5 hardest bosses in Elden Ring after Shadow of the Erdtree

Bosses in Elden Ring have played a crucial role in posing as a test of your skill and as a device to get you engaged in the Lands Between, which has also been the case for Shadow of the Erdtree. While the base game has some of the hardest foes ready to end your journey if you face them unprepared, the DLC ups the challenge, making many base game bosses look like a joke.

This article will go over some of the most challenging bosses in Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion who will pose a significant threat on your journey through the Lands Between.

NOTE: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinion.

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Five most challenging bosses in Elden Ring after the launch of Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

1) Malenia, Blade of Miquella

The Blade of Miquella (Image via FromSoftware)

Malenia is the most recognizable boss in Elden Ring's base game, who has claimed the lives of many Tarnished. She has been the face of the game because of her difficulty, leading her to attain a special place in the internet's meme culture.

Malenia's attack chain consists of a flurry of fast strikes that can be impossible to dodge. She can heal herself, is extremely aggressive, and has a second phase that will leave you frustrated. It's a good thing that Malenia is one of the optional bosses in Elden Ring, or else many players would be in for a tough time.

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2) Messmer the Impaler

Messmer the Impaler (Image via FromSoftware)

While exploring the Lands Between and the Land of Shadows, you will have to face quite a few demigods as bosses in Elden Ring, and all of them will pose a heavy threat. Messmer is one of the new bosses added in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

Messmer the Impaler undoubtedly has one of the most challenging fights in the game. His attack pattern can be quite unpredictable and can easily kill you if you rush him. However, staying on defense for too long won't do you any favor and you will need to find the perfect window to strike him down.

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3) Bayle the Dread

CURSE YOU BAYLE! (Image via FromSoftware)

The tarnished has felled a lot of dragons during his journey in the Lands Between, but Bayle the Dread is one of the most annoying bosses in Elden Ring that you can fight in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. After fighting this monstrosity a few times, you will understand why Igon is extremely angry at this dragon and you will join his chant of "CURSE YOU BAYLE!"

Bayle the Dread has a plethora of attacks that can decimate your HP bar and while they are easy to dodge, you will need to attack his head and cannot rely on targeting him from the back. This makes him one of the most challenging bosses in Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.

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4) Promised Consort Radahn

Radahn makes his return (Image via FromSoftware)

Radahn is one of the most iconic bosses in Elden Ring's base game and he makes a comeback in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. You will face him at the very end of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, and he can snatch the victory out of your hands. He is the strongest boss in the game and has a two-staged battle like most other challenging foes.

During the first phase, you will need to rely on defending incoming strikes which can one-shot you and somehow manage to chip down his health.

The second stage of this battle, however, can leave you frustrated. Miquella joins in the fray and Promised Consort Radahn gains faster strikes. He can stun you and has AoE attacks. The worst part about this boss in Elden Ring is that it is game over once Miquella grabs you twice and steals your heart.

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5) Rellana, Twin Moon Knight

Rellana (Image via FromSoftware)

Rellana is another of the bosses in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion who can be extremely annoying to deal with. She will be the first proper difficulty spike in the Land of Shadow, and only with skill can you take her down.

Similar to many other bosses in Elden Ring, Rellana, Twin Moon Knight has a two-stage fight. Her twin blades can be a bit hard to grasp at first, but after a few tries you will be able to complete the first phase. The second stage, however, will be a different issue as she gains speed and more power to her attack, which will leave many Tarnished frustrated.