The Divine Beast Dancing Lion is an early boss in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC that presents a significant challenge to players. This guide provides a detailed strategy on how to beat the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, ensuring you overcome this formidable foe and progress further into the DLC. While seemingly intimidating, with the right approach and understanding of its attack patterns, you can defeat the Dancing Lion.
Dominating Divine Beast Dancing Lion Phase One
The first phase of the Divine Beast Dancing Lion fight typically lasts until you have depleted roughly one-third to one-half of its health. This phase offers the best opportunity to play aggressively and inflict substantial damage. During phase one, the Dancing Lion is particularly vulnerable to stagger, opening it up for critical hits. Employing jump attacks and weapon skills like Moonveil’s Transient Moonlight or Eleonara’s Poleblade’s Bloodblade Dance can be highly effective in staggering the boss. While Bleed and Frost are less effective, focusing on raw damage and stagger tactics will serve you well in this initial phase.
Divine Beast Dancing Lion Phase One Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree combat, showcasing the boss in its initial form.
One of the Dancing Lion’s attacks involves leaping into the air and diving down. One variation of this is a command grab, which, if it connects, leads to a lengthy punish animation. Although getting caught by this grab is punishing, it is not usually fatal, unlike similar grabs from bosses like Malenia or Astel in the base Elden Ring game.
The most deceptive move in phase one occurs at the end of its longer combos. The Dancing Lion will rear up on its hind legs, seemingly creating an opening for attack, before unleashing a breath attack in a circular area around itself. It is crucial to recognize this animation and retreat immediately when you see it rearing up to avoid taking significant damage.
Surviving Divine Beast Dancing Lion Phase Two and Elemental Shifts
Phase two of the Divine Beast Dancing Lion encounter begins when the boss reaches approximately half to two-thirds of its health. This phase introduces elemental power-ups, significantly changing the dynamic of the fight. The Dancing Lion cycles through three elemental enhancements, typically starting with lightning. While its core moveset remains largely consistent, each element adds a unique challenge you must adapt to:
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Lightning Phase: Drawing inspiration from Ancient Dragon fights in the base game, the Dancing Lion will periodically cause the ground to glow before lightning strikes the indicated areas. During this phase, it is crucial to avoid staying in one place for too long when attacking, as you risk being caught in these lightning strikes. Patience and timed attacks are key here.
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Frost Phase: This is arguably the most dangerous elemental phase. The Dancing Lion’s attacks now inflict frost buildup, particularly its breath weapon. It also gains a Hoarfrost Stomp-style Area of Effect (AOE) move. This phase requires precise dodging and awareness of frost buildup to avoid being frostbitten, which can severely hinder your movement and damage output. Jumping or dodging through the AOE attack is essential.
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Air Phase: In contrast to the Frost Phase, the Air Phase often feels like a safer period during phase two. However, the Dancing Lion gains a homing tornado attack that can be difficult to evade. Focus on dodging perpendicular to the tornado’s path and be prepared to roll multiple times to escape its tracking.
Divine Beast Dancing Lion Phase Two with lightning element active in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree boss fight.
If you find the fight overwhelming, consider summoning Redmane Freyja before entering the boss room. Speaking to her at the Three Path Cross site of grace in the Gravesite Plain is necessary to enable her summon and progress her questline. Freyja can provide valuable assistance, drawing aggro and dealing significant damage, making the fight more manageable.
Conclusion: Triumphing Over the Dancing Lion
Defeating the Divine Beast Dancing Lion requires a blend of aggression in phase one and careful adaptation in phase two. By exploiting its stagger vulnerability early on and understanding how to navigate its elemental shifts, you can overcome this challenging boss. Remember to utilize jump attacks and weapon skills in phase one, and exercise caution and precise dodging in phase two, especially during the Frost and Lightning phases. Summoning Redmane Freyja offers an additional advantage if needed. Victory over the Dancing Lion will allow you to continue your journey deeper into the Shadow of the Erdtree, unlocking further mysteries and challenges. Don’t forget to explore the elevator in the boss room for crucial context to the unfolding story.
