Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree — Complete Boss Order Guide

The Shadow Realm's brutal bosses

FromSoftware's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion introduced ten major boss fights, each brutally difficult in the DLC's new Scadutree Blessing system. This guide provides the optimal order to tackle them — designed to minimize frustration and maximize the "Aha!" moments the game is famous for.

Spoiler warning: boss names and locations mentioned below.

Before you start

The Shadow Realm has its own leveling system: Scadutree Blessings. These are collected from Scadutree Fragments scattered throughout the map and grant flat damage and defense boosts specifically for the DLC. Prioritize exploration before boss fights whenever possible.

Recommended Scadutree level for each boss:

Optimal boss order

1. Divine Beast Dancing Lion (Belurat, Tower Settlement)

The DLC's introductory boss and gatekeeper to the main storyline. Aggressive but predictable — learn its combos and it becomes manageable. Rewards: Divine Beast Head, remembrance for unique weapons.

Tip: Use lightning damage when possible; the Lion switches to elemental combos in Phase 2.

2. Rellana, Twin Moon Knight (Castle Ensis)

A dance of blades. Rellana is graceful, fast, and unforgiving. She wields dual swords and switches to spell-casting in Phase 2. This is the DLC's first true skill check.

Tip: Dodge into her attacks rather than away — it's counterintuitive but leaves her open longer.

3. Golden Hippopotamus (Shadow Keep)

A dense armored beast. Its hitbox is huge but its openings are longer than expected. This fight teaches you Scadutree resource management.

Tip: Don't be greedy. One hit at a time.

4. Putrescent Knight (Stone Coffin Fissure)

An abomination mounted on a horse-like creature. This fight is a mobility challenge — the boss covers ground quickly and its horse is a separate hitbox.

Tip: Attack the mount, not the rider. It stumbles the entire moveset.

5. Messmer the Impaler (Shadow Keep - Main Gate)

The story boss. Messmer's fire-spear combos are brutal, but his fight is fair. Phase 2 introduces a snake transformation with devastating AOE attacks.

Tip: Fire resistance is critical. Use Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman.

6. Romina, Saint of the Bud (Church of the Bud)

Scarlet Rot and Bleed all over. Romina is fast, aggressive, and inflicts multiple status effects. This is your "endurance" boss.

Tip: Carry Immunizing White Cured Meat for scarlet rot resistance.

7. Metyr, Mother of Fingers (Cathedral of the Forsaken)

A grotesque spider-esque creature. Metyr fights at long range with cosmic magic. Approach from her flank when possible.

Tip: Bring a shield with high magic damage negation.

8. Bayle the Dread (Jagged Peak)

A pure spectacle fight. Bayle is a dragon, and the arena reflects that scale. Use torrent (your horse) for mobility.

Tip: Don't panic during his roar attack — it looks worse than it is.

9. Scadutree Avatar (Scadutree Base)

A pilgrimage fight. This boss is symbolic — a farewell to the Shadow Realm's exploration phase.

Tip: Use Holy damage for maximum stagger.

10. Promised Consort Radahn (Final Boss)

The hardest boss FromSoftware has ever created. Radahn is a fusion boss with two phases that will test everything you've learned. Expect 30+ attempts even for veterans.

Tip: Prioritize Fire Knight's Greatshield and level Endurance for stamina management. Attack windows are minuscule.

After Radahn

Beat Radahn and you'll unlock:

• The DLC's ending cinematic
• New game+ progression
• Access to the final crafting materials

Should you tackle the DLC blind?

If this is your first Souls DLC, use this guide as a fallback rather than a walkthrough. Half the joy of Elden Ring is discovering these bosses organically. But if you've hit a wall — this order will get you unstuck.

Grab a copy

If you don't own Shadow of the Erdtree yet, claim a free Elden Ring account on INFINITYPLAY — includes the base game and the DLC.

Good luck, Tarnished. May the Scadutree light your path.