The long-awaited entry into the Soulslike genre, Elden Ring, has finally been released to critical acclaim. This game is not for the faint of heart. Elden Ring's massive open world is filled with difficult dungeons and bosses for players to explore and conquer. Even the game's starting area contains one of the most difficult enemies in the game, and some fans are using the opportunity to challenge themselves in unique ways. With the game having over 50 separate bosses, it can be difficult for fans to figure out what the next step is on their journey to become the Elden Lord.
Bosses in Elden Ring are easy to spot because of the giant health bar that appears on the screen when they are approached. Some major bosses will also have their own cutscenes, letting players know that the incoming fight is an important one. However, not every boss needs to be defeated to complete the main story, and the game gives very little information regarding questlines and story progression. While there is some contention among fans on which bosses are required and which ones can be skipped, most players agree that there are 12 bosses that must be defeated to beat the game.
Margit, the Fell Omen
Margit, the Fell Omen is the first major boss most players will encounter. Margit is located in the Stormveil Castle in the Limgrave region and will be the largest hurdle on the player's path to defeating their first Shardbearer. Even though this fight may be the player's first major boss, Margit's speed and ranged attacks make him a difficult encounter.
Godrick the Grafted
Godrick the Grafted is the first Shardbearer players will encounter in Elden Ring. Like Margit, the Fell Omen, Godrick is located in Stormveil Castle in the Limgrave region. This boss wields a large golden axe and has multiple body parts grafted to himself, which will come into play during the battle.
Red Wolf of Radagon
Like Margit, the Fell Omen, the Red Wolf of Radagon serves as an obstacle in the player's path during their travels through the Raya Lucaria Academy. Just because this enemy isn't a major boss does not mean it is an easy fight. The Wolf wields a giant sword and can move at incredible speeds. Its moves are difficult to predict and dodge and will likely be the player's demise the first time around. It will likely take players a few attempts to defeat the Red Wolf.
Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon
Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon is the major boss in the Raya Lucaria Academy. Rennala has an interesting story and connection to the Elden Ring, and players can learn more about this after the fight when visiting the Church of Vows. This is also one of the most interesting boss fights in the game and will consist of a few major phases. Rennala can be tough to beat, but her attacks and fight are predictable and can be memorized after a few tries.
Godfrey, the First Elden Lord
Godfrey may seem like a menacing opponent with a title like "the First Elden Lord," but he can be bested pretty quickly if players are tooled up enough. Players will actually fight Godfrey twice over the course of the game, and both fights are required to beat the game. He will be found in the Leyndell Royal Capital once players make it to the Atlus Plateau region. The path to Godfrey can be long and confusing, as he resides at the top of the Capital's main structure.
Morgott, the Omen King
Morgott, the Omen King is fought in the Leyndell Royal Capital once players reach the Atlus Plateau region of the map. This boss stands at the base of the Erdtree and serves as a far more difficult version of Margit, the Fell Omen that players fight earlier in the game. Players receive a lot of interesting lore about Elden Ring's world during the cutscene of this fight, and they can even speak to Morgott's husk after he is defeated to learn more.
Fire Giant
Even for a major Elden Ring boss, the Fire Giant is tough thanks to his enormous pool of health. This enemy also deals devastating amounts of damage with his melee and ranged attacks. This battle does allow players to use their horse, Torrent, which makes up for some of the difficulty and allows players to stay mobile. The Fire Giant is found in the snowy Mountaintops of the Giants region later in the game.
Godskin Duo
The Godskin Duo is extremely dangerous. Unlike the other required boss fights in the game, this battle pits players against two enemies at once. Both are powerful on their own, and when combined can easily overwhelm players. They will be found in the Crumbling Farm Azula and stand in players' way of getting to their next Legend boss. Bosses similar to the Godskin Duo can be found all over the world of Elden Ring, but this is the only point where players will be required to fight two Godskin enemies at once.
Maliketh, the Black Blade
Like the Godskin Duo, Maliketh, the Black Blade will be found in the Crumbling Farm Azula. Players must defeat him to move on to the Leyndell, Ashen Capital. Like other Legend bosses, Maliketh's fight has multiple stages and stands as one of the most difficult bosses in the game. Starting out as a Beastly creature, Maliketh will move with decent speed and heavy attacks, but once his second phase starts, Maliketh can be a real challenge.
Hoarah Loux, the Warrior
Hoarah Loux, the Warrior is a Legend boss that players will encounter in Leyndell, Ashen Capital. Hoarah Loux is a difficult boss, and the best way players can beat him is by bringing along a friend via multiplayer or having a strong Spirit Ash summon. His fight will consist of two major phases, with the second phase being much more difficult than the first. Hoarah Loux's lion companion will strengthen the boss and make him even more enraged.
Radagon of the Golden Order
Radagon of the Golden Order is one of the final story bosses players will have to face in Elden Ring. He wields a massive hammer that can deal devastating damage to the player. Radagon is found in the Elden Throne, and he is the person responsible for the destruction of the Elden Ring. Despite that, this fight isn't particularly difficult, as Radagon actually serves as a prelude to the final boss battle.
The Elden Beast
The Elden Beast is the natural embodiment of the Elden Ring, and it is a major boss that is unavoidable when progressing through the story. It will appear as soon as players defeat Radagon. This can make the boss fight even more difficult, since players will likely not have time to regroup and prepare for the incoming enemy. This boss fight is a real spectacle, with the Elden Beast having one of the most unique character designs in the game.