Top Elden Ring Boss Messmer the Impaler Revealed as the Ultimate Challenge

Regardless of whether you adore them or despise them, it’s hard to deny that FromSoftware excels at designing challenging boss fights. In a way, this has become their trademark, creating experiences that push players’ skills to the limit, offer visually stunning spectacles, and leave lasting impressions long after the game is over. Elden Ring continued this tradition superbly by filling the expansive Lands Between with memorable adversaries. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion introducing even more formidable enemies, the roster of epic boss fights has become both broader and more lethal. Ranking these encounters is a challenge as tough as completing a no-death run, since every player has their favorite terrifying encounter. Nevertheless, some battles stand out, leaving an indelible impression on anyone brave enough to confront them.

Choosing the ultimate best is not only about quantifying difficulty; it’s also about the design of the fight itself. We focused on creating a balance between challenging but fair mechanics, as well as movesets that encourage player learning and mastery. Emotional impact is another crucial factor, with bosses becoming more formidable through compelling lore connections and strong narrative presence. The presentation is equally important, with stunning visuals, captivating music, and an immersive atmosphere being key elements of a great boss fight in Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Here’s our pick for the top tank of the best bosses in these games.

10) Dragonlord Placidusax

buried in the dilapidated Farum Azula lies an incredibly old power, tucked away from the typical path where only a few dare venture. Here, gamers stumble upon Dragonlord Placidusax, the towering twin-headed former dragon king, a primordial entity found in deep meditation at the core of a whirling vortex of time. Simply finding this legendary creature adds greatly to its allure, heightening the feeling of unearthing something immense and long forgotten. Moreover, the arena itself is stunning. A circular platform seemingly detached from time provides an ideal setting for the impending grand battle, truly embodying the awe-inspiring spectacle that FromSoftware is known for creating.

In the battle against Dragonlord Placidusax, you’ll find attacks that are unlike any other dragon fight in the game – they’re spectacular and visually stunning. He teleports around the expansive arena, disappears into mist before swooping down in a terrifying dive bomb, surrounded by red lightning. He also breathes sweeping golden fire that torches the battlefield. His signature move is fascinating: he hovers in place, both of his heads firing intense golden laser beams. This attack requires precise timing and positioning from the player. Managing the camera during this fight with such a colossal creature presents familiar challenges, but the creative nature of his moveset, along with the grandeur of the battle, make Placidusax a truly memorable experience and one of the most exciting hidden encounters in Elden Ring.

9) Godfrey, First Elden Lord / Hoarah Loux

In the penultimate challenge prior to reaching the Erdtree, facing off against Godfrey, the First Elden Lord, offers an appropriately grand and dramatic experience. His majestic demeanor underscores his legendary standing, as he is depicted brandishing a colossal battle axe worthy of the Tarnished who was Marika’s first consort. The opening stage sets the stage for an epic duel against this formidable warrior, putting the player’s core skills to the test in a rewarding display of power before the breathtaking transition elevates this encounter to the status of legend.

The scenario alters drastically when Godfrey discards his regal demeanor, revealing the fierce warrior Hoarah Loux hidden within. The battle’s dynamics immediately shift as Godfrey’s axe strikes are replaced by intense, bare-knuckle ferocity. A whirlwind of grips, thunderous smashes, charging rushes, and wide-ranging shockwaves convert the boss fight into a raw, primal brawl. This abrupt transition is startling, visually stunning, and fundamentally reshapes the combat experience, necessitating a completely new strategy from the player. As a result, encountering Hoarah Loux, Chieftain of the Badlands, in all his unbridled might, makes for an indelible memory that beautifully concludes Godfrey’s journey and offers one of the most cherished moments in Elden Ring.

8) Maliketh, the Black Blade

In comparison to most bosses, Maliketh, the Black Blade, bears a significant story impact. Serving as the faithful shadow of Queen Marika and guardian of the Rune of Death, he is responsible for setting in motion the doomed deaths of the demigods. This pivotal backstory significantly heightens the tension before a fight even commences. At first, players face him disguised as the Beast Clergyman, but the conflict quickly escalates into a chilling transformation during the second phase, where he reveals his true form, exhibiting extraordinary speed, agility, and unyielding ferocity.

As a passionate gamer, the way Maliketh wields his Black Blade sets our encounter apart. His strikes pack a devastating punch, not only dealing massive damage but also momentarily lowering my maximum health and inflicting persistent damage over time. This particular mechanic transforms the fight into an exhilarating, nerve-wracking battle where every mistake is harshly penalized, pushing me to be almost flawless in my dodges and attack management. Maliketh’s design is captivating, portraying a menacing shadowy creature holding death itself in his hands. Furthermore, the swiftness and lethality of his second phase create an intense, cinematic climax, making Maliketh one of Elden Ring’s most esteemed challenges, despite his challenging nature.

7) Morgott, the Omen King

Morgott, known as the Omen King, showcases how story and character can transform a boss battle into something more than just mechanical challenges. Initially encountered disguised as Margit, the Fell Omen, he serves as an early-game hurdle to test players’ determination. Encountering him again, deep within Leyndell, Royal Capital, feels like a destined rematch, marking the climax of a long journey through the Lands Between. The battle becomes more impactful due to his tragic history as an Omen bound forever to safeguard the Erdtree that he can never truly possess, despite his royal lineage. This background, along with superb voice acting delivering poignant lines about ambition, gives the encounter a strong emotional foundation.

For seasoned players, Morgott might not be the toughest late-game adversary, but his moveset is fluid, visually stunning, and captivating. He builds upon his Margit arsenal substantially by summoning a variety of golden weapons like swords, daggers, hammers, and spears, while also employing holy magic in grandiose, screen-dominating attacks. Morgott exudes an air of royalty tainted with curse, fighting with ferocious determination to protect his charge. Essentially, Morgott embodies a near-flawless blend of compelling storyline, strong character depth, striking visuals, and rewarding gameplay, placing him among the top bosses in Elden Ring.

6) Rellana, Twin Moon Knight

In the game Shadow of the Erdtree, Rellana, also known as Twin Moon Knight, is frequently recognized as a tough initial challenge, setting the stage for the game’s challenging nature. This rapid-fire humanoid battle is often praised as an outstanding encounter, earning comparisons to iconic FromSoftware bosses like Lady Maria from Bloodborne, who are admired for their aggressive grace. Unlike some bosses that employ cheap tactics, Rellana uses constant combos and quick movements, which encourage strategic play and nimble dodging. As a result, understanding her patterns feels similar to mastering a deadly dance, requiring focus, precision, and quick reflexes.

In essence, Rellana boasts an impressive style, and her twinblade attacks transform into perilous spells in the second phase, adorned with spiraling magic and fiery crackles, offering a breathtaking yet deadly performance for players to conquer. The absence of a transition cutscene during her phase change preserves the fight’s intense pace, ensuring tension remains throughout. Furthermore, Rellana’s musical score is noteworthy, harmonizing flawlessly with the tempo of the battle. Although her ties to Rennala and Messmer add background, it is primarily her polished combat, challenging nature, and striking aesthetics that have earned her widespread acclaim, making her a pinnacle attraction within the DLC.

5) Starscourge Radahn

In Elden Ring, the clash with Starscourge Radahn stands out as one of the most distinctive and memorable events. This encounter is set during the Radahn Festival, an epic event where players can enlist a group of familiar NPC characters to join them in confronting the mad demigod. The unique mechanic, along with the colossal desert arena found in the Wailing Dunes – ideal for using Torrent – offers an unmatched sense of grandeur and immerses players in a chaotic, mythical fight that’s unlike anything else.

Radahn, with his unforgettable presence, is mainly remembered for his tragic backstory. Once a valiant knight, he was infected by Malenia’s scarlet rot, but still retains enough gravitational strength to halt the cosmos. To add a touch of irony to the turmoil, he shares an amusing bond with his diminutive steed Leonard. The visual spectacle is breathtaking: Radahn’s imposing figure galloping across the dunes, his volley of gravity arrows descending, and the signature move – the fiery meteor return, marking the beginning of the second phase. Although the gameplay mechanics may not be perfect, the sheer ambition, narrative development, and innovative festival theme make Starscourge Radahn an epic moment in Elden Ring lore.

4) Bayle the Dread

In Shadow of the Erdtree, you’ll encounter arguably the most breathtaking dragon battle ever created by FromSoftware, featuring Bayle the Dread. This battle is a full-blown cinematic experience from beginning to end. Bayle’s scarred visage hints at a brutal past, possibly suggesting a prior confrontation with Dragonlord Placidusax. His dramatic entrance, descending from the heavens, sets an immediate tone of terror. The entire encounter is crafted for maximum visual impact, stretching the limits of epic scale within the game engine. Even the optional summon, Igon, provides unforgettable, flamboyant commentary that perfectly enhances the grandeur of the fight.

As I step into the battle arena, it’s during the second phase where Bayle truly earns his legendary status. With a burst of fiery energy, he unfurls spectral wings and soars into the sky, raining down infernos and precision dive bombs that keep me on my toes. Just hearing his roar can knock me back, showcasing his raw power and dominance over this place. The epic music accompanying the fight intensifies the experience, making every moment feel awe-inspiring.

Bayle’s agility makes him tricky to corner for close combat, but the breathtaking spectacle usually outweighs that challenge. It’s moments like these that highlight the peak of FromSoftware’s dragon-slaying fantasy.

3) Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame

In the depths of the eerie Abyssal Woods lies Midra, the Lord of Frenzied Flame, a testament to the DLC’s exceptional boss creation. He stands side by side with Messmer, offering an encounter that is both intensely difficult and impeccably fair. The journey to reach him is crafted to instill a chilling atmosphere, culminating in a disquieting opening cutscene that foreshadows eldritch terror. Midra’s appearance is striking, resembling a gaunt humanoid whose head explodes with the chaotic energy of the Three Fingers, symbolizing his total submission to the Frenzied Flame. His link to this outer god also carries significant lore implications, enhancing the impact of the confrontation.

The battle against Midra is an exceptional demonstration of challenging yet engaging gameplay. He possesses a diverse arsenal of moves, including swift melee attacks, crushing grips, and potent Frenzied Flame spells that gradually drive players mad. However, these moves are clearly signaled, encouraging players to master the patterns and timings instead of relying on sneaky tactics or excessive visual distractions to increase difficulty. The music in this battle beautifully encapsulates the fear and intensity of battling a creature overtaken by chaos. In conclusion, Midra demonstrates that design can create challenge through intelligent, understandable mechanics, making him one of the most gratifying challenges found in Shadow of the Erdtree.

2) Malenia, Blade of Miquella

In the game Elden Ring, there’s no character causing as much discussion or earning as much notoriety as Malenia, Blade of Miquella. Tucked away at the base of the Haligtree, she stands as the ultimate optional test for numerous gamers, offering a relentless trial that mercilessly assesses players’ skills and builds. Her fame stems from her daunting difficulty, largely due to her unique ability to recover health with every successful attack on the player, which is rare among shardbearers. The notorious Waterfowl Dance move also adds significantly to her legend, a swift, whirling storm of blows that requires near-perfect reflexes and positioning to endure. For those who push through, overcoming this battle brings an unprecedented feeling of achievement that keeps players coming back for more challenges.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by Malenia, the Blade of Miquella. Beyond her raw difficulty lies a rich lore that resonates deeply – she’s an Empyrean afflicted by Scarlet Rot, and her unwavering devotion to her twin brother, Miquella, is palpable. Her iconic introduction, “I am Malenia, Blade of Miquella…” sends a shiver down my spine every time I hear it. Her design showcases a graceful warrior who can wreak absolute havoc with her prosthetic blade.

The lifesteal mechanic and Waterfowl Dance have sparked debates among players about fairness, but there’s no denying Malenia’s iconic status as a boss. She’s an unforgettable, stunningly presented, and relentlessly challenging encounter that epitomizes the pinnacle of difficulty in Elden Ring.

1) Messmer the Impaler

Emerging from the enigmatic veil of the Erdtree, Messmer the Impaler is universally celebrated as one of the most revered bosses in gaming, epitomizing the hallmarks that have made FromSoftware encounters iconic. Right from the get-go, he poses a formidable challenge, compelling players to decipher his complex attack patterns to emerge victorious. However, his moveset is balanced and predictable, pulsating with a unique rhythm that makes mastering it rewarding instead of aggravating. His attacks are relentless, featuring impalements with his spear, fiery detonations that manage space, and unforeseeable serpentine rushes, but importantly, they come with clear signals and offer suitable openings for retaliation. Consequently, the battle unfolds like a dance of death, testing player abilities to their utmost limits.

In a remarkable fashion, Messmer’s performance and storytelling surpass mere mechanical aspects. His visual style is breathtaking, with frequent use of snake and fire symbols suggesting his enigmatic character. The transition phase is one of the finest FromSoftware has ever created, smoothly changing his behavior and abilities as he fully adopts his cursed serpentine form, even summoning a massive spectral snake for assistance. This transformation directly complements his tragic backstory as Marika’s spurned son, adding layers of depth to the confrontation. Accompanied by an outstanding soundtrack, Messmer the Impaler offers a tough, awe-inspiring, and story-rich encounter that cements him as the top boss in Elden Ring.

2025-05-16 23:45