How Many Elden Ring Base Game Bosses Are There? Complete Guide

Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action RPG developed by FromSoftware, has captivated players around the world with its vast open world, immersive storytelling, and challenging gameplay. One of the quintessential elements of any FromSoftware title is the multitude of boss encounters, each offering unique challenges, lore, and rewards. Today, we’ll dive into the specifics of how many bosses exist in the base game of Elden Ring and provide insights on how to conquer them.

Overview of Bosses in Elden Ring

As of June 2024, it has been confirmed that Elden Ring features a staggering total of 238 bosses throughout the game, including both mandatory and optional encounters. However, when focusing solely on the base game, players will encounter a more manageable number of bosses that are pivotal to the story and gameplay experience.

Mandatory Bosses

For players looking to complete the main storyline of Elden Ring, there are approximately 13 mandatory boss fights required to progress through the narrative. These bosses serve as milestones on the journey and are essential for collecting Great Runes, which ultimately allow players to reach different endings in the game.

Among these crucial bosses are iconic figures such as:

• Margit, the Fell Omen: Often encountered early in the game, this formidable foe serves as a gatekeeper to the greater challenges ahead.
• Godrick the Grafted: This boss fight introduces players to the significance of Great Runes and marks a pivotal point in the storyline.

By defeating these bosses, players unlock key elements of the narrative and gain vital resources for their journey.

Optional Bosses

The multitude of optional bosses in Elden Ring contributes significantly to its replayability and exploratory aspects. While the game features over 200 bosses, many of them are categorized as optional and found in various dungeons, caves, and locations scattered across the expansive Lands Between.

For instance, Demi-Human Queen Maggie and Abductor Virgins are examples of optional bosses located in locations such as Mt. Gelmir and different dungeons. These encounters may not be necessary for story progression but are essential for players seeking a deeper understanding of the game’s lore and additional rewards.

Unique Boss Encounters

One of the incredible features of Elden Ring is the diversity of its bosses. The game is known for its 32 unique bosses located within dungeons, each with distinct abilities, attack patterns, and lore. These encounters often require players to adapt their strategies and utilize different skills, emphasizing the skill-based gameplay for which FromSoftware is renowned.

To effectively tackle these bosses, players should consider the following tips:

1. Learn the Patterns: Each boss has a set of attack patterns and behaviors. Observing and memorizing these can provide significant advantages during battle.

2. Optimize Your Build: Elden Ring allows for various player builds. Whether you prefer melee, ranged, or magic attacks, ensure your character is well-equipped to handle the specific challenges posed by each boss.

3. Use Summons: Players can summon NPCs or other players to aid them in boss fights. This can make challenging encounters much more manageable.

4. Level Up and Upgrade Equipment: Gathering souls from defeated enemies can be used to level up and enhance your weapons armor, which can be invaluable when facing tougher bosses.

5. Be Patient: Many of the bosses can prove to be quite tough, testing your patience and skill. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to step back and regroup if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Elden Ring offers an intricate web of over 238 bosses, with 13 being mandatory for the main narrative. The game’s design encourages exploration and provides a wealth of optional bosses, each adding depth and layers to the gameplay experience. Engaging with these challenges not only enhances your skills but also enriches your understanding of the lore woven throughout this magnificent title.

Whether you’re a seasoned Soulsborne veteran or a newcomer to the genre, the bosses in Elden Ring are sure to leave an indelible mark on your gaming journey. So gather your strength, prepare your weapons, and step into the Lands Between to face your destiny!