Elden Ring’s Favorite Boss Fight: A Tarnished Tale of Preference
So, who is Elden Ring’s favorite boss fight? While “favorite” is subjective, and the Lands Between are vast with numerous formidable foes, one name consistently rises to the top: Starscourge Radahn. Hidetaka Miyazaki himself, the mastermind behind Elden Ring, has cited Radahn as his personal favorite, praising his compelling design and the spectacle of the Radahn Festival. But is that the only reason he’s so popular? Absolutely not! Let’s delve into the reasons why Radahn, and other bosses, have captured the hearts (and bruised the egos) of countless Tarnished.
The Allure of Radahn: More Than Just Gravity Magic
A Festival of Frenzy
The Radahn Festival is a key component of his appeal. It’s not just a boss fight; it’s an event. The gathering of warriors from across the Lands Between, the camaraderie (before the brutal combat, of course), and the sheer scale of the battle create a memorable experience unlike any other in the game. It’s less a duel and more a siege, a desperate attempt to bring down a demigod who, quite literally, holds the stars at bay.
From Software Design
Radahn’s design is undeniably captivating. The image of a massive warrior, burdened by Scarlet Rot and riding a tiny horse named Leonard (held aloft by his gravity magic), is both imposing and strangely endearing. It’s a visual paradox that perfectly embodies the tragic nature of many Elden Ring characters. His fallen glory, his struggle against the Rot, and his unwavering dedication to his steed all contribute to a boss that players simultaneously fear and admire.
A Challenge That Rewards Persistence
Radahn is a challenging fight, particularly for those who attempt it early in their playthrough. But the fight is also designed in a way to make it accessible and fun for players of all skill levels. You can summon a multitude of NPCs to aid you, creating a chaotic battlefield where you can strategize, revive allies, and chip away at Radahn’s health. It’s a fight that rewards observation, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the chaos.
Contenders for the Crown: Other Popular Boss Fights
While Radahn may be a frontrunner, the beauty of Elden Ring lies in its diverse roster of bosses, each offering a unique challenge and experience. Here are some other frequently mentioned favorites:
Malenia, Blade of Miquella: The Test of Skill
Malenia is often considered the hardest boss in Elden Ring. Her relentless aggression, her ability to heal with every attack, and the infamous Waterfowl Dance make her a formidable opponent that tests the player’s reflexes, timing, and patience. Defeating Malenia is a true test of skill, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it is immense.
Godrick the Grafted: The First Major Hurdle
As one of the first major bosses encountered, Godrick the Grafted leaves a lasting impression. His grotesque design, his dramatic arena, and his imposing presence make him a memorable introduction to the world of Elden Ring. He’s a challenging but fair boss that forces players to learn the game’s mechanics and master their combat skills.
Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy: The Spectacle Fight
Rykard offers a completely different experience from the other bosses. Equipped with the Serpent-Hunter greatsword, the player engages in a unique fight that feels like a kaiju battle. The spectacle of the fight, the lore surrounding Rykard, and the satisfaction of finally defeating him make it a popular choice.
Beyond the Favorites: Why Some Bosses Miss the Mark
Not every boss fight in Elden Ring is created equal. Some are criticized for their repetitive nature, their unfair mechanics, or their lack of compelling design.
Death Rite Birds: The Annoying Avian
Death Rite Birds are often cited as one of the least favorite bosses in Elden Ring. Their unpredictable attack patterns, their massive damage output, and their tendency to appear in difficult-to-reach locations make them frustrating to fight.
Crystalians: The Resistance is Futile
The Crystalians, particularly when encountered in groups, can be a frustrating experience. Their high resistance to physical damage and their tendency to stagger players make them a tedious and time-consuming fight.
Valiant Gargoyles: The Double Trouble
The Valiant Gargoyles are another frequently criticized boss fight. Facing two of these powerful enemies simultaneously can be overwhelming, and the fight often feels unfair due to their coordinated attacks and high damage output.
FAQs: Your Burning Elden Ring Boss Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about the bosses of Elden Ring.
1. Who is Miyazaki’s favorite boss in Elden Ring?
As stated before, Hidetaka Miyazaki’s favorite boss is Starscourge Radahn.
2. Who is the hardest boss in Elden Ring?
Many players consider Malenia, Blade of Miquella to be the hardest boss.
3. Who is the weakest boss in Elden Ring?
The Soldier of Godrick is widely considered the easiest boss, serving as a tutorial enemy.
4. Who is the biggest boss in Elden Ring?
Elder Dragon Greyoll is one of the largest, especially when considering height.
5. What are some early game easy bosses in Elden Ring?
Erdtree Burial Watchdog, Beastman of Farum Azula, and Mad Pumpkin Head are great to build confidence early in the game.
6. What are the weaknesses of Malenia?
Malenia is weak to Frost and Fire, allowing for status effect builds to deal extra damage.
7. What is the most annoying enemy in Elden Ring?
Lesser Runebears, Ancestral Followers, and Giant Dragonflies are often considered the most annoying.
8. What makes Radahn so good as a boss?
His unique design, the Radahn Festival, and the overall challenge make him a great boss.
9. How many times have players tried to defeat Malenia?
Tarnished have attempted to defeat Malenia an estimated 329 million times.
10. What is the most difficult ending to achieve in Elden Ring?
The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is arguably the most difficult to achieve.
11. Is there an invisible enemy in Elden Ring?
Yes, the Black Knife Assassin in Sage’s Cave is invisible.
12. Who is the most evil character in Elden Ring?
The Dung Eater is often considered the most evil due to his heinous actions.
13. How can I make myself git gud?
“Git gud” isn’t about raw skill, it’s about learning enemy patterns, improving your build, and understanding the game mechanics. Don’t be afraid to look up strategies or seek help from other players!
14. Where can I learn more about game design and the psychological factors that make a boss fight compelling?
The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) has information on learning through games.
15. Can I fight Radahn more than once?
Unfortunately, no. Once you defeat Radahn, he does not respawn in the same playthrough. However, you can face him again in New Game Plus.
The Ever-Evolving Lands Between: Preferences Will Vary
Ultimately, the “best” boss fight in Elden Ring is a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer the relentless challenge of Malenia, while others appreciate the spectacle of Rykard. The beauty of Elden Ring lies in its diverse roster of bosses, each offering a unique and memorable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the Lands Between, there’s a boss fight out there that will capture your imagination and test your skills. So, grab your weapon, summon your spirit ashes, and prepare to face the challenges that await! The journey of becoming Elden Lord is not only about reaching the end; it’s the battles and the lessons that make the hero along the way.