Elden Ring’s Gatekeeper: Who is the Hardest First Boss?
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The answer, unequivocally, is Margit the Fell Omen. While Elden Ring doesn’t explicitly force you to fight him immediately, he acts as the first significant hurdle, a brutal skill check designed to separate the Tarnished from the truly determined. He stands guard before Stormveil Castle, barring progress to the main story path and serving as a harsh introduction to the challenges that await. His aggressive attack patterns, deceptively long reach, and varied moveset make him a formidable opponent for unprepared players. The Tree Sentinel might be seen first, but he is optional, and most players can simply ride around him. Margit? Not so much.
Why Margit Earns the Title
Margit’s difficulty doesn’t just stem from his stats. It’s the combination of factors that contribute to his fearsome reputation:
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Aggression: Margit is relentless. He rarely gives players a breather, constantly pressuring them with a flurry of attacks.
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Unpredictability: His attack patterns are varied and can be difficult to anticipate, requiring precise timing for dodges and parries. He will delay his attacks to throw off your timing.
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Reach: Margit’s weapon attacks have a surprisingly long reach, often catching players off guard who think they’re at a safe distance.
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Mixups: He seamlessly blends weapon attacks with magical daggers and a spectral hammer, forcing players to adapt to different attack types on the fly.
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Level Gap: Many players encounter Margit relatively early in the game, before they have access to powerful weapons, armor, or levels. A low-level character will feel Margit’s hits that much harder.
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Limited Resources: Early in Elden Ring, players often have limited healing flasks and spirit ashes, making it difficult to sustain damage through a prolonged fight.
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Arena Design: The battlefield itself can be treacherous, with cliffs that players can easily fall off, adding another layer of difficulty to the encounter.
While other bosses might be harder later in the game (Malenia, for example, is infamous), Margit’s placement as an early roadblock makes him the toughest “first” boss experience. He forces players to learn the game’s core mechanics, upgrade their gear, and strategize effectively. He is a true test of skill, patience, and determination.
Tips for Overcoming Margit
While Margit is difficult, he is by no means unbeatable. Here are some tips to help you triumph:
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Level Up: Spend some time exploring Limgrave and Weeping Peninsula, completing side quests and defeating enemies to level up your character. Focusing on vigor will increase your health points and allow you to survive more hits.
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Upgrade Your Weapon: Visit the blacksmith at the Church of Elleh to upgrade your weapon. Even a few upgrade levels can make a significant difference. The stats needed to wield a weapon properly will also matter.
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Summon Spirit Ashes: Spirit Ashes, such as the Lone Wolves or Jellyfish, can provide valuable support by distracting Margit and drawing his aggro.
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Use the Margit’s Shackle: Purchase Margit’s Shackle from Patches. This item can temporarily immobilize Margit, giving you a valuable opening to attack or heal.
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Learn His Attack Patterns: Spend some time observing Margit’s attack patterns and learning the timing of his attacks. Practice dodging or parrying his attacks until you can consistently avoid damage.
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Cooperative Play: Consider summoning other players to assist you in the fight. Fighting Margit with a friend can make the encounter significantly easier.
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Utilize Jump Attacks: Jump attacks can be a highly effective way to stagger Margit, opening him up for critical hits.
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Respect His Power: Don’t get greedy with your attacks. Focus on dodging and creating openings to deal damage safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Margit harder than Godrick?
Generally, Margit is considered harder than Godrick. Margit’s placement earlier in the game, coupled with his aggressive attack patterns, makes him a more significant challenge for most players. Godrick, while still a formidable boss, has slower, more telegraphed attacks.
What level should I be to fight Margit?
The recommended level for fighting Margit is at least level 20, ideally 25 or higher. You should also aim to have a weapon upgraded to +3 or higher.
What are Margit’s weaknesses?
Margit doesn’t have any significant elemental weaknesses. However, he is vulnerable to parrying, and using the Margit’s Shackle item can provide temporary openings.
Is Margit a mandatory boss?
Yes, Margit is a mandatory boss. You must defeat him to progress to Stormveil Castle and continue the main story path.
What is the best spirit ash to use against Margit?
The Lone Wolves are a good early-game option. They can distract Margit and provide some breathing room. However, the Jellyfish is considered by many to be a better option due to its ranged poison attacks and greater survivability.
Can you skip Margit?
While you technically can find ways around Stormveil Castle later, defeating Margit is the intended and most straightforward way to progress in the early game. By skipping him, you miss vital items and story progression.
What stats should I focus on leveling up before fighting Margit?
Prioritize Vigor to increase your health and survivability. Also, level up Strength or Dexterity, depending on your weapon of choice, to increase your damage output.
What is the easiest class to beat Margit with?
There isn’t a definitive “easiest” class, as it depends on individual playstyles. However, classes with access to ranged attacks and/or summons, such as the Astrologer or Prophet, can have an advantage.
What is the best weapon to use against Margit?
There’s no single “best” weapon, but weapons with good reach and damage output are effective. Early-game options include the Longsword, Lordsworn’s Straight Sword, and Uchigatana.
Is it possible to parry Margit?
Yes, it is possible to parry some of Margit’s attacks. However, parrying requires precise timing and can be risky. It’s not recommended for beginners.
What does Margit drop when defeated?
Margit drops the Talisman Pouch, which allows you to equip an additional talisman, and a significant amount of runes, which can be used to level up.
Where can I find Margit’s Shackle?
You can purchase Margit’s Shackle from Patches at Murkwater Cave after defeating him (or sparing him).
Is Margit the hardest boss in Elden Ring?
No, Margit is not the hardest boss in Elden Ring overall. However, he is generally considered to be one of the most challenging early-game bosses and a significant skill check for players. Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is often considered the most difficult boss in the entire game.
What is the lore behind Margit?
Margit is a member of the Omen race, cursed beings born with horns. He is a loyal servant of the Golden Order and opposes those who seek to claim the Elden Ring.
How does Elden Ring‘s difficulty compare to other FromSoftware games?
Elden Ring shares the punishing difficulty of other FromSoftware games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, but it also offers more tools and options for players to overcome challenges. The open world allows players to explore and level up before tackling difficult bosses, and the addition of spirit ashes provides valuable support.
Elden Ring is a challenging but rewarding game, and overcoming Margit is a significant accomplishment that prepares players for the adventures that lie ahead. Understanding the design principles behind challenging games can enrich the gaming experience, and learning communities like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offer resources to explore these concepts further.