FromSoftware's latest epic Elden Ring contains a mind-boggling number of foes for players to face off against. While the core story mainly focuses on defeating the various Demigods that have claimed the shards of the Elden Ring, adventuring throughout the massive interconnected Lands Between unveils countless other challenges, from standard enemies to skill-testing mini- and main bosses. With so many fights on offer, knowing exactly how many bosses there are and where to find them can feel overwhelming. Let's break down the boss roster.
Table of Contents
Required Bosses to Beat the Game
Total Number of Bosses in Elden Ring
The Value of Tackling Optional Bosses
Looking Ahead to Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
Required Bosses to Beat the Game
Depending on the route taken, only about 11 main bosses are strictly necessary to see the credits roll in Elden Ring. This includes bosses like Starscourge Radahn, Morgott the Omen King, Fire Giant and the final duo of Radagon and the Elden Beast. However, players are encouraged to challenge many more optional bosses for better rewards and a smoother difficulty curve.
Total Number of Bosses in Elden Ring
When counting all proper main bosses with their own unique arena and health bar, the total comes out to an impressive 165 distinct boss fights. This number factors in some that are essentially double bosses fought together. Additionally, there are over 200 mini-bosses scattered throughout the world.
The Value of Tackling Optional Bosses
Beyond what's required, FromSoftware packed the Lands Between with countless other formidable foes worthy of a Tarnished's blade. Hunting down and defeating optional bosses yields significant Runes, unique weapons and armor, empowering ashes of war, and lore clues. It also gradually increases challenge at a more natural pace than a beeline story path.
Looking Ahead to Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
The recently announced Shadow of the Erdtree expansion will undoubtedly introduce many new bosses and enemies to further test players. Based on trailers, Impaler Messmer seems poised as a major boss fight. However, it's unclear exactly how many new bosses the DLC will offer up. Comparable in scope to past areas, it has potential to substantially boost Elden Ring's already immense boss count.
With over 400 individual named enemies ready to do battle, Elden Ring offers an absurd amount of content for any player looking to fully conquer the Lands Between. Both its required story bosses and wide array of option challenges provide a nearly endless supply of epic and memorable boss encounters to enjoy for countless playthroughs to come.