotic battlefield and master different combat strategies.

• Margit, the Fell Omen/Morgott, the Omen King: Often considered a skill check early in the game, Margit and Morgott both possess aggressive move sets and punishing attacks that can quickly overwhelm novice players.

• Godfrey, First Elden Lord/Hoarah Loux, Warrior: Godfrey’s transition into Hoarah Loux represents a brutal shift in aggression, requiring players to adapt quickly and master close-quarters combat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elden Ring Bosses

Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the topic of boss difficulty in Elden Ring:

Is Elden Beast weak to anything?

The Elden Beast is resistant to most damage types and immune to all status effects like bleed, poison, scarlet rot, and sleep. However, it is vulnerable to Black Flame abilities, which deal percentage-based health damage, making them highly effective.

How do I beat the Elden Beast easily?

There is no single “easy” way, but strategies include:

1. Holy Damage Negation: Stack armor and talismans that reduce Holy damage.
2. Black Flame: Use Black Flame incantations or weapons infused with Black Flame to exploit its vulnerability.
3. High DPS Builds: Optimize your build for maximum damage output to shorten the fight.
4. Summons: Utilize spirit ashes or summon other players to distract the boss and provide opportunities for attack.

What level should I be to fight the Elden Beast?

A level of 120-150 is generally recommended for tackling the Elden Beast. However, skilled players can succeed at lower levels with optimized builds and strategies.

Can the Elden Beast be parried?

No, the Elden Beast cannot be parried. Focus on dodging its attacks and finding openings to strike.

What are the best talismans for the Elden Beast?

Useful talismans include:

• Haligdrake Talisman: Reduces Holy damage taken.
• Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: Increases physical damage negation.
• Erdtree’s Favor: Increases HP, stamina, and equip load.
• Ritual Sword Talisman: Boosts attack power when at full HP.

Is Elden Beast harder than Malenia?

Generally, Malenia is considered harder than the Elden Beast due to her aggressive combat style and healing mechanics.

What build is best for Elden Beast?

Faith builds utilizing Black Flame incantations are highly effective. Alternatively, Strength builds with high physical damage and good armor can also succeed.

How much HP does the Elden Beast have?

The Elden Beast has approximately 73,743 HP in New Game (NG). This increases significantly in subsequent playthroughs (NG+).

Can you summon for Elden Beast?

Yes, you can summon spirit ashes and other players for the Elden Beast fight.

What is the Elden Beast lore?

The Elden Beast is the physical manifestation of the Elden Ring, sent to the Lands Between by the Greater Will. It represents the outer god’s influence and the source of the Erdtree’s power.

What is the Elden Beast weak to in lore?

In terms of lore, the Elden Beast is weakened by the fragmentation of the Elden Ring. The Tarnished’s quest to reforge the Elden Ring directly opposes the Elden Beast’s purpose.

Is Radagon harder than Elden Beast?

Some players find Radagon harder than the Elden Beast due to his aggressive melee attacks and resistance to many damage types. However, most agree that the Elden Beast presents a more tedious fight.

How many attempts does it take to beat the Elden Beast?

The number of attempts varies greatly depending on the player’s skill, build, and strategy. Some players beat it on their first try, while others may require dozens of attempts.

Is the Elden Beast a god?

The Elden Beast is not a god in the traditional sense. It is more accurately described as a vessel or embodiment of the Elden Ring and the Greater Will’s power.

What happens after you beat the Elden Beast?

After defeating the Elden Beast, you can interact with the shattered remains of Queen Marika and choose from several different endings, each shaping the future of the Lands Between. Your choice depends on the various side quests completed throughout the game.

Final Thoughts

While the Elden Beast may be the final hurdle in Elden Ring, its difficulty is often overstated. With the right preparation and a solid understanding of its attack patterns, it can be overcome. Many other bosses throughout the game present a significantly greater challenge, making them more deserving of the title of “hardest boss.”

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