Elden Ring is a game of steep challenge. While the colossal main bosses of The Lands Between garner the most attention, underestimating the threat posed by its mini-bosses can prove to be fatal. Though smaller, the peculiar attack patterns of these foes can sometimes be a true test of skill for even the most experienced players.
Relying solely on “cheese” tactics will prove ineffective against these bosses. Careful planning and strategic build adjustments are a must for victory. From Malenia’s Cleanrot Knights to the Red Wolf of Radagon, these adversaries will make you stop and think twice about your strategies, and make you a better player in the process. Here are five of the harshest mini-boss battles you can find in Elden Ring.
Leonine Misbegotten
If you come across Leonine Misbegotten, your dodge timing better be pitch-perfect, and panic rolls should be avoided at all costs, else you’ll be subjected to a whirlwind of rapid strikes that are near-impossible to block. Beware of the Pierce Damage-inflicting jump attacks too.
Should you be successful in the battle, the game will reward you with a Grafted Blade Greatsword, one of the mightiest Strength weapons in the game, as well as 8 Banished Knight’s Halberds after defeating Edgar the Revenger.
Cemetery Shade (Black Knife Catacombs)
Among the powerful mini-bosses guarding Elden Ring‘s catacombs, the Cemetery Shade stands alone as the only one that deals colossal amounts of Blood Loss Build Up. Once the Blood Loss meter reaches 250, a chunk of HP is ripped away, which renders cheesing a very ineffective strategy.
Moreover, the Black Knife Catacombs variant is stronger than the rest, which means if you don’t kill it right after you enter the fog, it will kill you. Thankfully, Spirit Ash Summons can be used in this fight.
Full-grown Fallingstar Beast
Invulnerability to Frost and Bleed and a rock-hard tolerance to melee and physical attacks make the Full-grown Fallingstar Beast a chore to fight against, unless you’re a magic user. For a mini-boss, the Beast boasts a staggering arsenal of attacks, both melee and gravity. There’s also a phase two, where it not only attacks more aggressively, but also gains new gravity attacks.
Patience is make-or-break in this fight, as the Beast’s attacks are slow and predictable, but one misstep would end in certain death. They do make dodging easier, but doing so on horseback would most likely have you flung off. If you do chip away at its health and win, you’ll earn a Somber Smithing Stone, 5 Smithing Stones, and the Fallingstar Beast Jaw weapon.
Crucible Knight
Donning armor that resembles most regular knights, the Crucible Knight is a classic case of a sleeper build. For the uninitiated, starting up a battle with him would soon reveal a varied string of attacks, a second phase, and the ability to fly. Summoning other players or using Spirit Summons is also out of the question.
Mastering the Crucible Knight requires razor-sharp reflexes and attention to detail. While the agility of melee builds can prove advantageous, ranged builds also have a fighting chance if the timing is perfect.
Godskin Duo
If you thought conquering a singular Godskin mini-boss wasn’t much of an effort, the Godskin Duo presents a challenge ten times worse. This encounter pits you against two formidable Godskins and three HP bars – two of their own, and a shared bar that replenishes them until it’s drained.
Close-quarters combat and ranged defence are the pillars upon which you stand a fighting chance against the Godskins, because as soon as you get out of their melee attack zone, you’re immediately pelted with a barrage of Black Fireballs from up above. The relentless fury of the Duo and the inevitability of several deaths before you finally beat them earns the Godskins the top spot on this list.
Elden Ring is available on Steam, PS4/5, and Xbox One/Series S/Series X.
