Navigating the Lands Between in Elden Ring presents a formidable challenge, not least due to the array of terrifying and powerful bosses that stand in your path. Among these, beastly bosses often stand out with their aggressive attack patterns and imposing presence. Many players find themselves seeking strategies to overcome these encounters, and understanding how to approach these fights is crucial for progression. This article delves into the experience of facing such bosses, drawing from player experiences and offering insights into tackling these ferocious foes.
The Thrill and Tribulation of Beast Boss Encounters
One player recently shared their experience battling a beastly boss, noting the intense challenge and eventual triumph after 29 attempts. Their account highlights a common sentiment among Elden Ring players: the satisfaction of overcoming a difficult boss after persistent effort. What made this particular encounter memorable was the boss’s design, described as refreshing, and the presence of actual openings for attack – a welcome contrast to some of the more relentlessly aggressive bosses found in the base game.
Despite the aggressive nature of beastly bosses, a key takeaway from this player’s experience is that these fights are often fair. While attacks can be rapid and powerful, they generally avoid excessively long, inescapable combos, allowing players windows to learn patterns and react effectively. This design philosophy encourages strategic play and rewards patience and observation.
Rellana: A Different Breed of Aggression
Another boss encounter discussed is Rellana, often compared to the infamous Malenia for her relentless aggression and complex attack patterns. While the comparison to “Malenia 2.0” might be an exaggeration, Rellana undoubtedly presents a significant hurdle. Her attacks are difficult to dodge, requiring precise timing and positioning. Unlike some bosses, Rellana is also resistant to staggering, demanding sustained and powerful attacks to create openings.
One of Rellana’s most daunting moves is her “twin moons” attack, where she launches into the air and slams down with devastating force, creating massive shockwaves. Successfully evading this attack requires precise jump timing, and failure often results in death. However, a crucial difference between Rellana and Malenia, and perhaps why some players find her less overwhelmingly difficult, is the absence of a second phase or health bar. This means that while the fight is intense, it is ultimately a test of endurance against a single, albeit very aggressive, health pool.
The player recounts needing 19 attempts to defeat Rellana, emphasizing her aggressive nature. Interestingly, they speculate that their strength-based build might have made the fight somewhat easier. This highlights the importance of build optimization and how different playstyles can significantly impact boss difficulty in Elden Ring.
Strategies for Conquering Beastly Bosses in Elden Ring
While specific strategies will vary from boss to boss, some general principles can aid in overcoming beastly encounters in Elden Ring:
- Observe and Learn: Beastly bosses, despite their aggression, often have predictable attack patterns. Take time to observe their moves, identify openings, and learn the timing of their attacks.
- Patience is Key: These fights are rarely a rush. Focus on dodging and surviving first, and then capitalize on openings when they appear. Rushing in aggressively can often lead to quick defeats.
- Utilize Openings: As highlighted in the player’s experience, beastly bosses often have openings after their attack sequences. Identify these moments and use them to land your own attacks.
- Consider Your Build: Different builds excel against different types of enemies. Experiment with weapon types, Ashes of War, and Talismans to find a setup that is effective against the specific beast boss you are facing. As the player mentioned, a strength-based build might offer advantages in certain encounters.
- Master Dodging and Rolling: Elden Ring’s combat heavily relies on effective dodging. Practice your timing and learn to utilize invincibility frames during rolls to evade powerful attacks.
- Summons Can Help: If you are struggling, consider using Spirit Ashes to summon allies. Summons can draw aggro, create openings, and provide valuable support in challenging boss fights.
Final Thoughts
Beastly bosses in Elden Ring offer a thrilling and demanding experience. They test your skills, patience, and adaptability. While encounters can be frustratingly difficult, the sense of accomplishment after finally defeating these formidable foes is incredibly rewarding. By understanding their attack patterns, employing strategic gameplay, and optimizing your build, you can overcome these challenges and continue your journey through the Lands Between.
