The thrill is neverending for players of the highly anticipated Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Take challenges to the next level as new bosses arrive in the Lands Between. Like any FromSoftware title, it is guaranteed that these encounters will be epic and memorable. Though, expect some of it to be frustrating and divisive. Know the bosses you’ll face in the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC through this Boss Tier List. We’ll rank the major bosses from the expansion and discuss each fight to see why some battles are above the rest.
S-Tier: The Pinnacle of Boss Design
Messmer the Impaler
Topping our list is Messmer the Impaler, the poster boy for Shadow of the Erdtree. This fight exemplifies everything great about FromSoftware boss design – challenging yet fair, with clear telegraphs and opportunities for counterattacks. Messmer’s second phase transformation adds spectacle without becoming overwhelming, creating a thrilling and satisfying encounter from start to finish.
Bayle the Dread
Coming in close behind is Bayle the Dread, a massive dragon fight that serves as the climax to the treacherous ascent of Jagged Peaks. While camera issues slightly mar the experience, the sheer scale and spectacle of this battle, complete with fire-based lightning attacks and Bayle’s imposing presence, make it one of the most memorable encounters in all of Elden Ring.
Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame
Rounding out our S-tier is Midra, an optional boss that shouldn’t be missed. This humanoid foe strikes a perfect balance of challenge and readability, with the threat of Madness keeping players on their toes. The flaming second phase ramps up the intensity without feeling unfair, rewarding skilled players who learn Midra’s patterns.
A-Tier: Excellent but Not Quite Perfect
Scadutree Avatar
This surprisingly engaging fight against a giant sunflower demonstrates clever design choices. With multiple phases that add new attacks while maintaining the core challenge, the Scadutree Avatar provides a unique and memorable encounter.
Romina, Saint of the Bud
While somewhat easier than expected for a late-game boss, Romina’s fight is visually stunning and mechanically interesting. Her centipede-like body and Scarlet Rot abilities create a engaging battle that feels conquerable without being pushovers.
Rellana, Twin Moon Knight
As the first mandatory boss, Rellana sets the tone for the DLC with her challenging moveset. While her second phase can feel a bit chaotic, overcoming this fight is deeply satisfying.
B-Tier: Solid but Flawed Encounters
Needle Knight Leda and her Allies
This unique PvP-style encounter serves as an epic penultimate battle, bringing together various NPCs from throughout the DLC. While not the most mechanically complex fight, it’s a fitting climax for many character storylines.
Putrescent Knight
Reminiscent of Bloodborne’s Orphan of Kos, the Putrescent Knight offers an intense midgame challenge. The split mechanics between knight and steed create interesting dynamics, though it can occasionally feel frustrating.
C-Tier: Disappointing or Problematic
Promised Consort Radahn
While Radahn’s first phase is well-designed, the addition of Miquella in phase two pushes this fight into frustrating territory. Massive AOE attacks and relentless aggression make this final boss more exhausting than satisfying for many players.
Divine Beast Dancing Lion
As the first boss most players will encounter, the Dancing Lion suffers from camera issues and occasionally feels more luck-based than skill-based. Its elemental phase shifts add some variety, but overall, it’s a rocky start to the DLC.
Golden Hippopotamus
Similar to the Dancing Lion, the Golden Hippopotamus struggles with camera problems in a confined arena. While not a terrible fight, it fails to stand out among the expansion’s more memorable encounters.
D-Tier: Deeply Flawed or Forgettable
Metyr, Mother of Fingers
Hidden behind an obscure questline, Metyr’s fight ends up being rather unremarkable. While its design is intriguingly bizarre, the actual mechanics of the encounter leave much to be desired.
Commander Gaius
Universally reviled by the community, Commander Gaius represents the worst aspects of Elden Ring’s boss design. Relying heavily on input reading and frame-perfect dodges, this optional encounter feels more broken than challenging.
Conclusion
The range is expanding in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree as challenges are upgraded to deliver promising battles. The boss encounters progressively become frustrating as they get tougher to beat. While not every fight hits the mark, standout battles like Messmer the Impaler and Bayle the Dread showcase FromSoftware’s continued mastery of boss design. As you continue to play the game, it is definite that you’ll find your own favorites among these foes.
With the encounters awaiting you in the Lands Between, this Elden Ring Erdtree boss tier list should help you prepare for any surprising attacks. Muster your courage and face the biggest challengers of all.
