Introduction
Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed open-world action RPG, has captivated millions with its sprawling landscapes, deep lore, and, most notably, its staggering number of boss encounters. Whether you’re a seasoned Souls veteran or a newcomer to the Lands Between, one question inevitably arises: How many bosses are there in Elden Ring? In this article, we’ll break down the total boss count, explore the different types, and discuss what makes these encounters so memorable.
What Counts as a Boss in Elden Ring?
Before tallying the numbers, it’s important to clarify what constitutes a “boss” in Elden Ring. The game features a wide variety of boss types, each with unique mechanics and significance:
- Main Story Bosses / Shardbearers (Demigods): Essential for game progression and holders of Great Runes. Examples include Godrick the Grafted and Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon.
- Legendary Bosses: Often optional but significant in lore and challenge, such as Malenia, Blade of Miquella.
- Field Bosses: Roaming threats in the open world, like Tree Sentinels and dragons.
- Dungeon Bosses: Guardians of catacombs, caves, and tunnels, often marking the end of a dungeon.
- Mini-Bosses and Repeated Encounters: Tougher than regular enemies, sometimes appearing in multiple locations with variations.
Some ambiguity exists, as certain encounters are repeated or slightly altered, and community consensus may differ on what counts as a unique boss.
The Total Number of Bosses: Base Game and DLC
Base Game
Upon release, Elden Ring featured an impressive 165 boss encounters. This includes:
- 12–15 mandatory story bosses (depending on the chosen ending path)
- 6 Great Rune holders (Shardbearers)
- 30+ major optional bosses
- 97+ minor and repeated bosses (such as Erdtree Avatars and Night’s Cavalry)
Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, released in June 2024, expanded the roster significantly:
- 8 major story bosses
- 18+ optional and field bosses
- Total DLC additions: 26–45 new boss encounters
Combined Total
When combining the base game and DLC, the total number of boss encounters in Elden Ring reaches approximately 200–205. This figure includes repeated and variant bosses, as well as all unique designs.
| Boss Type | Base Game | Shadow of the Erdtree | Total (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Story Bosses | 12–15 | 8 | 20–23 |
| Great Rune Holders | 6 | — | 6 |
| Optional/Dungeon Bosses | 80+ | 18+ | 100+ |
| Field Bosses | 40+ | 10+ | 50+ |
| Mini-Bosses/Repetitions | 30–40 | 10+ | 40–50 |
| Total | 165 | 26–45 | 200–205 |
Note: The exact number can vary depending on how you count reskinned or repeated bosses, as some appear in multiple locations with slight variations.
Unique vs. Repeated Bosses
While the encounter count is high, the number of truly unique boss designs is lower due to repeated archetypes. For example:
| Boss Type | Total Encounters | Unique Designs |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Sentinels | 9 | 3 |
| Dragons | 22 | 8 |
| Erdtree Avatars | 11 | 2 |
| Night's Cavalry | 9 | 1 |
| Deathbirds | 8 | 2 |
Regional Distribution
Bosses are spread throughout the Lands Between and the Land of Shadow, ensuring every region offers unique challenges:
- Limgrave & Weeping Peninsula: 23 bosses
- Liurnia of the Lakes: 29 bosses
- Caelid & Dragonbarrow: 19 bosses
- Altus Plateau & Mt. Gelmir: 26 bosses
- Mountaintops of the Giants: 14 bosses
- Consecrated Snowfield: 8 bosses
- Mohgwyn Palace: 3 bosses
- Siofra & Ainsel Rivers: 7 bosses
- Deeproot Depths: 3 bosses
- Crumbling Farum Azula: 7 bosses
- Land of Shadow (DLC): 26 bosses
Notable and Hidden Bosses
Some bosses have become legendary within the community for their difficulty or the secrets required to find them:
- Malenia, Blade of Miquella: Widely considered the hardest boss in the base game.
- Mohg, Lord of Blood: Hidden in an underground area.
- Dragonlord Placidusax: Requires a specific action in Crumbling Farum Azula.
- Messmer the Impaler (DLC): Involves solving a complex puzzle.
For a full list, visit the Elden Ring Bosses Wiki.
Why So Many Bosses?
FromSoftware’s design philosophy emphasizes exploration, challenge, and reward. The vast number of bosses serves several purposes:
- World Building & Lore: Bosses are deeply tied to the world’s history and narrative.
- Player Progression: Key bosses act as skill checks and gatekeepers.
- Rewarding Exploration: Many bosses are hidden, rewarding thorough exploration.
- Combat Variety: The diversity of bosses ensures fresh and engaging encounters.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Each victory, big or small, feels significant.
Tips for Conquering Every Boss
Facing over 200 bosses can be daunting. Here are some strategies:
- Upgrade Your Gear: Weapons, armor, and Spirit Ashes make a huge difference.
- Summon Help: Use Spirit Ashes or online co-op for tough fights.
- Learn Patterns: Study boss attack patterns and adapt your strategy.
- Explore Thoroughly: Many bosses are hidden in secret or optional areas.
For more strategies, check out the IGN Elden Ring Guide.
Community Insights
The Elden Ring subreddit is a hub for discussion, strategies, and boss rankings. According to recent polls, Malenia remains the most challenging boss, with DLC bosses like Messmer the Impaler also earning notoriety.
“I’ve fought what feels like a hundred bosses, but half of them are just reskins. Still, every fight feels epic in its own way!” – A Reddit user on r/EldenRing
Conclusion: A World of Challenges Awaits
Whether you’re aiming to defeat every boss or just progress through the main story, Elden Ring offers an unparalleled array of memorable encounters. With over 200 boss fights, the Lands Between and the Land of Shadow promise hundreds of hours of challenge and discovery. Prepare your weapons, summon your courage, and step through the next fog gate—your next epic battle awaits.
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