Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Final Boss Radahn, Consort of Miquella Guide

Aug-17-2024

 

In Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, few challenges are as daunting or as exhilarating as the climactic battle against Radahn, Consort of Miquella. This final showdown takes place atop Enir-Ilim, the foreboding final dungeon, where Radahn awaits at the pinnacle of the Divine Gatefront Staircase. For players who have braved the many trials of the Land of Shadows, defeating Radahn is the ultimate test of skill, timing, and strategy.

 

 

The Setting: A Battle at the Divine Gatefront Staircase

The battle against Radahn unfolds in an arena that is as awe-inspiring as it is treacherous. The Divine Gatefront Staircase is a place of ancient power, where the echoes of past battles reverberate through the air. As you ascend these stairs, the atmosphere becomes charged with tension, foreshadowing the epic confrontation that lies ahead. The arena itself is a sprawling, multi-tiered battlefield that demands constant movement and awareness, as Radahn's attacks can cover vast distances with frightening speed.

 

Phase One: The Gravity of the Situation

When the battle begins, Radahn makes an entrance that is impossible to forget. He descends from the sky in a whirlwind of gravity magic, crashing to the ground with enough force to shake the very earth beneath your feet. The impact is not just physical; it sets the tone for the fight, making it clear that Radahn is a force of nature, not to be trifled with.

 

In this first phase, Radahn's attacks are reminiscent of his original fight in the Caelid region, but with a brutal twist. His sword combos are swift and unrelenting, leaving little room for error. Radahn alternates between single and dual sword strikes, each swing a deadly dance of steel and magic. If you're too close, he may unleash an X-shaped slash on the ground that can knock you down, leaving you vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Dodging backward is a safe bet, but forward dodging can also be effective, forcing Radahn to adjust his aim and giving you a brief window to counterattack.

 

Radahn's mastery of gravity magic is on full display in this phase. He imbues his swords with gravitational energy, plunging them into the ground to create meteors that rain down on the battlefield. The timing to dodge these meteors is tight; a sideways dodge at the last moment can help you evade the onslaught. Additionally, Radahn can pull you in with a gravity field, followed by a circle of rotating stone blades that erupt from the ground. This attack is especially dangerous up close, so backing away quickly is your best defense.

 

Exploiting Weaknesses: Frostbite and Hemorrhage

Despite his overwhelming power, Radahn has a significant vulnerability that savvy players can exploit: his susceptibility to Frostbite and Hemorrhage. These status effects can turn the tide of battle if applied effectively. While Frostbite can slow Radahn down, Hemorrhage is the key to dealing massive damage quickly. For those who don't want to respec their entire build, using a weapon that can be imbued with cold or bleed effects is essential. Heavy weapons can break Radahn's stance, but the risk of taking damage is high. Instead, lighter, faster weapons that can build up status ailments quickly are a safer bet. Milady from Castle Ensis or the Backhand Blade are excellent choices that allow you to strike from a safer distance.

 

Adding the Rolling Sparks skill to Chilling Perfume Bottles can also be a game-changer. This skill allows you to deal multiple instances of ice damage in a single attack, and given Radahn's massive size, it's almost guaranteed to land. However, be aware that Radahn seems to lose his Frostbite weakness in the second phase, so transitioning to a bleed build becomes crucial.

 

Phase Two: Miquella Joins the Fray

When Radahn's health drops to about a third, the battle enters its second phase, and things take a dark turn. Miquella, the enigmatic demigod, descends to aid his consort, adding a new layer of complexity to the fight. This phase is where Radahn's true power is unleashed, as he gains new attacks and becomes even more relentless.

 

In this phase, Radahn's gravity magic is replaced with holy energy. His sword slashes are now accompanied by blasts of holy light, and his meteor attacks become even more deadly. The meteors now carry holy damage, making them harder to dodge. Radahn also gains the ability to teleport, closing the distance between you in the blink of an eye and unleashing devastating follow-up attacks. His most dangerous new move is the "Miquella's Light" attack, where he rises into the air and summons a rain of holy light pillars. Dodging this attack is incredibly difficult, but using a Flask of Wondrous Physik with the Opaline Hardtear can negate most of the damage.

 

As Radahn's health dwindles, Miquella becomes more active in the fight, occasionally grabbing you or an ally and attempting to charm them. This bizarre move leaves Radahn immune to damage until the affected character is released, giving you a moment to regroup and heal.

 

 

The Final Push: Defeating Radahn

In the final moments of the battle, Radahn becomes a blur of motion, his attacks coming faster and harder than ever before. This is where your preparation and strategy truly pay off. Bleed builds remain effective throughout this phase, as Radahn's susceptibility to Hemorrhage persists. Keep casting spells like Impenetrable Thorns, or use weapons like Rivers of Blood or Eleonora's Poleblade to stack blood loss. Timing is everything in this phase, as Radahn's attacks leave only brief openings for you to strike.

 

Your Mimic Tear, if leveled up sufficiently, can be a valuable ally in this phase, drawing Radahn's attention and creating opportunities for you to land critical hits. However, Radahn's relentless assault means you'll need to be constantly on the move, dodging and weaving through his attacks while waiting for the right moment to strike.

 

Victory and Beyond

When Radahn, Consort of Miquella, finally falls, the sense of accomplishment is immense. Not only have you defeated one of the most challenging bosses in Elden Ring, but you've also brought the main story of Shadow of the Erdtree to a satisfying conclusion. As Radahn and Miquella vanish, you receive Miquella's crown and the duo's Remembrance, along with a final cutscene that raises more questions than answers.

 

But even with Radahn defeated, the Land of Shadows still holds many secrets and challenges. Optional areas like Cerulean Coast and the remaining NPC quests, including the formidable Bayle the Dread, await you to seek to fully explore this dark and mysterious world.

 

In the end, the battle against Radahn, Consort of Miquella, is not just a test of skill, but a testament to the epic scale and depth of Elden Ring. It's a fight that will linger in your memory long after the dust has settled, a fitting finale to an unforgettable journey.