Elden Ring: 8 Oldest Bosses, Ranked
Since its 2022 release, Elden Ring has captivated millions of players, offering a sprawling open world and diverse gameplay mechanics. With numerous build options ranging from Arcane-based weapons to Strength and Dexterity builds, players have incredible freedom to tailor their playstyle. Some embrace the challenge of level 1 runs, while others meticulously build their characters, farming Elden Ring Runes and collecting Elden Ring Items to prepare for the many formidable bosses they'll face.
Among these bosses are some of the oldest and most powerful figures in Elden Ring. This list ranks eight of them by their age and influence, exploring their histories and the challenges they present to the Tarnished.
8. Malenia and Miquella
Parentage: Offspring of Radagon and Marika
Key Feature: Malenia is optional, Miquella is not
Malenia and Miquella, the divine twins born from Queen Marika and Radagon, are among the most challenging bosses in Elden Ring. Malenia is infamous for her relentless attacks, lifesteal abilities, and second phase, making her one of the hardest bosses in the game. While Malenia is optional, Miquella plays a central role in the game's lore, particularly in Mohg's storyline.
Despite their divine powers, Malenia and Miquella are the youngest on this list, with older half-siblings like Rykard and Radahn stemming from Radagon's earlier marriage to Rennala. Facing Malenia is a true test of patience and skill, but preparing with Elden Ring Items like healing talismans and buff potions can give players an edge.
7. Radahn
Parentage: Son of Rennala and Radagon
Key Feature: Surprisingly fast for his size
Starscourge Radahn is one of the game's most iconic bosses, known for his massive stature, devastating long-range attacks, and ability to ride his tiny horse, Leonard, at surprising speed. As the eldest child of Radagon and Rennala, Radahn wields immense control over gravity and the stars, making him a force to be reckoned with.
Players struggling with Radahn's relentless attacks should consider farming Elden Ring Runes to level up their stats or acquiring powerful ashes of war to balance the scales in this challenging fight.
6. Rykard
Parentage: Full brother of Radahn and Ranni
Key Feature: Requires a special weapon to defeat
Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, is a grotesque and formidable boss hidden deep within Volcano Manor. Unlike most bosses, defeating Rykard requires the use of a specific weapon, the Serpent-Hunter, which emphasizes patience and timing.
As the son of Radagon and Rennala, Rykard shares a divine lineage with Radahn and Ranni, but his path diverges dramatically as he seeks power through blasphemy. Farming Elden Ring Runes to upgrade weapons or spells can help players prepare for this unique encounter, which is completely optional but highly rewarding.
5. Ranni
Parentage: Daughter of Radagon and Rennala
Key Feature: Offers a rich, rewarding questline
Ranni the Witch is one of the most intriguing characters in Elden Ring. While she doesn't pose a direct threat to players, her questline spans a significant portion of the game and rewards players with unique items and access to an alternate ending.
Ranni stands apart from her siblings due to her mysterious nature and focus on the cosmos. Completing her storyline is a must for players seeking to explore every corner of the game, and farming Elden Ring Runes along the way can ease the journey through her challenging quests.
4. Morgott
Parentage: Cursed child of Marika and Godfrey
Key Feature: Margit and Morgott are the same
Morgott, the Omen King, is a tragic and complex figure, cursed at birth due to his deformities. When players face him as Margit, the Fell Omen, earlier in the game, they get a taste of his power. However, his true strength is revealed in his later battle as Morgott, where he introduces new attacks and strategies.
Fighting Morgott is no easy task, but players can gain an advantage by equipping powerful Elden Ring Items such as talismans to boost stamina or health regeneration.
3. Mohg
Parentage: Twin brother of Morgott
Key Feature: Resides in Mohgwyn Palace
Like Morgott, Mohg was shunned upon birth due to his omen curse. However, unlike his twin, Mohg sought power through blood and developed an obsession with his younger half-brother, Miquella. His arena in Mohgwyn Palace is one of the game's most dangerous areas, filled with deadly enemies and traps.
Using the right weapons, such as one-handed swords or staves, and preparing with Elden Ring Runes to level up can make this challenging fight more manageable.
2. Godfrey
Parentage: First husband of Marika
Key Feature: Has a brutal second phase
Godfrey, the First Elden Lord, is one of the most significant figures in Elden Ring's lore. As Marika's first husband, he fathered Mohg, Morgott, and Godwyn, establishing a lineage of powerful beings. His boss fight is a true test of endurance, especially when he enters his second phase, where his attacks become faster and more devastating.
Players should consider farming Elden Ring Runes to strengthen their builds and collecting Elden Ring Items like healing potions and damage-boosting talismans to survive this grueling encounter.
1. Placidusax
Key Feature: Potentially the oldest being in The Lands Between
Placidusax, the Dragon Lord, is believed to be one of the oldest beings in Elden Ring. Residing in Crumbling Farum Azula, this ancient dragon is a fearsome opponent with powerful AoE attacks and the ability to vanish mid-fight.
While completely optional, defeating Placidusax is a must for players seeking the ultimate challenge. Stocking up on Elden Ring Items like magic-resistant shields or fireproof talismans, and farming Elden Ring Runes to upgrade weapons, can make this daunting battle more achievable.
Conclusion
Elden Ring's bosses are steeped in rich lore, with some of the oldest characters playing pivotal roles in the game's story. From the tragic Morgott and Mohg to the enigmatic Placidusax, these ancient beings challenge players to master their builds and strategies. By farming Elden Ring Runes and equipping the right Elden Ring Items, players can prepare themselves for even the most daunting foes, turning each encounter into a rewarding experience.