Who is Elden Ring’s Final Boss? An In-Depth Exploration
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The answer, in short, is two-fold: Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast. You must defeat Radagon before immediately facing the Elden Beast in the same encounter. The Elden Beast is generally considered the true final boss of Elden Ring, as it is the last enemy you vanquish to achieve the “Elden Lord” ending.
Understanding the Endgame Sequence
Elden Ring’s finale is a multi-layered affair, deeply entwined with the game’s lore and its themes of ambition, destiny, and the shattering of the Elden Ring. It’s not just about brute force; understanding the narrative context enriches the entire experience. The game doesn’t simply hand you the ending; it demands you earn it through challenging encounters and a comprehension of the world’s convoluted history.
Radagon: The Broken Vessel
Radagon serves as the initial hurdle in the final boss gauntlet. He is a powerful, if somewhat tragic, figure – the embodiment of the Golden Order and the former husband of Queen Marika. He wields a hammer and utilizes Golden Order incantations, making him a formidable foe. His attacks are relentless, and his teleportation abilities can make him difficult to pin down. Defeating him is necessary to progress to the final confrontation. He’s more than just a strong enemy; he represents the fractured state of the Golden Order itself.
The Elden Beast: Incarnation of the Greater Will
Following Radagon’s defeat, the Elden Beast emerges – a colossal, ethereal being embodying the Greater Will’s influence on the Lands Between. This creature is unlike anything you’ve faced before, a massive, alien-looking entity that swims through the air and utilizes a variety of cosmic attacks. It’s important to note that the Elden Beast’s health bar appears directly after you defeat Radagon, so you can’t save and rest between these two fights. It is generally considered the final boss because it is the last entity slain to unlock the game’s primary ending.
The Elden Beast represents the culmination of your journey. Its defeat signifies your ability to restore (or redefine) the Elden Ring and claim your place as Elden Lord. Unlike some of the more grounded and visceral bosses in the game, the Elden Beast feels truly alien, reflecting the otherworldly power that influences the Lands Between.
Strategies and Considerations
Beating this final pair of bosses requires careful preparation and adaptation. Here are some essential things to consider:
- Level and Stats: Aim for a character level of at least 150, with a substantial investment in Vigor (40+) to withstand their powerful attacks.
- Weapons and Armor: Equip yourself with weapons that deal Holy damage and armor with high Holy resistance, as the Elden Beast deals significant Holy damage.
- Summons: Spirit Ashes can be invaluable for distracting the bosses and creating openings for attack. The Black Knife Tiche spirit ash is a great choice.
- Buffs and Items: Utilize buffs like Golden Vow and Flame, Grant Me Strength to increase your damage output and defense. Consumables that boost Holy resistance can also be beneficial.
- Patience and Persistence: The Elden Beast fight is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, learn its attack patterns, and don’t get discouraged by repeated attempts.
The battles against Radagon and the Elden Beast are not just tests of skill, they are a culmination of everything you’ve learned on your journey through the Lands Between. They demand that you utilize all the tools and strategies at your disposal. The Games Learning Society could analyze the various strategic approaches to the final boss, showcasing how players learn, adapt, and overcome challenges within the game.
Elden Ring Final Boss FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the final bosses in Elden Ring:
1. Is Elden Beast harder than Malenia?
While both are challenging, Malenia is widely considered the harder boss. Her aggressive fighting style, ability to heal with each attack, and Waterfowl Dance attack make her a significant hurdle for many players. The Elden Beast, while having high health and dealing substantial Holy damage, has predictable attack patterns.
2. What level should I be to fight the Elden Beast?
A recommended level is around 150-160. At this level, you should have sufficient stats to effectively utilize your chosen build and withstand the boss’s attacks.
3. What is the Elden Beast weak to?
The Elden Beast is generally weak to Physical Damage and certain Black Flame incantations. Weapons that deal Holy damage are less effective, as the beast has high Holy resistance.
4. Can you summon for the Elden Beast?
Yes, you can summon Spirit Ashes for both Radagon and the Elden Beast. This can be a great way to distract the bosses and create openings for attack.
5. What is the Elden Beast’s lore significance?
The Elden Beast is believed to be an avatar of the Greater Will, the outer god that influences the Lands Between. It embodies the power of the Elden Ring itself and represents the established order.
6. Does the Elden Beast have any unique drops?
Defeating the Elden Beast grants you the Elden Remembrance, which can be exchanged for its weapon or a large number of Runes. It also unlocks the Elden Lord ending.
7. How do I respec my character before the final boss?
You can respec your character by giving Larval Tears to Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, in the Raya Lucarian Academy.
8. Can I return to the world after beating the Elden Beast?
Yes, after defeating the Elden Beast and choosing your ending, you can choose to start a New Game Plus or continue exploring the world.
9. What is the best spirit ash for the Elden Beast?
Some of the best Spirit Ashes for the Elden Beast include Black Knife Tiche, Mimic Tear, and Lhutel the Headless. These summons are durable and deal significant damage.
10. How does Holy damage affect the Elden Beast?
The Elden Beast has high Holy resistance, so weapons and spells that deal Holy damage are less effective.
11. Is it possible to cheese the Elden Beast?
While there are glitches and exploits that can make the fight easier, they are not reliable and may be patched out. The most consistent way to defeat the Elden Beast is through skillful play.
12. How important is my weapon level?
Having a fully upgraded weapon (+10 for special weapons, +25 for regular weapons) is crucial for dealing sufficient damage to the final bosses.
13. What stats are most important for the final boss fight?
Vigor, Endurance, and the primary stat for your chosen build (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, or Arcane) are all crucial. Having sufficient HP and stamina is essential for survivability.
14. Does armor matter against the Elden Beast?
Yes, wearing armor with high physical and Holy resistance can significantly reduce the damage you take from the Elden Beast’s attacks.
15. What ending is considered the “best” in Elden Ring?
There is no objectively “best” ending, as each ending offers a different perspective on the fate of the Lands Between. The “best” ending is subjective and depends on your personal preferences and interpretations of the game’s lore.
Conclusion
The final battle against Radagon and the Elden Beast is a fitting climax to Elden Ring’s epic journey. It tests your skills, your knowledge of the game’s mechanics, and your understanding of its lore. While challenging, with the right preparation and strategy, you can overcome these final hurdles and claim your place as Elden Lord. The journey through the Lands Between offers rich lessons in perseverance and adaptation. You can learn more about the impact of gaming on learning through organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.