Ranking EVERY Elden Ring Boss Before Shadow of the Erdtree

Introduction

This tutorial offers a comprehensive ranking of every boss in Elden Ring, reflecting personal enjoyment and gameplay experiences. Each boss is evaluated based on their design, mechanics, and the overall challenge they present. Understanding these rankings can enhance your gameplay experience as you prepare for encounters with these formidable foes.

Step 1: Establish Ground Rules for Ranking

Before diving into the rankings, it's essential to establish criteria for judgment. Here are the key rules to consider:

• Exclusion of Non-Bosses: Generic late-game enemies with boss health bars are not included unless specified. Examples include the Beastman of Farum Azula and Stone Digger Troll.

• Focus on Powerful Versions: If bosses have multiple versions, only the stronger ones are discussed, such as Phantom Godfrey over the weaker versions.

• Required Bosses Only: Repeat enemies are only counted if they are necessary to complete the game or access other bosses, like Margit or Red Wolf of Radagon.

• Grouping Similar Bosses: Similar bosses are grouped together for ranking purposes, such as Crucible Knights and various dragon types.

Step 2: Ranking the Bosses

Here’s the ranking from worst to best, along with key observations about each boss:

1. D Tier:

   • Godskin Duo: A tedious fight with poor synergy between bosses, resulting in a drawn-out battle.
   • Gank Squad: More of a combat trial than a boss fight, lacking unique mechanics.
   • Fire Giant: Impressive size but ultimately a slow and grindy fight with repetitive mechanics.

2. C Tier:

   • Ulcerated Tree Spirit: Unique design but suffers from camera issues and erratic movements.
   • Mimic Tear: A mirror match that lacks depth compared to other bosses.
   • Estelle: Visually striking but suffers from frustrating mechanics and positioning issues.

3. B Tier:

   • Tree Sentinel: A great introduction to the game but straightforward.
   • Gargoyles: Fun encounters but can be frustrating in multi-boss scenarios.
   • Loretta: Engaging with a mix of melee and magic attacks, requiring good dodging skills.

4. A Tier:

   • Radahn: A memorable battle with NPC summons that enhance the experience.
   • Malenia: A challenging fight that tests player skills and mechanics.
   • Godfrey: A well-balanced fight that combines aggression and skillful dodging.

5. S Tier:

   • Mog: A visually striking and thematically rich fight with engaging mechanics.
   • Rykard: The spear gimmick adds a unique twist, making for a fun battle.
   • Dragonlord Placidusax: The presentation and mechanics elevate this fight to the top tier.

Conclusion

This ranking highlights the unique challenges and designs of each Elden Ring boss, offering insights into what makes each encounter enjoyable or frustrating. As you face these bosses, consider the strategies discussed and adapt your approach to enhance your gameplay experience. Whether you agree with the rankings or have your own favorites, each boss contributes to the rich tapestry of Elden Ring's world. Happy gaming!