Elden Ring DLC Bosses: Shadow of the Erdtree Full List, Locations, and How to Beat Them

Elden Ring captured the hearts of millions with its vast open world, hauntingly beautiful lore, and brutally challenging boss battles. Now, with the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, fans are diving back into The Lands Between, and the biggest draw? The Elden Ring DLC bosses.

FromSoftware has a legacy of crafting unforgettable boss fights, and this expansion continues that tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned Tarnished or returning after a break, the new content promises some of the most intense battles yet. Players are especially eager to face off against fresh enemies that tie deeply into the DLC’s lore while pushing the limits of combat mechanics.

In total, Shadow of the Erdtree introduces over a dozen new bosses, including both main story bosses and optional mini-bosses, each offering unique mechanics, lore relevance, and punishing difficulty. Some are tied to major plot points, while others are hidden deep within the new zones, waiting to ambush the unprepared.

In this guide, we’ll break down the full list of Elden Ring DLC bosses, where to find them, and how to beat even the hardest DLC bosses, including battle strategies, location tips, and build recommendations.

Overview of Elden Ring DLC – Shadow of the Erdtree

Shadow of the Erdtree, the long-awaited Elden Ring expansion, launched to massive acclaim. Released on February 25, 2022, the DLC transports players to a mysterious new realm known as the Land of Shadow, a haunting, forgotten land veiled by the Erdtree’s divine light.

This new setting dives deeper into the lore surrounding Miquella, one of the most enigmatic figures in the base game. The Land of Shadow is filled with ancient ruins, warped wildlife, and remnants of a forgotten war, all of which serve as the backdrop for the DLC’s intense boss encounters.

Players can expect a wealth of content, including:

• New explorable regions with vertical level design and hidden pathways
• New weapons and armor sets, expanding combat variety
• Enhanced sorceries and incantations, ideal for magic-focused builds
• And of course, a fresh lineup of Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree bosses that elevate both the challenge and storytelling

The boss design in this DLC is more tightly integrated with the narrative than ever before. Each major foe embodies a core theme of the expansion: grief, decay, rebellion, or divine punishment. Whether you’re facing a forsaken knight still loyal to Miquella or a corrupted beast born of shadow, the new bosses in Elden Ring expansion reflect deeper emotional and lore-driven arcs, making every battle feel consequential.

Full List of Elden Ring DLC Bosses

Table last updated: May 8, 2025. Subject to change with further gameplay discoveries.

Major Story Bosses – Who They Are and How to Beat Them

The main story Elden Ring DLC Bosses aren’t just powerful enemies—they’re central to the lore of Shadow of the Erdtree. Each one reflects key themes of decay, legacy, and divine punishment. Here’s a breakdown of the most important encounters, with everything you need to prepare.

Messmer the Impaler

Lore Background

Messmer is a fiery demigod consumed by vengeance, said to have been banished from the Erdtree for his brutal methods. His flame is not the Golden Flame of grace, it’s scorched, twisted, and corrupted.

Fighting Style & Mechanics

Messmer fights with relentless aggression:

• Uses a spear imbued with fire magic
• Long-range flame arcs and AoE blasts
• Fast combos with delayed attack timing

Phase Changes & Weaknesses

• Phase 2: He transforms into a flaming beast-hybrid, using flame pillars and meteor strikes.
• Weakness: He is moderately weak to frostbite and bleed, especially in Phase 1.

Recommended Builds & Weapons

• Dexterity + Frost build with weapons like the Frozen Needle or Chilling Mist Ash of War
• Fire-resistant armor (like Flame Drake Talisman +2)
• Summons: Black Knife Tiche is highly effective at dodging and applying pressure

Rewards

• Remembrance of the Scorched Lord
• Messmer’s Flame incantation
• 400,000+ Runes

Pro Tip

“Dodge into his spear thrusts, not away. Most of his combos end with a delayed stab that catches back-stepping players. Flame resistance talismans and Spirit Ashes can make a huge difference.” – @RedWolfTarnished, Reddit

Miquella’s Shade

Lore Background

A spiritual fragment of Miquella, this boss represents the torn duality between innocence and power. This fight is more psychological and surreal than physical, echoing the dreamlike atmosphere of the DLC’s final acts.

Fighting Style & Mechanics

• Uses illusion magic, light beams, and teleportation
• Mirror-image attacks and deceptive movement
• Applies madness buildup in Phase 2

Phase Changes & Weaknesses

• Phase 2: Arena shifts into a dream world where time slows intermittently
• Weakness: Magic and holy resistance, but vulnerable to rot and poison over time

Recommended Builds & Weapons

• Arcane build with Rot Breath or Poison Moth Flight
• Use Clarifying Horn Charm to resist madness
• Long-range Spirit Ashes like Latenna the Albinauric work well from a distance

Rewards

• Remembrance of Miquella
• Blessing of Bloom (buffs allies and regenerates HP)
• ~550,000 Runes

Pro Tip

“In Phase 2, listen for the sound cue just before the time-slow effect—it gives you about 1 second to reposition or dodge.” – FextraLife Community Guide

More bosses will be added as new data emerges. These battles are core to the Elden Ring hardest DLC bosses category, and mastering them is key to completing the Shadow of the Erdtree storyline.

Optional & Secret Bosses You Might Miss

Beyond the main path of Shadow of the Erdtree, Elden Ring DLC boss locations hide some of the game’s most thrilling and mysterious encounters. These optional and secret bosses aren’t just filler—they’re deeply tied to hidden lore, offer top-tier rewards, and challenge even the most seasoned Tarnished.

Here are some of the standout hidden bosses and how to find them:

Daughter of Rot, Lysara

• Location: Deep within the Mire of Wailing Spirits, behind an illusionary wall near the Rot-Kissed Tree
• Why It’s Worth It: Tied to the legacy of Malenia, Lysara’s lore expands on the Goddess of Rot’s followers
• Rewards: Lysara’s Toxic Crown (boosts rot damage), Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone
• Unlock Tip: Defeat the Rot Herald miniboss, then rest at the nearby Site of Grace to spawn a new spectral gate

Fanged Wyrm of the Hollows

• Location: Hidden cave system in the Hollowvale Canyon, accessible by dropping down broken platforms from a cliffside
• Why It’s Worth It: Rare lightning incantation, plus this boss is mentioned in ancient texts found in Castle Ensis
• Rewards: Wyrmfang Incantation, 220,000 Runes
• Unlock Tip: Equip a torch with the Beast Repellent Ash—it reveals secret ledges needed to reach the cave

Eclipse Revenant

• Location: Beneath the Chapel of Forgotten Stars, activated by solving the mirror puzzle at moonrise
• Why It’s Worth It: Dark, lore-heavy fight involving celestial magic and the hidden forces opposing the Erdtree
• Rewards: Eclipse Sigil Talisman (boosts dark sorcery), Remembrance of the Revenant
• Unlock Tip: Only appears at night—pass time at a Site of Grace until midnight, then solve the moonlight mirror riddle

These fights may not be required to finish the DLC, but they’re absolutely worth the effort. They’re often cited in discussions of the new bosses in Elden Ring expansion that reflect FromSoftware’s deepest storytelling techniques. Plus, completing them adds serious bragging rights and access to some of the best gear in the game.

Ranking the Hardest DLC Bosses

With Shadow of the Erdtree, FromSoftware once again raised the bar for challenge. Some of the Elden Ring DLC bosses rival, or even surpass, infamous base game legends like Malenia or Radahn. Here’s a tiered ranking based on community polls, Reddit discussions, and YouTube strategy breakdowns.

🟢 Tier C (Moderate Difficulty)

These bosses require focus, but are manageable for mid- to high-level builds.

• Iron Revenant – Predictable patterns, weak to magic and bleed.
• Fanged Wyrm of the Hollows – Heavy damage, but slow wind-ups.
• Dreadknight Aegir – Good defense, but highly staggerable.

🔸 Comparable to: Godrick the Grafted, Rykard

🟡 Tier B (Challenging But Fair)

Demand mechanical precision, but most builds can adapt with the right gear.

• Eclipse Revenant – Trickier mechanics with time-based phases.
• Lysara, Daughter of Rot – Constant rot damage and AoE attacks.
• Miquella’s Shade (Phase 1) – High mobility and illusion magic.

🔸 Comparable to: Morgott, Fire Giant

🔴 Tier A (Extremely Hard)

These are the bosses the community is calling “new Malenias.”

• Messmer the Impaler – Relentless pressure, AoE flame spam, Phase 2 beast form.
• Miquella’s Shade (Phase 2) – Madness buildup, dreamworld slowdown mechanic, extreme health pool.

🔸 Comparable to: Malenia, Radagon, Maliketh

🌟 Community Consensus

According to a recent Reddit poll in r/EldenRing (April 2025), over 65% of players voted Messmer as the most difficult boss in the DLC, followed closely by Miquella’s Shade. YouTubers like FightingCowboy and VaatiVidya have also ranked Messmer as “a top 3 hardest boss in FromSoft history,” mostly due to his second phase and tiny margin for error.

“Messmer is the kind of boss that forces you to relearn how to dodge. He punishes panic rolls, and even seasoned players get cooked.” – @BossHuntTV, YouTube

If you’re struggling, don’t worry—you’re not alone. The next section will break down how to beat Elden Ring DLC bosses with real tips, builds, and strategies.

Best Builds and Strategies for Beating DLC Bosses

Beating Elden Ring DLC bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree requires more than just raw skill—it requires preparation, the right builds, and understanding the enemy’s weaknesses. This section covers build suggestions, the best gear and talismans, as well as summons and co-op strategies for overcoming even the hardest DLC bosses.

Strength Builds

For players who favor tanking damage while dealing massive hits, Strength builds can be particularly effective against bosses like Messmer the Impaler and Eclipse Revenant.

Recommended Gear:

• Colossal Weapons (e.g., Ruins Greatsword, Giant Crusher)
• Bull-Goat Set for maximum poise
• Radagon’s Scarseal to boost Strength by 10%
• Great-Jar’s Arsenal talisman to increase carry weight

Strategy:

• Focus on high stagger potential; use heavy weapon combos to interrupt enemy attacks.
• Phase 1: Maintain a safe distance but be ready to close in after the boss finishes an attack.
• Phase 2: Equip a Flameproof Dried Liver to resist major fire damage during the second phase of Messmer’s fight.

Dexterity Builds

Dexterity builds, offering speed and precision, shine against bosses that rely on swift but predictable moves, like Dreadknight Aegir or Fanged Wyrm of the Hollows.

Recommended Gear:

• Katanas (e.g., Rivers of Blood for bleed or Uchigatana)
• Light Armor to avoid heavy roll penalties
• Radagon’s Scarseal or Erdtree’s Favor to enhance mobility

Strategy:

• Phase 1: Time your dodge rolls with a fast katana combo to apply bleed stacks.
• Phase 2: Use Cloud of Poison to slow down the Fanged Wyrm and pressure it with quick attacks. Avoid getting hit by its devastating tail sweeps.

Mage Builds

For players who prefer ranged combat and spells, Mage builds can exploit the illusion magic mechanics of bosses like Miquella’s Shade and Lysara.

Recommended Gear:

• Lusat’s Glintstone Staff for maximum spellcasting power
• Greatblade or Glintstone Pebble for quick range damage
• Carian Filigreed Crest talisman to reduce FP cost
• Glenstone Arc or Comet Azur for massive AoE magic damage

Strategy:

• Phase 1: Keep your distance and use Magic Glintblade to poke at enemies without getting caught.
• Phase 2: Counter Miquella’s Shade’s illusion with a Transcendent Talisman to reveal her true form and open up for big damage.

Bleed Builds

The Bleed build is incredibly effective against the hardest DLC bosses with high health pools, especially in Phase 2 of bosses like Messmer the Impaler.

Recommended Gear:

• Rivers of Blood katana or Reduvia for consistent bleed buildup
• White Mask for increased attack when blood loss occurs
• Lord of Blood’s Exultation for a damage boost when the enemy is at risk of bleeding

Strategy:

• Apply bleed pressure early in the fight to deal sustained damage.
• Phase 2: Keep applying bleed stacks, even if the boss resists other types of damage. Use blood loss as your primary offensive tactic.

Faith Builds

Faith builds work exceptionally well in fights that require buffing your defense or taking on divine and rot-based bosses like Lysara, Daughter of Rot.

Recommended Gear:

• Golden Order Seal to enhance your incantations
• Flame, Grant Me Strength for attack buffs
• Radagon’s Scarseal to boost Faith scaling

Strategy:

• Use Flame, Grant Me Strength to increase damage against bosses that focus on rot and fire.
• Cast Heal or Blessed Weapon on co-op partners during longer fights to ensure sustainability.

Summons, Ashes, and Co-op Tips

Summons and Ashes of War provide great support, especially for harder bosses that overwhelm with sheer attack speed and power.

Recommended Summons:

• Black Knife Tiche: Excellent for evasion and providing ranged pressure.
• Latenna the Albinauric: A ranged summon that deals consistent damage without drawing too much aggro.
• Mimic Tear: Can mirror your exact build and fight alongside you.

Co-op Strategy:

• If you’re playing in co-op, be sure to coordinate with your allies:
  • Tank player (Strength build) should take on the boss’s aggro.
  • Mage or Faith players can stay back, supporting with spells and buffs.

Pro Tip: Summon helpers early to ensure the boss is not overwhelming, especially if you’re going after optional bosses like Lysara or Messmer the Impaler, who have massive AoE attacks.

With these builds and strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to take on any Elden Ring DLC bosses, regardless of their difficulty. Keep experimenting with your loadout, and don’t hesitate to call on co-op partners if the battle feels overwhelming!

Community Reactions and Theories

The release of Shadow of the Erdtree has sparked intense discussion and speculation among Elden Ring fans. From theories about the lore of Miquella’s Shade to memes about bosses more difficult than Malenia, the community has been ablaze with both awe and frustration. Let’s dive into some of the most popular fan theories and reactions.

Fan Theories About Bosses’ Lore

One of the most compelling aspects of Elden Ring DLC bosses is their connection to the game’s deep, enigmatic lore. Fans are particularly fascinated by the Miquella-related bosses, such as Miquella’s Shade and Lysara, Daughter of Rot.

Theory: Miquella’s Dual Nature

One prevalent theory circulating Reddit and YouTube is that Miquella’s Shade represents the two opposing sides of Miquella’s nature—one of purity and one of corruption. While Miquella was revered as the child who would save the world, his inner struggles with the Golden Order and his experiments (including Maliketh’s betrayal) may have birthed a fractured soul.

“The lore behind Miquella’s Shade hints at a tragic internal conflict. Maybe Miquella tried to become the perfect ruler, but in doing so, lost himself—fighting against the Erdtree while being chained to it.” – @LoreHunter on Reddit

This theory suggests that Miquella’s Shade embodies the emotional weight of his abandonment, taking on both the shape of a divine protector and the twisted remnants of an incomplete God.

Theory: Lysara’s Connection to Malenia

Another popular theory links Lysara, Daughter of Rot, to Malenia, Blade of Miquella. It’s believed that Lysara was either created as an extension of Malenia’s will or possibly an earlier attempt at the Goddess of Rot’s birth.

*“Lysara’s lore is riddled with symbolism—the same as Malenia’s, with rot being her gift and curse. Could Lysara be a manifestation of the first ‘failed’ attempt at a *Goddess of Rot*? It could be another cycle of creation and decay, as FromSoft loves to portray.” – @Maldraeth on YouTube

This idea adds layers to the tragedy of Malenia and Miquella’s relationship, suggesting that Lysara may be the child of both love and suffering, mirroring the duo’s fractured destinies.

Memes and Iconic Moments: Bosses More Difficult than Malenia

As expected, Shadow of the Erdtree DLC bosses have ignited the meme culture around Elden Ring. Messmer the Impaler is often compared to Malenia, particularly when it comes to the second phase of the fight.

One viral meme compares Messmer’s Phase 2 beast transformation to Malenia’s Waterfowl Dance. The post humorously questions, “Is this the new Waterfowl Dance or the Elden Ring equivalent of 2025’s hardest boss?”

Redditors have been quick to agree, creating memes of Messmer with captions like:

“When you finally beat Malenia, but FromSoft says, ‘Hold my beer.’”

Others have commented on Miquella’s Shade’s Phase 2 with similar sentiments:

“This is what happens when Radagon and Malenia have a nightmare child together. Good luck.” – @TarnishedTear on Twitter

The intensity of these fights has made Messmer the latest boss to gain the “Elden Ring hardest DLC bosses” meme status, with players dubbing him “the true Malenia-tier difficulty.”

Quotes from Streamers, Reddit Users, and Gaming Outlets

The community reactions from streamers and prominent gaming outlets reflect the chaos and enjoyment that comes with Elden Ring DLC Bosses challenges.

• FightingCowboy (YouTube):
  “I thought I had seen it all after Malenia, but Messmer proved me wrong. That second phase is brutal. Even for a seasoned Elden Ring player, the fight demands precision and a deep understanding of the game mechanics.”
• Reddit User @EldenGodX:
  “The Dreadknight Aegir fight feels like a tribute to old-school FromSoftware bosses. The pace is slower, but every attack is a potential stagger. It’s the perfect test of patience.”
• IGN’s Review of DLC:
  “The DLC doesn’t just add new environments; it challenges players to think differently. Bosses like Miquella’s Shade and Lysara tap into new gameplay mechanics and bring back the punishing difficulty FromSoftware is known for.”

These reactions highlight the difficulty and depth of the Elden Ring DLC bosses, especially those tied to Miquella. From tragic lore to boss mechanics that defy even the most skilled players, these encounters continue to spark endless discussions across platforms.

Conclusion

The Elden Ring DLC bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree have proven to be everything players hoped for—and more. From the stunningly designed bosses like Miquella’s Shade to the challenging encounters with Messmer the Impaler, each fight is an intricate test of strategy, patience, and skill.

Memorable Bosses and Battles

Among the most talked-about bosses are:

• Messmer the Impaler, with his beastly second phase, putting him in the same league as Malenia for sheer difficulty.
• Lysara, Daughter of Rot, whose connection to Malenia and the Goddess of Rot expands the lore and keeps players on their toes with relentless rot damage.
• Miquella’s Shade, a fight wrapped in mystery, offering both heartbreak and triumph, depending on how you interpret the lore.

Each of these battles not only challenges your skill but deepens the Elden Ring universe, offering fans new puzzles and hidden secrets to uncover.

Does the DLC Live Up to the Hype?

Absolutely. Shadow of the Erdtree surpasses expectations by offering some of the hardest DLC bosses in recent memory, pushing players to develop new strategies and perfect their builds. Whether you’re drawn in by the lore or the sheer difficulty of these bosses, this expansion is everything Elden Ring fans were hoping for.

We want to hear from you, Tarnished! What was your toughest DLC boss fight? Did you defeat Messmer on your first try, or did Miquella’s Shade leave you reeling? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s discuss the ultimate strategies for conquering these bosses.

FAQs About Elden Ring DLC Bosses

Q1. What is the hardest boss in Elden Ring DLC?

Ans. The hardest boss in Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is widely considered to be Messmer the Impaler. With his overwhelming attack patterns, especially in Phase 2, and his massive AoE fire and beastly transformations, Messmer is often compared to Malenia for the sheer difficulty of the encounter. Many players on Reddit and YouTube have called it the “new Malenia-tier boss” due to its punishing difficulty.

Q2. How do I beat Messmer the Impaler?

Ans. To beat Messmer, players need to master dodging his fire-based AoE and aggressive combos. In Phase 2, his beast transformation increases his speed and damage output. Bleed builds work well against Messmer, but it’s crucial to time your attacks between his long wind-ups to avoid getting caught in his devastating combos.

Q3. Where can I find Miquella’s Shade?

Ans. Miquella’s Shade is located in the Dreamworld of Miquella, accessed after solving a series of puzzles involving moonlit mirrors in the Chapel of Forgotten Stars. The fight is split into two phases, with the second phase revealing her hidden abilities and drastically increasing the difficulty.

Q4. Are there any secret or optional bosses in the DLC?

Ans. Yes! There are several optional and secret bosses in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, such as Lysara, Daughter of Rot and Fanged Wyrm of the Hollows. These bosses are not required to finish the main story but offer significant rewards, including powerful weapons, armor, and lore that add depth to the Elden Ring universe.

Q5. What is the reward for beating Messmer the Impaler?

Ans. Beating Messmer rewards you with the Messmer’s Remembrance, a unique item that allows you to acquire powerful talismans and weapons, such as Messmer’s Fang (a bleed-inflicting dagger) and Ember of the Beast, which boosts fire damage. You also earn a large number of Runes.

Q6. What builds are best for beating Elden Ring DLC bosses?

Ans. 

• Strength builds work well against heavy-hitting bosses like Messmer and Dreadknight Aegir. Focus on high poise and powerful weapons like Colossal Greatswords.
• Dexterity builds excel against Dreadknight Aegir and Fanged Wyrm of the Hollows due to their speed and ability to roll through attacks.
• Mage builds and Faith builds can exploit the weaknesses of Miquella’s Shade and Lysara with ranged spells and buffs.
• Bleed builds are perfect for bosses with high health pools, such as Messmer the Impaler, where bleed damage is key.

Q7. Can I summon help for DLC boss fights?

Ans. Yes, you can summon NPCs or players for help during DLC boss fights. Summoning Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche is highly recommended for bosses like Lysara and Messmer. For cooperative play, make sure to communicate with your team and divide roles, as certain bosses require different strategies for success.

Q8. Is the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC worth it?

Ans. If you’re a fan of Elden Ring and enjoy a challenge, the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is definitely worth it. It not only introduces some of the hardest bosses in Elden Ring’s history but also expands the lore and world, providing new areas to explore and complex, multi-phase encounters that will keep you coming back for more.