FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is renowned for its sprawling open world, intricate lore, and most importantly, its punishing boss fights. Every corner of the Lands Between seems to house a monstrous foe ready to test your patience, skill, and sanity. While many of these bosses are memorable, some are especially terrifying, combining sheer difficulty with a haunting presence.
Here’s a ranking of the most terrifying bosses in Elden Ring, ordered by how likely they are to make you scream in frustration.
10. Royal Revenant
Creeping into the lower tier of this list is the Royal Revenant, a horrifying spider-like abomination found in various locations across the game. With its grotesque design and erratic, poison-spewing attacks, this boss preys on players who are unprepared for its aggression.
What makes it terrifying is its erratic movement and the unsettling screams it unleashes during combat. While not the most difficult fight in terms of mechanics, it’s a test of your composure and quick reflexes.
9. Godrick the Grafted
The first major boss many players encounter, Godrick the Grafted, is a grotesque tyrant who embodies the game’s themes of ambition and madness. His design is disturbing, with countless limbs sewn into his body, and his voice echoes with unsettling bravado.
The fight escalates when he grafts a dragon’s head onto his arm, unleashing fire attacks that feel overwhelming to early-game players. For many, Godrick is the first true wall of Elden Ring, setting the tone for what’s to come.
8. Astel, Naturalborn of the Void
Astel is a cosmic horror brought to life, with its skeletal body, glowing eyes, and insectoid features. Found deep within the Grand Cloister, this otherworldly boss embodies the dark, Lovecraftian side of Elden Ring’s lore.
Its attacks are a mix of massive AoEs and devastating ranged moves, testing players’ ability to dodge and stay patient. The sheer scale of the fight, coupled with Astel’s unsettling design, makes it one of the most memorable and terrifying experiences in the game.
7. Fire Giant
The Fire Giant is a towering, colossal foe who guards the path to the Forge of the Giants. His size alone is enough to intimidate even seasoned players, as his massive attacks can easily crush the unprepared.
What sets the Fire Giant apart is the second phase of the fight, where he tears off his own leg to gain new abilities. The brutality of this self-mutilation, combined with his fiery arsenal, makes him a terrifying opponent who will leave players questioning their resolve.
6. Mohg, Lord of Blood
Mohg, the self-proclaimed Lord of Blood, offers one of the most grueling and atmospheric fights in Elden Ring. His lair, drenched in blood and pulsating with crimson energy, sets the stage for a nightmare encounter.
The real terror begins with his ability to drain your health with his blood curses. His second phase ramps up the challenge with devastating fire and blood attacks, making him a fight that requires absolute precision and preparation.
5. Maliketh, the Black Blade
Maliketh is a haunting figure steeped in lore, wielding the power of Destined Death to end your journey in seconds if you’re not careful. His agility and devastating combos leave little room for error, while his design—a towering beast cloaked in shadow—adds an extra layer of dread.
The second phase of the fight, where he becomes a whirlwind of death-infused strikes, is a true test of timing and nerves. Maliketh’s oppressive presence and brutal moveset solidify his place among the most terrifying bosses.
4. Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast
The penultimate fight in Elden Ring is a two-part marathon that pits players against Radagon and the Elden Beast. Radagon’s graceful yet destructive hammer strikes make him a formidable foe on his own, but the fight truly becomes terrifying when the Elden Beast appears.
This massive, otherworldly creature turns the battlefield into a chaotic mess of radiant attacks and unavoidable AoEs. The sheer endurance required to face both foes in one fight makes this encounter unforgettable and utterly nerve-wracking.
3. Malenia, Blade of Miquella
If you’ve spent any time in the Elden Ring community, you’ve likely heard horror stories about Melania. Known for her elegance and ferocity, this boss is a true test of everything you’ve learned.
Her ability to heal with each successful strike makes the fight punishing, forcing players to play perfectly to avoid giving her an advantage. Her second phase introduces a flurry of scarlet rot attacks, creating an arena of pure chaos. Malenia’s reputation as one of FromSoftware’s hardest bosses is well-earned.
2. Dragonlord Placidusax
Dragonlord Placidusax is a secret boss with a mythic aura, found in the crumbling ruins of Farum Azula. This two-headed dragon commands storms and lightning, creating a spectacle that feels like a battle against a god.
The fight’s difficulty lies in its massive AoE attacks and the Dragonlord’s ability to teleport around the arena. His attacks come with little warning, and the sheer power behind each strike makes him one of the most formidable foes in the game.
1. Starscourge Radahn
At the top of the list is Starscourge Radahn, a boss who combines lore, spectacle, and sheer difficulty to create an unforgettable experience. Radahn is a towering figure who commands the stars themselves, and his fight takes place on a massive battlefield littered with fallen warriors.
The opening of the fight is overwhelming as Radahn charges at you with unrelenting ferocity, and his second phase—where he summons a meteor strike—is nothing short of breathtaking. The fight is a true test of endurance and strategy, as players must utilize allies and adapt to Radahn’s ever-changing tactics.
Conclusion
Elden Ring’s bosses are a testament to FromSoftware’s ability to create challenging yet memorable encounters. Each boss brings its flavor of terror to the table, whether through grotesque designs, overwhelming mechanics, or haunting lore. No matter where you fall in terms of skill, these battles will leave an indelible mark on your journey through the Lands Between. Which of these bosses gave you the most trouble?
