In Elden Ring, the freedom of exploration is one of its most celebrated features, allowing players to carve their own paths through the Lands Between. However, this same freedom can leave many wondering what the optimal boss order might be. While there’s no strict linearity to follow, understanding a suggested boss progression order helps players navigate the increasing difficulty curve, access essential items, and engage with story events in a coherent way. Defeating major bosses in a strategic sequence ensures a smoother journey and a better understanding of the game’s rich lore and mechanics.
Why Boss Order Matters in Elden Ring
Bosses in Elden Ring are not just combat challenges they’re narrative anchors, gatekeepers to new regions, and sources of powerful upgrades like Great Runes and Remembrances. Since the game offers hundreds of bosses, both mandatory and optional, organizing a boss order can help players focus on progression and avoid being overwhelmed by high-level encounters too early. The key is to tackle manageable fights first and gradually scale toward tougher ones, collecting stronger gear and leveling up along the way.
Suggested Boss Order for Main Story Progression
1. Soldier of Godrick (Tutorial Boss)
This is a basic introduction to the game’s mechanics. Located in the Cave of Knowledge, the Soldier of Godrick helps players understand attack timing, blocking, and dodging.
2. Beastman of Farum Azula (Groveside Cave Optional but Helpful)
A great warm-up to test your early skills. This boss offers Runes and an easy victory that builds confidence.
3. Margit, the Fell Omen (Stormveil Castle Gatekeeper)
This is the first major challenge for most players. Defeating Margit grants access to Stormveil Castle, the game’s first legacy dungeon.
4. Godrick the Grafted (Stormveil Castle)
Godrick is one of the five shardbearers. Defeating him gives you your first Great Rune, which is a significant power-up. This marks the completion of the game’s first major area.
5. Raya Lucaria Academy Entry Boss: Red Wolf of Radagon
This boss guards the main hall of the magical academy in Liurnia. Though not a shardbearer, he is crucial for progression through the academy.
6. Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon (Raya Lucaria Academy)
Rennala is a shardbearer and offers the power of rebirth, allowing you to respec your stats. Defeating her adds another Remembrance to your collection and deepens the lore.
7. Radahn Festival: Starscourge Radahn (Caelid)
Radahn is a central shardbearer and one of the toughest mid-game bosses. Beating him triggers a significant world event that opens up Nokron, Eternal City. Summons are allowed, which helps even the odds.
8. Nokron & Deeproot Depths: Regal Ancestor Spirit / Fia’s Champions
While not essential, these bosses offer lore, Runes, and access to deeper areas like the Deeproot Depths. This is an ideal time to explore these underground zones.
9. Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy (Mt. Gelmir)
Although not required for all endings, Rykard is a shardbearer and can be tackled next after Radahn. His fight features a unique mechanic using the Serpent-Hunter weapon provided in the boss arena.
10. Mohg, Lord of Blood (Mohgwyn Palace Optional but Noteworthy)
Mohg offers a challenging optional fight and is central to the Lord of Blood questline. Defeating him rewards a strong Remembrance and opens endgame builds for bleed damage.
11. Morgott, the Omen King (Leyndell Capital)
This boss acts as a major gatekeeper to the endgame. Defeating Morgott lets you access the Mountaintops of the Giants and advances the main storyline significantly.
12. Fire Giant (Mountaintops of the Giants)
One of the largest bosses in the game, the Fire Giant must be defeated to burn the Erdtree and advance the story. His boss arena is massive, and mobility is key.
13. Godskin Duo (Crumbling Farum Azula)
This difficult fight features two enemies that respawn until specific conditions are met. It’s a skill check before the final story acts begin.
14. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Crumbling Farum Azula)
One of the most dangerous story bosses. Maliketh’s speed and damage output demand expert dodging and preparation. His defeat triggers the final phase of the game.
15. Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing (Leyndell, Ashen Capital)
A lore-rich battle, more symbolic than difficult, occurring as you near the game’s finale.
16. Godfrey / Hoarah Loux (Final Guardian of the Erdtree)
Godfrey transforms into Hoarah Loux mid-fight, delivering a brutal melee beatdown. He tests everything you’ve learned throughout your journey.
17. Radagon of the Golden Order / Elden Beast (Final Boss)
This two-phase fight serves as the game’s conclusion. Defeating Radagon leads directly into the fight against the Elden Beast. Mastery of your build and boss patterns is essential here.
Optional but Notable Bosses
While the list above focuses on required or major bosses, Elden Ring is filled with optional fights that enrich the experience:
- Astel, Naturalborn of the Void: A cosmic horror deep within the underground, needed for certain endings.
- Dragonlord Placidusax: A hidden endgame boss with a cinematic battle and powerful loot.
- Commander Niall: A tough optional boss guarding a key medallion piece.
- Bell Bearing Hunters: Appear at night and provide upgrade materials.
- Night’s Cavalry: Found across the map and rewarding rare items.
Tips for Managing Boss Progression
Level Appropriately
While there’s no official level requirement, general guidelines help avoid frustration. Try being around level 30 for Godrick, 50 for Rennala, 7080 for Radahn, and over 100 for endgame bosses like Maliketh or the Elden Beast.
Upgrade Your Weapons
Weapon upgrades are as important as leveling up. Use Smithing Stones or Somber Smithing Stones to scale your favorite weapons alongside your progression.
Explore Thoroughly
Optional areas like Ainsel River, Siofra, and Haligtree not only contain great bosses but also valuable loot and storytelling. Take your time and don’t rush the journey.
Summons and Spirit Ashes
Use Spirit Ashes wisely to give yourself breathing room in boss fights. Level them up via Roderika to make them stronger and more durable.
The boss order in Elden Ring doesn’t have to be rigid, but following a recommended progression can make the adventure feel more balanced and rewarding. Whether you’re battling Margit at Stormveil, taking down Radahn under a blood-red sky, or facing off against the cosmic Elden Beast, each encounter builds on the last. Organizing your boss fights smartly also lets you appreciate the pacing and structure FromSoftware has masterfully hidden beneath the game’s open world. With patience, strategy, and a sharpened blade, you’ll carve your path to becoming the Elden Lord.