Top 10 Optional Bosses in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

You don't want to skip these bosses in SotE!

Game Guide by Nine_toes on Jul 07, 2024

Shadow of the Erdtree is packed with bosses. While only a handful need to be beaten to progress the main story, the vast majority are optional and often hidden in obscure locations. This list features 10 optional bosses you absolutely don't want to skip or give up on. They yield fantastic rewards and a ton of interesting lore to flesh out the story of Elden Ring.

Blackgaol Knight

Starting off in the region we start in, the Gravesite Plain has a natural tendency to draw you north up towards the Scadutree and the various forts in the distance. However, one place you'll want to detour, especially for those running a high strength and high endurance build, is directly west of the Scorched Ruins site of grace. Here, through a dead glade, inside the Western Nameless Mausoleum, you'll encounter the Blackgaol Knight wielding a great sword and full armor set. He drops a heavy armor set called the Solitude Set and the Greatsword of Solitude, which is really good in a strength build. Reading the item descriptions, it appears these solitary knights sacrificed their hearts to become great warriors.

Black Knight Edredd

Next, head to the Fort of Reprimand, you also bypass the Castle Ensis boss if you take this route. You can head south from the Castlefront site of Grace. After riding up some spirit springs that lead up to the back of the fort, you'll find Black Knight Edredd wielding a twin blade. He's fairly easy to dodge and defeating him yields the Aspect of the Crucible Wings Ash of War, which is a useful skill for polearms and twin blades.

Spectral Troll Knight

For more smithing stones, head to the Highroad Cross site of Grace, just north of Castle Enis, and descend into a body of water. Here, you'll find the echo of a beheaded troll, an easy fight that provides nine level eight smithing stones. This troll's placement suggests it's a guardian, similar to spectral trolls back in Liurnia.

Death Knights

The Death Knights are must-haves for anyone wanting a boost to HP, FP, or stamina. The first Death Knight is found in the end of the Fog Rift Catacombs, guarding a giant head resembling Godwin. This boss is a large humanoid enemy holding twin axes that do lightning attacks. Defeating him grants the Crimson Amber Medallion, boosting HP. The second Death Knight is found in the catacombs under Rauh, dropping a Cerulean Amber Medallion for FP boost. In the Darklight Catacombs, you'll find a third Death Knight and a full armor set, revealing their quest to protect Godwin's body parts. Also, you will find the Viridian Amber Medallion hidden in a ledge in the second area of the dungeon.

Rakshasa

In the Eastern Nameless Mausoleum, you'll fight Rakshasa, a katana-wielding assassin. Breaking her stance is key to defeating her. She drops a blood-stained armor set and a great katana with the Weed Cutter skill. The Rakshasa set is a glass cannon sort of set because it increases the damage you deal as well as the damage you take when you put on all the pieces.

Lesser Golden Hippopotamus

In the Recluses’ River Area, defeat two golden hippos for additional Scadutree fragments. These fragments are crucial for lowering the difficulty in the shadow realm. There are more golden hippos in Charu’s Hidden Grave and Ruins of Rauh.

Curseblade Labyrith

In the Bonny jail, head through secret passages to find the Curseblade Labirith. Defeating him yields the Curseblade Mirror spirit summon. The story behind these ashes reveals tragic imprisonment and shunned omen horns.

Ulcerated Tree Spirits

Two ulcerated tree spirits are hidden in different areas. The first is in the poison lake of Belurat, dropping the immunizing horn charm. The second is in the Ellac river valley, dropping the horn ban which is a spirit summon.

2nd Divine Beast Dancing Lion

Starting from the Rauh Ancient Ruins west site of Grace, follow a secret route to find another Divine Beast dancing lion. This one can summon basilisks and envelop in death blight mist. Defeating it grants the Divine Beast tornado incantation, useful for AoE damage.

Commander Gaius

The final boss in this list, but not the final boss of the game, Commander Gaius, is found at the Northern end of The Shadow realm. He is aggressive and difficult to dodge. The route to reach him starts from the Bonnie Village, following a Northern road to the flooded Church District. Beating him will yield you his armor set minus his grieves and a bunch of Scadutree fragments, although you would wish you had all of those before the fight.

Also, check out our Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree review and other guides below: