The Divine Beast Dancing Lion is an early, yet formidable boss in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, posing a significant challenge to Tarnished venturing into the Land of Shadow. This guide will provide you with effective strategies to overcome this majestic creature, ensuring you’re not left dancing to its tune. Mastering the Dancing Lion fight requires understanding its two distinct phases and adapting your tactics accordingly.
Taming the Dancing Lion: Phase One Assault
Elden Ring Divine Beast Dancing Lion Phase One
In the initial phase of the encounter, the Divine Beast Dancing Lion exhibits a more predictable and less aggressive moveset. This phase, typically lasting until you’ve depleted roughly one-third to one-half of its health, presents the optimal window to inflict substantial damage. Capitalize on this opportunity to play offensively. The Dancing Lion is notably susceptible to stagger in phase one, opening it up for critical hits. Employ aggressive tactics such as jump attacks and potent Ashes of War. Skills like Moonveil’s Transient Moonlight or Eleonora’s Poleblade’s Bloodblade Dance are particularly effective for rapidly building stagger. While Bleed and Frost are less effective, consistent, heavy damage is key.
Be mindful of the Dancing Lion’s aerial assaults. It will occasionally take flight and dive towards you. One variation of this attack is a command grab, characterized by a longer recovery animation for the boss if it misses. Although punishing if caught, this grab is not as devastating as similar attacks from bosses like Malenia or Astel in the base game.
The most deceptive attack in phase one is the Dancing Lion’s breath attack. Often executed at the end of its longer combos, the boss will rear onto its hind legs, seemingly presenting an opening for attack. However, this is a trap. Immediately retreat when you see this rearing animation, as it precedes a circular breath attack around itself. Staying close during this animation almost guarantees taking damage.
Surviving the Elemental Onslaught: Phase Two Tactics
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Divine Beast Dancing Lion Phase Two
Phase two of the Dancing Lion fight commences when its health drops to approximately one-half to two-thirds. This transition is marked by the boss cycling through three elemental power-ups, starting typically with lightning. While its core moveset remains largely consistent, each element introduces unique challenges that demand adjustments to your strategy:
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Lightning: Drawing inspiration from Ancient Dragons, the Lightning phase sees the Dancing Lion periodically electrify the ground. Watch for the ground to glow, indicating impending lightning strikes in that area. Avoid staying stationary for extended periods to prevent being punished by these strikes while attempting to deal damage. Maintain mobility and time your attacks carefully.
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Frost: Arguably the most perilous elemental phase, Frost imbues all of the Dancing Lion’s attacks with frost buildup, notably its breath weapon. It also gains a Hoarfrost Stomp-style AOE attack. This move can be evaded by jumping or dodging through it. Be acutely aware of the frost buildup meter and prioritize avoiding consecutive hits to prevent the Frostbite status effect, which can significantly hinder your combat effectiveness. This phase requires cautious and precise movements.
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Air: Paradoxically, the Air phase often feels like a respite compared to Lightning and Frost. While generally less immediately threatening, the Dancing Lion gains a homing tornado attack. This projectile is difficult to dodge or outrun, so focus on recognizing the wind-up animation and attempting to roll through it when it approaches, rather than trying to evade it through movement alone.
For players finding the encounter overwhelming, summoning Redmane Freyja before entering the boss room can provide valuable assistance. Ensure you have spoken to her at the Three Path Cross site of grace in the Gravesite Plain to initiate her questline and make her summon available.
Persistence is paramount in overcoming the Divine Beast Dancing Lion. By understanding its attack patterns, adapting to its elemental phases, and employing the strategies outlined above, you will eventually triumph. Upon defeating this majestic foe, remember to explore the elevator located on the northern wall of the boss room, to the right when facing away from the entrance. This area holds crucial context for the Shadow of the Erdtree narrative, which is easily missed if overlooked.
