The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring looms on the horizon, promising a wealth of new unforgettable boss battles that will surely challenge even the most seasoned players. Now is the perfect moment to reflect and revisit some of its most challenging boss encounters by ranking them in terms of the top 10 most difficult Elden Ring bosses prior to the DLC.

10. Fire Giant

Ranked at number 10, the Fire Giant narrowly surpasses Astel, Natural Born of the Void. Its inclusion on the list is justified by several factors. Found among the later bosses in Elden Ring, the Fire Giant poses a considerable challenge primarily because of its ability to deliver devastating blows capable of incapacitating players with inadequate Vigor levels.

Furthermore, the unique aspect of this boss fight involves Riding Torrent, limiting players' maneuverability and agility. Patience becomes a key virtue, particularly during the final phase, where precise timing and strategic positioning are paramount to avoid succumbing to the giant's crushing attacks.

9. Godfrey

Ranked at number 9 is Godfrey, First Elden Lord, emerges as a personal favorite boss battle in Elden Ring. This 2-phase encounter presents distinct challenges in each stage. Initially, players must contend with Godfrey's sweeping axe strikes and ground-shaking stomps, requiring precise evasion techniques such as jumping instead of rolling.

Upon sustaining sufficient damage, Godfrey transforms into the Hoarah Loux, introducing a new set of formidable attacks. Hoarah Loux' s deceptive tactics, including baiting players into premature dodges, add a layer of complexity to the battle.

Mastery of both bosses' move sets is essential for success, making this fight demanding and intense. Fortunately, players do not face both adversaries simultaneously, providing a slight reprieve in the midst of the grueling confrontation.

8. Godskin Duo

Ranked at number 8, is the Godskin Duo presents a formidable challenge in Elden Ring. Comprising the Godskin Noble and the Godskin Apostle, the Godskin Duo poses a significant threat, particularly when faced together with the same boss encounter. While individually manageable, their combined strength creates a nightmarish scenario, exacerbated by the necessity to defeat them multiple times within the battle.

Players may find relief by utilizing powerful Spirit Ashes or summons to divert aggro, yet maintaining the summon's survival proves challenging throughout the prolonged fight. Eventually, players may find themselves confronting both bosses simultaneously. Fortunately, the arena layout offers strategic advantages, allowing players to utilize pillars for cover against the devastating black fireballs unleashed by the bosses.

7. Radagon Of The Golden Order

Surprisingly, the penultimate boss fight, Radagon of the Golden Order, secures the seventh position. Bearing striking similarities to final boss encounters like Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, Radagon presents formidable difficulty akin to these renowned battles.

Unlike many bosses, Radagon's fight lacks gimmicks or unconventional mechanics - it's a straightforward showdown. Players must either adeptly evade and counter all his attacks or rely on a robust build to overpower him relentlessly. Of course, this will become easier if you have a sufficient amount of Elden Ring Runes.

6. Starscourge Radahn

Ranked at number 6 is Starscourge Radahn. Should you enter this battle under-leveled, every strike from Radahn threatens to swiftly incapacitate you. Throughout the skirmish, summoning assistance becomes imperative. Radahn's sweeping attacks cover vast areas, demanding constant vigilance to evade.

While drawing his attention away is beneficial, navigating the battlefield grows increasingly perilous as Radahn nears defeat. His summoning of colossal rocks presents a daunting challenge, requiring adept maneuvering or swift elimination to emerge victorious.

5. Mohg

The next one is Mohg, the Lord of Blood. This optional boss lurks within the Mohgwyn Palace and serves as the gateway to accessing the Shadow of the Eldtree DLC. Mohg's curse is the primary challenge of this encounter. Once he ensnares you with 3 rings, he initiates a chant that inflicts severe bleed damage thrice in rapid succession, while also replenishing his own health. Additionally, Mohg unleashes devastating attacks with considerable range and potency throughout the fight.

4. Dragonlord Placidusax

Located in the perilous region of Crumbling Farum Azula, 2 formidable bosses await the brave in Elden Ring's late-game challenges. The optional boss, Dragonlord Placidusax, stands as a daunting adversary. While players may have faced dragons before, none compare to the sheer might of this 2-headed Lord of all dragons.

Even attempts to divert his attention with a spirit summon prove futile, as he can swiftly pivot one head to unleash devastating attacks on him. Despite his colossal size, Dragonlord Placidusax exhibits surprising agility, taking to the skies to execute lightning-fast Dive Bombs and teleporting maneuvers, catching players off guard with electrifying claw strikes.

3. Elden Beast

Ranking at number 3 is the Elden Beast. While not universally beloved among players, the Elden Beast's formidable strength secures its spot in the top 3. Its devastating attacks pack a punch, amplified by the added challenge of having to defeat Radahn again upon death to face the Elden Beast once more. The daunting task of closing the distance to engage in combat adds another layer of difficulty to this formidable encounter.

2. Maliketh

Ranking at number 2 is Maliketh, the Black Blade, a boss renowned for its formidable prowess. Maliketh's combat style is relentless, characterized by agile movements across the arena, relentless onslaughts of attacks, and unpredictable windows for counterattacks. With Swift projectiles that demand constant vigilance, even from a distance, players must remain on high alert throughout the battle.

However, the arena itself offers strategic advantages, with pillars providing cover against projectiles and opportunities to maneuver. Successfully navigating Maliketh's relentless assault requires precise timing and careful observation, as any misstep is swiftly met with severe repercussions. Thus, Maliketh rightfully earns its place as the penultimate challenge at number 2.

1. Melenia

Claiming the title of the hardest boss is Melenia, Blade of Miquella, undefeated and reigning at number one. Melenia's formidable move set alone presents a daunting challenge, but what truly sets her apart is her ability to heal a significant amount of health with each successful strike.

This mechanic elevates the difficulty of the fight, requiring players not only to deal damage but also to flawlessly evade her attacks. Mastery of Parrying or the aid of a skilled summon becomes crucial strategies for overcoming her relentless assault.