Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How to beat Messmer, the Impaler

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How to beat Messmer, the Impaler

As a seasoned adventurer with countless hours spent traversing the lands of Elden Ring, I can confidently say that the battle against Messmer, the Impaler, was one of the most exhilarating and challenging encounters I’ve had yet. With his menacing presence and ominous backstory, I knew this was not an opponent to be taken lightly.


In my experience playing Elden Ring, Messmer stands out as one of the most challenging bosses in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. To emerge victorious against him, you’ll want to put every strategy and tip from this analysis into practice.

Boss breakdown

As a gamer, I can tell you that I’ve come across Messmer, the formidable boss who rules over the Shadow Keep legacy dungeon located in the northern part of Scadu Altus. This guy is no joke and is among the essential bosses you need to defeat to move forward with the DLC content. So, be sure to gear up, hone your skills, and get ready for an intense battle!

As a devoted follower of the Shadow Realm’s intricacies, I can tell you that Messmer has a knack for withstanding Fire assaults. Yet, be warned, he holds a vulnerable side when confronted with Holy damage. In terms of his status, he is most susceptible to Frostbite. However, feel free to employ any attack except those causing Sleep or Madness while engaging in combat against him.

Messmer can be divided into two separate stages. The initial phase, signified by the nickname “The Impaler,” represents Messmer’s fundamental form. During this stage, Messmer predominantly employs swift thrusting attacks, in addition to destructive fire-based weapon abilities and incantations.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How to beat Messmer, the Impaler

In the second stage, Messmer amplifies the stakes by uncovering a concealed serpent base beneath his eye. This discovery introduces several new attack methods, turning him into a colossal snake, and significantly increasing the danger level.

Strategy, tips & tricks

Before passing through the fog gate, it’s essential to prepare yourself properly with the suitable Talismans, Crystal Tears, and armor. In contrast to the standard game where you might opt for damage-enhancing items, the DLC often requires defensive upgrades due to the substantial damage inflicted by each boss.

As a passionate fan, I’d suggest equipping yourself with these recommended Talismans and Crystal Tears. Additionally, don’t forget to wear the finest damage-reducing armor that allows for a moderate roll speed at most.

  • Talismans:
    • Crimson Amber Medallion +3
    • Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman
    • Flamedrake Talisman +3
    • Pearldrake Talisman +3
    • Pearl Shield Talisman (if using a shield)
    • Greatshield Talisman (if using a shield)
  • Crystal Tears:
    • Opaline Hardtear
    • Holy-Shrouding Cracked Tear (if using Holy damage)

Instead of that, remember to choose items that enhance your unique character setup. In addition, utilize the “Golden Vow” spell and your trusted “Boiled Prawns.”

First phase

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How to beat Messmer, the Impaler

In a typical battle, Messmer often initiates engagements with a ranged assault. This opens with a leap forward and a jumping lunge, which is subsequently followed by an area-of-effect attack. To avoid this damage, keep your distance. If you have summoned NPCs within the arena, it’s advisable to lure out this attack away from their signs before engaging.

As a fan of Messmer’s fighting style, I’ve noticed that most of his attacks involve thrusting motions. To stay alive during a battle against him, it’s crucial to anticipate and react as soon as you see the beginning of his attack. The hits come swiftly, so timing your dodge or block at the right moment is essential. Additionally, be cautious not to initiate an attack until after he has completed a combo sequence to avoid getting caught in a chain of rapid-fire thrusts.

I managed to come fairly close to Messmer, as his jabs sometimes went above my head. However, since he moves erratically, it’s challenging to maintain this favorable stance for an extended period.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How to beat Messmer, the Impaler

He often summons fire magic with his right hand, usually resulting in area-of-effect attacks that are best avoided by keeping a safe distance. Be cautious not to get too close and risk being hit and stunned.

Additionally, he will unleash identical fireball attacks, similar to those used by Fire Knights and Shadows in the Shadow Keep. Be sure to stay vigilant as these attacks can be easily overlooked.

During both phases, be on the lookout for Messmer’s formidable assault, a prolonged series of hits that could quickly deplete your health if you’re not careful.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How to beat Messmer, the Impaler

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen it all – from simple melee attacks to complex combo moves that leave enemies reeling. And let me tell you, Messmer is a character who knows how to put on a show.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How to beat Messmer, the Impaler

As a fan of the game, I can tell you that while Messmer’s attacks are dangerous, they’re not impossible to dodge. I found that staying near him and moving behind him helped me avoid most of his plunges. It may take some practice to master the timing, but with patience, you’ll be able to evade unscathed. Additionally, it’s important to note that Messmer’s opening attack and one other plunge move are the only ones in the first phase that end with an area-of-effect (AoE). So, make sure to use his other moves to deal damage instead.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How to beat Messmer, the Impaler

Another type of attack to be aware of is the “grab,” which is indicated when the opponent extends his hand. While this isn’t an immediate kill, it can deal substantial damage and potentially leave you in a weakened state if your health is low.

Second phase

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How to beat Messmer, the Impaler

Just as the initial phase begins with a lunging attack followed by an area-of-effect combo, so does the second phase. However, in this phase, Messmer transforms into a giant snake.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How to beat Messmer, the Impaler

During the second phase, he keeps most of his previous moves but includes more attacks involving snakes as a prominent feature. You can anticipate these snake attacks when you see Messmer lift his right hand and summon a black void above him. Be on guard and prepare to swiftly evade as a mass of serpents will rush towards you.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How to beat Messmer, the Impaler

During the final phase of Messmer’s combos, he now has the ability to transform into a serpent. This transformation can be confusing if you have memorized the patterns from the initial stage. A clear sign that this is about to happen is when black material envelops him. Shortly after, a snake attack will ensue.

Rewards

  • 400,000 Runes
  • Remembrance of the Impaler
    • Spear of the Impaler
    • Messmer’s Orb (Incantation)
  • Messmer’s Kindling

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How to beat Messmer, the Impaler

It’s fortunate that overcoming Messmer is compensated by significant rewards, for his Spear boasts impressive power among the game’s arsenals, and obtaining the Kindling is essential for advancing in the storyline and completing the Ancient Ruins of Rauh.

Another option: you can buy the complete armor collection of that character from Enia in the Roundtable Hold. I proudly obtained it to role-play as him extensively during the game’s final stages.

Be sure to carefully examine the product details, particularly those for his Kindling and Remembrance items, as they provide valuable insights into the events in the Shadow Realm.

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2024-07-17 15:44