The Divine Beast Dancing Lion is an early boss in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC that can present a significant challenge. This guide provides strategies to overcome this ancient foe, ensuring you’re well-prepared for both of its demanding phases.
Taming the Divine Beast Dancing Lion: Phase One Strategies
Divine Beast Dancing Lion boss phase one in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, showcasing its initial form before elemental power-ups.
In the initial phase of the Divine Beast Dancing Lion encounter, focus on aggressive tactics. This phase, lasting until approximately half health, is ideal for dealing substantial damage. The Dancing Lion is highly susceptible to stagger, opening opportunities for critical hits. Employ jump attacks and Ashes of War such as Transient Moonlight or Bloodblade Dance to maximize damage output. While Bleed and Frost are less effective, consistent aggression is key.
During Phase One, be mindful of the Dancing Lion’s aerial attacks. It will occasionally take flight and dive bomb, sometimes executing a command grab. Although visually intimidating, this grab attack is not as punishing as similar moves from bosses like Malenia or Astel. The most deceptive move is the circular breath attack at the end of its longer combos. When the Divine Beast rears up, it appears to be an opening, but retreating is crucial to avoid the breath attack’s area of effect.
Surviving the Elemental Onslaught: Phase Two of the Divine Beast Dancing Lion
Divine Beast Dancing Lion phase two with elemental power in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, illustrating the boss empowered with lightning.
Phase two of the Divine Beast Dancing Lion fight begins around the halfway health mark, introducing elemental power-ups that cycle through Lightning, Frost, and Air. While its core moveset remains largely the same, each element adds unique challenges demanding adapted strategies:
Lightning Phase
Drawing inspiration from Ancient Dragons, the Lightning phase sees the Divine Beast Dancing Lion periodically electrify the ground. Watch for glowing areas indicating lightning strikes. Avoid staying in one place for too long to prevent taking damage during these strikes. Patience is crucial here; wait for openings between lightning strikes to attack.
Frost Phase
The Frost phase is arguably the most dangerous. All of the Divine Beast’s attacks now inflict Frost buildup, especially its breath weapon. It also gains a Hoarfrost Stomp-like AOE attack. Dodging or jumping through this AOE and managing frostbite buildup are critical to survival during this phase. Be extra cautious and prioritize defense.
Air Phase
The Air phase often provides a slight reprieve. While less immediately threatening, the Divine Beast Dancing Lion gains a homing tornado attack. This tornado can be difficult to dodge or outrun, requiring precise timing and movement to evade effectively. Stay mobile and observe its trajectory to dodge successfully.
Utilizing Summons: Redmane Freyja
For players finding the fight overwhelming, summoning Redmane Freyja before entering the boss room can significantly ease the encounter. Ensure you have spoken to her at the Three Path Cross site of grace in the Gravesite Plain to enable her summon. Freyja can draw aggro and provide valuable support throughout the fight.
Post-Victory Exploration
After defeating the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, remember to explore the boss room thoroughly. A door on the northern wall, to your right when facing away from the entrance, leads to an elevator. This area contains crucial context for the Shadow of the Erdtree storyline, so don’t miss it.
