FromSoftware has once again showcased its signature challenge in the latest expansion for Elden Ring, titled Shadow of the Erdtree. This DLC is structured to be significantly tougher than the base game, featuring formidable bosses, elite adversaries, and treacherous dungeons. Many players have found themselves stymied by the heightened difficulty presented throughout this new realm.
Yet, amid the overwhelming challenges, there are encounters that are less daunting than they appear. If you’ve faced repeated defeats at the hands of Messmer or are simply in search of an easier path to collect runes, explore this curated list of the ten easiest bosses in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
10 Dancers of Realms
The Easiest Mausoleum
| Location(s) | Southern Nameless Mausoleum |
| Runes | 80,000 |
| Drop(s) |
While many mausoleum bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree present significant challenges, the Dancer of Ranah is an exception. NPC bosses typically exhibit exploitable AI, and this is true for the Dancer. Unlike other bosses that can swiftly deplete your health with a single hit, she relies on strings of attacks, making it easier for players to recover from mistakes and evade her moves.
Having completed this expansion twice without ever losing to the Dancer—regardless of my character build—speaks volumes about her relative ease.
9 Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze
Coolest Demi-Human Ever
| Location(s) | Gaol whipping |
| Runes | 80,000 |
| Drop(s) |
As a minor boss, the Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze stands out for his design and battle style. His low poise and health points make him susceptible to relentless assaults, paving the way for a swift victory. Players can react to his moves with relative ease, making the fight quite manageable. However, the encounter is so short that I wish for a more substantial challenge. Nevertheless, his memorable presence adds charm to the experience.
8 Romina, Saint of the Bud
The Only Easy Remembrance
| Location(s) | Church of the Bud |
| Runes | 380,000 |
| Drop(s) |
In stark contrast to other Remembrance bosses, Romina is the only comparatively easy major encounter. Despite the visual spectacle she provides, the battle concludes quickly, often leaving players wanting more. It feels almost as if Romina was designed to include a second phase that was ultimately left out. This absence of difficulty is disappointing, particularly since she is a crucial boss in completing the expansion.
7 Ancient Dragon-Man
It’s Still an NPC
| Location(s) | Dragon’s Pit |
| Runes | 130,000 |
| Drop(s) |
While the inclusion of NPCs as bosses can feel artificially inflated, the Ancient Dragon-Man is a pleasant exception. This encounter provides a charming balance of design and gameplay, but it remains non-threatening. With its unremarkable attack patterns and easily manipulated AI, players can collect runes without significant difficulty.
6 Jagged Peak Drake
Just Another Dragon
| Location(s) | Jagged Peak Foothills; Jagged Peak |
| Runes | 90,000; 120,000 |
| Drop(s) |
Mounted combat has proven exceptionally strong in Shadow of the Erdtree, making most encounters against dragons significantly less formidable. Although the Jagged Peak Drake has revised attack patterns, they pale in comparison to true threats like Bayle, the Dread. With Torrent’s agility, players can dance around these foes and strike without taking substantial damage. Neither the asleep nor the battling Jagged Peak Drake represents a major challenge.
5 Count Ymir, Mother of Fingers
A Fight of Seconds
| Location(s) | Cathedral of Manus Metyr |
| Runes | 210,000 |
| Drop(s) |
The battle against Count Ymir is straightforward, with limited attack patterns that can be easily predicted, resulting in quick encounters. While his summoned Fingercreepers can pose minor annoyances due to their summoning, they lack the health to be a true threat. Players will find this boss falls short of the challenge one might expect.
4 Lamentations
An Effortless Gimmick
| Location(s) | Lamenter’s Gaol |
| Runes | 160,000 |
| Drop(s) |
When it comes to facing the Lamenter, the challenge lies more in understanding its gimmick than in a brutal battle. Once players grasp the mechanics, encounters can quickly lean in their favor. The majority of its attacks come from melee strikes, and to be honest, winning is often a matter of simply engaging effectively. The thrill of uncovering the real Lamenter among the clones is enjoyable, yet the fight ultimately lacks substantial consequence.
3 Curseblade Labirith
No Eyes, No Problem
| Location(s) | Bonny Gaol |
| Runes | 100,000 |
| Drop(s) |
Similar to the Lamenter, Curseblade Labirith’s primary distinction from a standard enemy is its health bar and unique mechanics. Positioned within a darkened arena, players face a foe with relatively low life points that is less aggressive than its counterparts. Each encounter is often concluded rapidly, ensuring that players face little resistance.
2 Tree Sentinel
The Memory of an Entire Odyssey
| Location(s) | Hinterlands |
| Runes | 120,000 |
| Drop(s) |
The Tree Sentinel encountered in Limgrave is notorious for challenging new players. However, as players progress, defeating Tree Sentinels becomes a more familiar task. When players face a pair of Tree Sentinels in the Hinterlands, it not only reinforces their growth but also provides a moment of nostalgia. With lower health and a non-restrictive environment, players can easily navigate this fight, making it a nostalgic and rewarding encounter.
1 Demi-Human Queen Marigga
As Easy as in the Base Game
| Location(s) | Cerulean Coast |
| Runes | 100,000 |
| Drop(s) |
In the original game, Demi-Humans were the easiest foes, characterized by their low health and predictable behavior. In Shadow of the Erdtree, the Demi-Human Queen Marigga stands as the sole representative of her kind, offering an exceptionally easy encounter. Surrounded by minor minions, she can become slightly annoying, yet even with mistakes, players—even those less experienced—will likely overcome this challenge on their first attempt. Coupled with Torrent’s capabilities, this makes for a simple yet rewarding 100,000 runes.
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