The Divine Beast Dancing Lion emerges as an early challenge in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, and it’s no secret that many players find themselves tested by this formidable foe during their initial encounter. Fortunately, with the right approach and a touch of strategy, this ancient being can be overcome. This guide will walk you through effective tactics, particularly emphasizing a shift in playstyle as you navigate through its two distinct phases.
Decoding Divine Beast Dancing Lion Phase One
Divine Beast Dancing Lion in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Phase One
Phase one of the Divine Beast Dancing Lion fight typically lasts until you’ve chipped away about a third to half of its health. This initial phase presents a prime opportunity to play aggressively and rack up damage. The Dancing Lion is notably vulnerable to staggering during this phase, opening it up for critical hits. Employing jump attacks and Ashes of War such as Moonveil’s Transient Moonlight or Eleonara’s Poleblade’s Bloodblade Dance can prove highly effective. While Bleed and Frost are less impactful, focusing on stagger-inducing attacks is key in this phase.
Be mindful of the Dancing Lion’s aerial assaults. It has a few attacks where it takes to the sky before crashing down, including a command grab. While getting caught by the grab is punishing, it’s generally not a fatal blow, unlike some grabs from base game bosses.
One of the trickier moves to anticipate 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, but this signals its breath attack, which covers a circular area around it. When you see this rearing motion, it’s best to back off to avoid getting caught in the breath.
Navigating Divine Beast Dancing Lion Phase Two’s Elemental Shifts
Divine Beast Dancing Lion Elemental Forms in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Phase Two
Phase two of the Divine Beast Dancing Lion fight commences when its health drops to around two-thirds to one-half, marked by the boss cycling through three elemental power-ups. While its core moveset remains largely consistent, each element introduces a new challenge that demands your attention:
- Lightning: Drawing inspiration from the Ancient Dragons of the base game, in its lightning phase, the Dancing Lion will trigger ground-based lightning strikes. The ground will glow briefly before lightning hits, making it crucial to avoid lingering in one spot to attack for too long during these moments.
- Frost: This phase arguably presents the highest risk. The Dancing Lion’s attacks now inflict frost buildup, particularly its breath weapon. It also gains a Hoarfrost Stomp-like AOE attack, which requires well-timed jumps or dodges to evade.
- Air: Often considered the safest phase of phase two, the air element does grant the Dancing Lion a homing tornado attack. This tornado can be difficult to dodge, requiring precise timing or outrunning it.
If the fight feels 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 make her summon available and progresses her questline.
Persistence and adaptation are your greatest assets in this fight. Defeating the Dancing Lion unlocks progression, but don’t forget to explore the boss room thoroughly. Ascend the elevator on the northern wall, to the right of the entrance, to uncover crucial contextual details for your Shadow of the Erdtree journey that you won’t want to miss.
