Elden Ring: Hardest Bosses In Shadow Of The Erdtree, Ranked

Ranking the Toughest Bosses in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has ramped up the difficulty, introducing a slew of challenging bosses that will test even the most seasoned players. While the base game already set a high bar for difficulty, Shadow of the Erdtree takes things to an entirely new level, with many of its bosses outclassing their base game counterparts. Some of the bosses featured in this DLC are brutal from the start, providing a substantial challenge that can leave even veteran Elden Ring players feeling humbled. Here’s a ranking of the hardest bosses from this DLC that you’ll need to face if you’re brave enough to enter the Land of Shadow.

Updated on January 22, 2025 by Gerardo Molina

FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is known for its difficult bosses, and Shadow of the Erdtree is no exception. The DLC introduces new mechanics, increased difficulty, and bosses that demand a high level of strategy and patience. Some of the following bosses are essential to progressing through the story, while others are optional but still offer rewarding battles for those seeking extra challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the hardest and most memorable bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree.

1. Golden Hippopotamus

This boss throws down from the start, with no easy phase to catch your breath. The Golden Hippopotamus attacks aggressively, using a combination of powerful charges and devastating attacks that can overwhelm players quickly. Players familiar with Dark Souls 3’s Sulyvahn's Beast may recognize its style, but the Golden Hippopotamus makes the battle all the more intense right from the first strike.

2. Romina, Saint of the Bud

Romina, with her grotesque insect-like body and massive size, delivers some of the hardest-hitting attacks in the DLC. She’s not just a creepy boss; her unpredictable movements, long-reaching blade, and acrobatic attacks can make the fight feel like an endless struggle. Her ability to jump across the arena and unleash deadly rolling attacks makes dodging and positioning crucial. Defeating her will reward you with a considerable amount of Runes, making it worth the challenge.

3. Divine Beast Dancing Lion

This lion-beast hybrid is a force to be reckoned with. The Dancing Lion wastes no time with its aggressive attacks that can deplete your health bar in seconds. In its second phase, the beast becomes faster and more unpredictable, using AoE lightning attacks and high-speed maneuvers that make it difficult to avoid damage. Though optional, this boss presents a formidable challenge that could easily take players by surprise.

4. Metyr, Mother of Fingers

Metyr, a giant creature composed entirely of fingers, offers a unique but formidable challenge. While not as difficult as some of the others, Metyr’s strange design and relentless attacks make it an intimidating boss to face. It’s not the toughest boss in the DLC, but it’s certainly memorable and can put up a solid fight. Its weakness to Slash damage and the Remembrance of the Mother of Fingers, which can be traded for the Staff of the Great Beyond, make it an interesting encounter.

5. Rellana, Twin Moon Knight

Rellana serves as one of the DLC’s earliest skill checks, and she doesn’t go easy on players. With her relentless moon projectiles and dangerous blade attacks, she poses a serious threat. Her second phase becomes even more punishing, with increased Elemental Damage and relentless blade strikes. This boss serves as a test of both skill and endurance, making it a must-fight for those aiming to prove their worth in Shadow of the Erdtree.

6. Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame

Midra’s appearance may be deceptive, as players initially face what seems like a weak NPC. However, once Midra’s true power is unleashed after his first phase, players are in for a world of hurt. With a large health pool and devastating AoE attacks, Midra becomes a battle of attrition. The fight ramps up in difficulty as Midra gains access to new moves and spawns spikes from the ground, adding further complexity to an already difficult encounter.

7. Scadutree Avatar

The Scadutree Avatar is one of the most aggressive bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree. With multiple phases that escalate in intensity, it’s clear that this is a fight meant to test players’ limits. Its lightning-fast attacks and underground thorn assaults can be hard to dodge, and the Avatar’s relentlessness keeps players on their toes throughout the entire fight. The reward of Miquella’s Great Rune, which removes Miquella’s insta-kill debuff during the fight with Promised Consort Radahn, makes this battle worthwhile.

8. Putrescent Knight

A knight mounted on a horse, the Putrescent Knight is a force to be reckoned with in the Fissure Depths. While optional, this boss is not to be underestimated. With its wide-reaching blue flame AoE attacks and unpredictable moveset, players must stay vigilant throughout the battle. Defeating the Putrescent Knight rewards players with a hefty 220,000 Runes and the Remembrance of Putrescence, which can be traded for the Putrescence Cleaver.

9. Bayle, The Dread

Bayle, a formidable dragon-like creature, is one of the toughest enemies in the DLC. Though weak to Piercing damage, it’s resistant to elemental attacks, making many players’ usual strategies ineffective. This boss’s massive size and sheer power require precise timing and understanding of its attack patterns. Defeating Bayle will grant players the Heart of Bayle, which can be exchanged for powerful new abilities.

10. Messmer, The Impaler

Messmer may not seem as threatening at first, but this humanoid boss proves that looks can be deceiving. With fast attacks, long-range thrusts, and the ability to assume a serpent form, Messmer’s unpredictability makes this fight incredibly challenging. Players will need to utilize Scadutree fragments to stand a chance against this vicious enemy. Defeating Messmer rewards players with 400,000 Runes and the Remembrance of the Impaler.

11. Promised Consort Radahn

Radahn, the iconic boss from Elden Ring, returns in Shadow of the Erdtree in his most powerful form. Unlike the version players encounter in the base game, Promised Consort Radahn has fully embraced his celestial powers. His twin blades and gravity-based abilities create a fast-paced, high-stakes battle. When his second phase begins, the battle becomes even more chaotic with deadly rays from Miquella. This final boss is an epitome of difficulty and provides a satisfying but brutal end to the DLC.

In Shadow of the Erdtree, FromSoftware has crafted some of the most challenging bosses yet. Each of these encounters tests different aspects of player skill, from precision dodging to managing overwhelming attack patterns. Whether you're looking for a tough fight or simply enjoying the lore behind each boss, Shadow of the Erdtree offers some of the most memorable and challenging battles in Elden Ring.