Elden Ring is known for its brutal boss battles, where patience, timing, and strategy are just as crucial as raw strength. As someone who has sunk over 200 hours into this masterpiece, I’ve faced every major boss the game has to offer. Some took just a few tries; others nearly made me quit. In this guide, I’ll rank the 10 hardest bosses in Elden Ring based on personal experience, community consensus, and mechanical difficulty. Whether you’re prepping for a first-time encounter or looking to relive the pain, this list is here to help.
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10. Morgott, the Omen King
Morgott is a test of patience. He punishes aggressive playstyles and demands tight spacing. His second phase, where he adds holy damage and faster combos, can catch even experienced players off guard. Morgott isn’t the most complex boss mechanically, but his punishing moveset earns him a place on this list.
9. Astel, Naturalborn of the Void
Astel is as stunning as he is deadly. Between gravity magic, long-range attacks, and a brutal teleport-grab combo, Astel can wipe you out in seconds if you’re not careful. His erratic movement makes it hard to keep up close, especially for melee builds.
8. Fire Giant
The sheer size of the Fire Giant makes the fight difficult. Targeting his weak points—mainly his ankle and later his hands—can be a chore. Add to that his AoE fire attacks and the risk of falling off cliffs, and you’re in for a chaotic battle.
7. Maliketh, the Black Blade
Fast, aggressive, and armed with death magic, Maliketh is a late-game wall. His first phase is manageable, but in the second phase, he becomes a whirlwind of slashes and projectiles. Healing becomes risky, and dodging has to be nearly perfect. He took me over 20 attempts to beat, even after upgrading my best weapons using runes I had farmed meticulously.
6. Commander Niall
Often underestimated, Niall is brutally difficult—mostly because of his two summonable knights. If you don’t dispatch them quickly, you’ll get overwhelmed. Once they’re gone, Niall’s second phase features frost and lightning attacks that can kill in a couple of hits. This fight taught me the value of rune investment, and I actually had to look into where to buy Elden Ring runes just to prep for it.
5. Mohg, Lord of Blood
Mohg’s fight is a gruesome ballet of blood magic and constant pressure. His Nihil phase is one of the most terrifying moments in the game—it deals guaranteed damage unless you use a specific item. With his regeneration and AoE attacks, this battle demands a perfect mix of offense and defense.
4. Radagon of the Golden Order & Elden Beast
This two-phase final boss fight is punishing. Radagon is aggressive and can teleport mid-combo. Then comes the Elden Beast, which completely changes the fight’s tempo with holy projectiles and evasive swimming patterns. Running out of flasks in phase one is a guaranteed death sentence. I spent an entire weekend grinding runes to finally afford the upgrades I needed to beat this one.
3. Malenia, Blade of Miquella
Malenia heals on every hit she lands, making each mistake incredibly costly. Her Waterfowl Dance is one of the deadliest combos in any FromSoftware game. I summoned help, respecced my build, and even considered quitting. She’s beautiful, deadly, and possibly the most iconic boss in Elden Ring.
2. Placidusax
This optional dragon boss is often missed, but Placidusax is no joke. His lightning attacks cover a wide area, and his teleporting can catch players off guard. Managing stamina and spacing is key. Few bosses feel as majestic—and as frustrating—as this one.
1. Godskin Duo
The Godskin Duo deserves the top spot simply for the sheer frustration they cause. Unlike most duo fights, they can revive each other. They also share a health bar, which means there’s no real way to eliminate one for good. This fight is chaotic, unfair, and took me the most attempts to finally beat. I eventually had to buy Elden Ring runes to upgrade my Spirit Ashes just to stand a chance.
Elden Ring’s boss design rewards learning, adaptation, and perseverance. But sometimes, no matter how good your timing is, you just need a bit of extra power. That’s where knowing where to buy Elden Ring runes becomes essential. Trusted providers like U4GM offer fast, secure options that can help you stay competitive in a game this punishing.
These ten bosses represent the peak of challenge in Elden Ring. Whether you're looking to relive the thrill or prepare for battle, I hope this ranking provides both guidance and inspiration. Good luck, Tarnished—you’ll need it.