With such a huge amount of new bosses and locations added in Shadow of The Erdtree, it can be a little confusing working out what level to take them on. Like most FromSoftware games, the map can be navigated in pretty much any order, but this is my take on how you should approach all the bosses in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree.
Best order to fight the bosses in Shadow of The Erdtree: Recommended level, explained
This is how I went about tackling the various bosses in the Elden Ring DLC. I found the levelling of each was about right for me, and although I struggled, I knew it was a skill issue rather than a level one. Just make sure to check out the Scadutree Fragment guide so you’re as powerful as you need to be.
This will be based on your Blessing Level rather than the base Rune level. Although the Runes make a difference, the real game changer is Blessing Level in Shadow of The Erdtree. I would recommend you start the Shadow of The Erdtree DLC at around level 150 or above.
Main bosses recommended level
As you make your way through the main quests of Shadow of The Erdtree, you will encounter these bosses. It is possible to skip areas and end up way out of your depth. Getting to Jagged Peak and working your way up the mountain before level 10 is not going to be a good time. Check out this list, and see how you fare.
| Boss | Location | Blessing Level |
|---|---|---|
| Divine Beast Dancing Lion | Belurat, Gravesite Plain | 3-5 |
| Rellana, Twin Moon Knight | Castle Ensis, Gravesite Plain | 6-7 |
| Putrescent Knight | Stone Coffin Fissure, Southern Shore | 7-8 |
| Messmer the Impaler | Shadow Keep, Scadu Altus | 8-10 |
| Romina, Saint of the Bud | Church of the Bud, Rauh Ruins | 8-10 |
| Scadutree Avatar | Scadutree Base, Scadu Altus | 10-12 |
| Commander Gaius | Shadow Keep, Scadu Altus | 11-13 |
| Metyr, Mother of Fingers | Cathedral of Manus Metyr, Scadu Altus | 11-14 |
| Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame | Midra’s Manse, Abyssal Woods | 12-14 |
| Bayle the Dread | Jagged Peak | 14+ |
| Radahn, Consort of Miquella | Enir-llim | 15+ |
Mausoleum boss recommended level
You should seek these out when you’re underway. From my experience, I was around the right level by the time I had reached each of the areas the Shadow of the Erdtree Mausoleum bosses resided in. However, this wasn’t the case with the Blackgaol Knight, as he is right by the entrance. I recommend coming back for this fight.
| Mausoleum boss | Location | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Blackgaol Knight | Western Nameless Mausoleum, Gravesite Plain | 5+ |
| Dancer of Ranah | Southern Nameless Mausoleum, the Southern Shore | 6+ |
| Red Bear | Northern Nameless Mausoleum, Gravesite Plain | 6+ |
| Rakshasa | Recluses’ River Downstream, Scadu Altus | 7+ |
Field bosses recommended level
Although these are skippable, you want to be the right level for the optional bosses in Shadow of The Erdtree. The problem is that they can be encountered at any time.
| Field boss | Location | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Fallingstar Beast | Scadu Alus, Hinterlands | 11+ |
| Ancient Dragon Senessax | Jagged Peak | 10+ |
| Dryleaf Dane | Scadu Altus, Moorth Ruins | 5+ |
| Ralva, the Red Bear | Scadu Altus, Highroad Cross | 8+ |
| Rugalea the Red Bear | Rauh Ruins Base | 7+ |
| Demi-Human Queen Marigga | Cerulean Coast West site of grace. | 8+ |
| Death Rite Bird | Charo’s Hidden Grave | 7+ |
Dungeon bosses recommended level
Finding the various dungeon bosses around Shadow of The Erdtree is a great way to earn a few more levels and some great gear. There are plenty of them to find, but it’s good to know if they’re going to turn you into a pink paste before you head into their arena.
| Dungeon boss | Location | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Demi-Human Swordsman Onze | Belurat Gaol, Gravesite Plain | 7+ |
| Ancient Dragon Man | Dragon’s Pit, Gravesite Plain | 8+ |
| Magma Wyrm | Dragon’s Pit, Gravesite Plain | 5+ |
| Death Knight | Fog Rift Catacombs, Gravesite Plain | 6+ |
| Chief Bloodfiend | Rivermouth Cave, Gravesite Plain | 4+ |
| Black Knight Edredd | Fort of Reprimand, Scadu Altus | 8+ |
| Curseblade Labirith | Bonny Gaol, Scadu Altus | 7+ |
| Lamenter | Lamenter’s Gaol, Charo’s Hidden Grave | 9+ |
| Death Knight | Scorpion River Catacombs, Rauh Ruins Base | 6+ |
| Jori, Elder Inquisitor | Darklight Catacombs, Abyssal Woods | 7+ |
For all your other Elden Ring and Shadow of The Erdtree guides, check out our guide hub.
