Elden Ring
Elden Ring

Radagon of the Golden Order & Elden Beast

Prepare for Elden Ring's final gauntlet against Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast. Master precise dodging and strategic positioning to win.

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Radagon of the Golden Order & Elden Beast

The climactic final encounter of Elden Ring is a grueling, two-phase gauntlet against two distinct and formidable foes: Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast. This battle will test every skill you've honed throughout your journey, demanding precise dodging, strategic positioning, and a deep understanding of their attack patterns. Prepare for a marathon, not a sprint.

Phase 1: Radagon of the Golden Order

Radagon is a demigod of immense power, wielding a massive hammer and an array of devastating Holy incantations. He is aggressive, relentless, and has very few openings. His attacks deal primarily Holy and Physical damage.

Radagon's Attack Patterns & Strategies:
  • Holy Hammer Swings: Radagon's basic hammer combos are fast and hit hard. Learn their rhythm to roll through them. Many of his swings have a slight delay, designed to catch early dodges.
  • Ground Slam (AoE): He will often leap into the air and slam his hammer down, creating a Holy explosion. Roll *into* the slam just before impact to avoid damage and potentially get a counter-attack.
  • Holy Spear Throws: Radagon can conjure multiple Holy spears and throw them in a spread or a single, powerful projectile. These are often telegraphed by him raising his hand. Dodge sideways for the spread, or roll through the single spear.
  • Triple Slam Combo: A particularly dangerous move where he slams his hammer three times, often ending with a delayed Holy explosion. The final slam is the most dangerous.
  • Teleportation: Radagon frequently teleports around the arena, often repositioning for a new attack. Keep your camera locked on him to track his movements.
  • Grab Attack: He has a perilous grab attack where he attempts to impale you with his hand. This is heavily telegraphed by him extending his arm forward. Roll backwards or to the side to avoid.
  • Golden Lightning Strike (AoE): When his health is lower, he'll occasionally charge up and unleash a massive Holy lightning strike that covers a large area. This has a long wind-up; sprint away from him or roll through the outer edges of the blast.
Radagon's Weaknesses & Recommended Loadout:
  • Damage Type: Radagon is highly resistant to Holy damage. He is moderately resistant to Fire, Magic, and Lightning. He is vulnerable to Physical damage (Standard, Slash, Pierce, Strike) and Frostbite.
  • Status Effects: He can be afflicted with Frostbite (which also reduces his damage resistance temporarily), but is immune to Scarlet Rot, Poison, Sleep, and Madness.
  • Parrying: Radagon can be parried, but his parry windows are extremely tight and risky. Only attempt if you are highly proficient. A successful parry opens him up for a critical hit.
  • Talismans:
    • Lord's Divine Fortification: Greatly boosts Holy damage negation. Absolutely essential.
    • Haligdrake Talisman +2: Further boosts Holy damage negation.
    • Pearldrake Talisman +2: Boosts all non-physical damage negation, including Holy.
    • Erdtree's Favor +2: Boosts HP, Stamina, and Equip Load.
    • Radagon's Soreseal/Marika's Soreseal: Consider removing these if you're struggling with incoming damage, as they increase damage taken.
  • Spirit Ashes:
    • Black Knife Tiche: Her ranged attacks and Blade of Death debuff (HP drain) are excellent. Her agility makes her hard to hit.
    • Mimic Tear: A duplicate of your build can draw aggro and deal significant damage, especially if you have a strong melee build.
    • Lhutel the Headless: Her teleporting attacks and shield can keep Radagon distracted.
  • Consumables:
    • Holyproof Dried Liver: Temporarily boosts Holy damage negation.
    • Uplifting Aromatic: Provides a temporary damage negation and poise boost.
  • Weapon Buffs: If using a physical weapon, consider using a Grease that isn't Holy (e.g., Blood Grease, Freezing Grease).

Strategy Tip: Stay relatively close to Radagon to bait his melee combos, which are often easier to dodge than his ranged spells. Dodge *into* his attacks to position yourself for counter-attacks. Use your Spirit Ash early to draw aggro and create openings.

Phase 2: Elden Beast

Immediately after defeating Radagon, the Elden Beast emerges. This cosmic entity is the true final boss, a massive, ethereal creature that swims through a vast, watery arena. The fight is characterized by long chases, wide-area attacks, and a focus on ranged combat.

Elden Beast's Attack Patterns & Strategies:
  • Holy Sword Swings: The Elden Beast uses its massive sword for wide, sweeping attacks. These are often delayed and cover a huge area. Roll *through* the blade as it passes you.
  • Holy Breath: It will occasionally spew a stream of Holy fire. Sprint sideways to avoid.
  • Elden Stars (Homing Projectiles): The Beast will summon a large orb that explodes into numerous small, homing Holy projectiles. These are incredibly annoying. The best strategy is often to sprint away from the Beast while rolling occasionally to avoid the closest stars.
  • Ring of Light (AoE): The Beast will create a large ring of light that expands. You must jump over the ring or roll through it at the right moment. Sometimes it creates multiple rings.
  • Golden Wave (AoE): It will slam its sword down, creating a massive golden wave that travels across the arena. Sprint or roll *into* the wave to minimize damage.
  • Holy Missile Barrage: The Beast will fly high into the air and launch a volley of Holy missiles that track you. Sprint and roll continuously until they dissipate.
  • Grab Attack (Crucifixion): A very dangerous attack where it attempts to grab you and impale you on its sword. This is heavily telegraphed by it extending its hand. Roll backwards or to the side.
  • Cosmic Dive: The Beast will often swim away to reposition, forcing you to chase it across the arena. Use this time to heal or rebuff.
Elden Beast's Weaknesses & Recommended Loadout:
  • Damage Type: The Elden Beast is highly resistant to Holy damage. It is also resistant to Fire, Magic, and Lightning. It is vulnerable to Physical damage (Standard, Slash, Pierce, Strike) and Frostbite.
  • Status Effects: Can be afflicted with Frostbite, but immune to Scarlet Rot, Poison, Sleep, and Madness.
  • Talismans: Same recommendations as Radagon (Lord's Divine Fortification, Haligdrake Talisman +2, Pearldrake Talisman +2, Erdtree's Favor +2) are crucial for mitigating Holy damage.
  • Spirit Ashes:
    • Black Knife Tiche: Her agility is invaluable for keeping up with the Elden Beast's movements, and her Blade of Death debuff is effective.
    • Mimic Tear: Can draw aggro and deal consistent damage, especially if you have a strong melee build.
    • Lhutel the Headless: Her teleporting attacks can help her close the distance.
  • Consumables:
    • Holyproof Dried Liver: Essential for further Holy damage negation.
    • Uplifting Aromatic: Provides a temporary damage negation and poise boost.
    • Starlight Shards: If you're a spellcaster, these can help replenish FP during the long fight.
  • Flask of Wondrous Physick:
    • Holy-Shrouding Cracked Tear: Boosts Holy damage negation.
    • Opaline Hardtear: Boosts all damage negation.
    • Cerulean Hidden Tear: Eliminates FP consumption for a short time (great for spellcasters).
    • Strength-knot/Dexterity-knot/Intelligence-knot/Faith-knot Crystal Tear: Boosts relevant stats for your build.

Strategy Tip: The biggest challenge with the Elden Beast is closing the distance. Sprint constantly towards its weak point (the glowing chest area). When it swims away, use the opportunity to heal, rebuff, or charge up a powerful attack. Many of its attacks require rolling *through* the incoming projectile or wave, not away from it. Patience is key; don't get greedy with attacks, prioritize survival.

General Tips for the Final Boss Encounter:

  • Holy Damage Negation: This is paramount. Stack as much Holy damage negation as possible through talismans, armor, and consumables.
  • Stamina Management: Both fights require constant dodging and sprinting. Ensure you have enough stamina to avoid attacks and chase the Elden Beast.
  • Healing Management: Ration your Flasks. Radagon is a test of attrition, and the Elden Beast is a marathon.
  • Spirit Ash Timing: Summon your Spirit Ash at the beginning of the Radagon fight to maximize its uptime and draw aggro.
  • Weapon Choice: Prioritize weapons that deal high Physical damage. Avoid weapons that primarily deal Holy damage. Frostbite is a strong secondary effect.
  • Practice: Expect to die many times. Each attempt is a learning opportunity to understand their attack patterns and find your openings.

Defeating the Elden Beast concludes the main story of Elden Ring, allowing you to choose your desired ending and claim your place as Elden Lord (or usher in a new age).