Elden Ring’s Mandatory Bosses: Your Path to Becoming Elden Lord
So, you’ve ventured into the Lands Between, Tarnished, and you’re probably knee-deep in dungeons, dodging dragons, and wondering which of these colossal foes you absolutely need to vanquish to claim the title of Elden Lord. Fear not! I’m here to cut through the noise and give you the definitive list of bosses you must defeat to complete the main story of Elden Ring.
The Essential Foes: Mandatory Boss List
To complete Elden Ring’s main storyline, you must defeat the following bosses:
- Margit, the Fell Omen: The gatekeeper to Stormveil Castle.
- Godrick the Grafted: The first Shardbearer in Stormveil Castle.
- Red Wolf of Radagon: Found within the halls of Raya Lucaria Academy.
- Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon: The second Shardbearer, also in Raya Lucaria Academy.
- Godfrey, First Elden Lord (Golden Shade): A spectral encounter along the main path.
- Morgott, the Omen King: Found in Leyndell, Royal Capital.
- Fire Giant: Located in the Mountaintops of the Giants.
- Godskin Duo: Found in Crumbling Farum Azula.
- Maliketh, the Black Blade: Also in Crumbling Farum Azula, this boss is crucial.
- Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing: Found in Leyndell, Ashen Capital.
- Godfrey, First Elden Lord / Hoarah Loux, Warrior: Located in Leyndell, Ashen Capital.
- Radagon of the Golden Order/Elden Beast: The final boss encounters within the Erdtree.
That’s it! Defeat these 12, and you’ll see one of Elden Ring’s multiple endings. Remember that certain choices you make and side quests you complete affect which ending you ultimately unlock. The nuances of those choices are, however, a story for another time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mandatory Elden Ring Bosses
Here are some common questions regarding Elden Ring’s boss encounters and the requirements for finishing the game.
Q1: Are all Shardbearers mandatory bosses in Elden Ring?
No, not all Shardbearers are mandatory. You are required to defeat at least two Shardbearers before proceeding to Leyndell, Royal Capital. Godrick and Rennala fulfill this requirement, but you can choose different combinations like Starscourge Radahn and Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy instead. However, defeating Radahn or Rykard is not strictly required to finish the main quest, even though some believe it will.
Q2: What happens if I skip a mandatory boss?
If you attempt to bypass a required boss, you will likely encounter a progression wall. The game will block your path, preventing you from advancing to key areas or triggering necessary cutscenes. For example, you cannot enter Leyndell, Royal Capital, without defeating at least two Shardbearers.
Q3: Is Margit, the Fell Omen, optional?
While you technically can bypass Stormveil Castle via a side path, defeating Margit is functionally mandatory to experience the “intended” progression of the game. Furthermore, skipping Margit adds significant challenge, as you’ll be under-leveled for later areas.
Q4: Can I beat Elden Ring at level 1?
Yes, it’s theoretically possible to beat Elden Ring at level 1, but it’s an incredibly challenging feat requiring immense skill and knowledge of enemy attack patterns. However, even with a level 1 run, you’ll still need to defeat the listed mandatory bosses.
Q5: Are mini-bosses required to beat Elden Ring?
No, mini-bosses are not required to complete the main story. While defeating them often rewards valuable items and upgrades, they are not necessary for progressing the narrative. Focus your efforts on the main bosses to reach the end.
Q6: Do I have to kill every boss in a specific area to move on?
Absolutely not. Elden Ring offers immense freedom. You can explore and tackle bosses in almost any order, provided you eventually defeat the required bosses. The open world is vast and rewarding, though exploring every inch is not tied to beating the game.
Q7: Is defeating Mohg, Lord of Blood, mandatory?
No. Despite being a Shardbearer and dropping a Great Rune, Mohg, Lord of Blood, is an optional boss. While his area contains valuable resources, he isn’t essential for completing the main quest.
Q8: Is Malenia, Blade of Miquella, a required boss?
Definitely not! Malenia is one of the most challenging optional bosses in Elden Ring. Though some guides include her in the Shardbearer list, her Great Rune is not necessary to progress. Consider her a rewarding challenge for experienced players.
Q9: What’s the easiest way to figure out if a boss is mandatory?
Generally, if a boss fight is blocking your direct path to the next major area or objective, it’s likely a mandatory boss. Also, bosses that drop a Great Rune are often, but not always, related to the main story. However, it’s always best to double-check a reliable guide.
Q10: If I summon help for a mandatory boss, does that change anything?
No, summoning other players to assist you in defeating a mandatory boss doesn’t alter the game’s progression or story. Feel free to use the co-op features to overcome challenging encounters.
Q11: Can I respec my character before fighting the final boss?
Yes, you can respec your character (reallocate your stats) by offering a Larval Tear to Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, after defeating her. This allows you to optimize your build for the final battles.
Q12: Are any of the mandatory bosses missable?
Yes, it is possible to lock yourself out of certain mandatory boss fights due to choices you make throughout the game. In particular, if you choose to side with certain characters, you may be locked out of fighting Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing. This is a point of no return and will force you into an ending path.
Q13: What level should I be for the final bosses?
The suggested level for tackling the final bosses (Radagon and the Elden Beast) is typically around level 120-150. However, skilled players can succeed at lower levels, while others may prefer to level up further for a less challenging experience.
Q14: Does the order I defeat the mandatory bosses affect the ending I get?
No, the order in which you defeat the mandatory bosses does not directly influence the ending you receive. The ending is determined by specific choices made throughout the game, typically tied to completing certain NPC questlines and obtaining specific items.
Q15: Where can I learn more about game design and mechanics like those in Elden Ring?
Exploring the intricate designs of games like Elden Ring is fascinating! If you’re interested in understanding game design, learning theories, and how games impact learning, consider checking out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society is a great resource to discover research on game-based learning and the educational potential of games. You can delve into topics like player motivation, narrative design, and the application of game mechanics in educational settings. GamesLearningSociety.org hosts resources, events, and a community dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and learning.
That’s all there is to it, Tarnished! With this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the Lands Between, knowing which foes stand between you and the title of Elden Lord. Good luck, and may the Greater Will guide your path!