General Starscourge Radahn, the Demigod of Caelid, is a boss in Elden Ring whom Tarnished must defeat to unlock new areas, complete specific NPC questlines, and receive one of the game's multiple endings. While the bosses that adventurers may have encountered before Radahn's fight in Elden Ring are undoubtedly difficult, the Starscourge General marks a milestone in their journey. Radahn will test the player's mettle, granting them access to NPC Spirits Summons like before yet being brutally unforgiving to the unprepared.
Nevertheless, Tarnished should bear in mind that Starscourge Radahn isn't the most challenging boss they will face in the Lands Between. Instead, Elden Ring's Radahn fight serves a midpoint trial or a "mid-term examination" that examines the player's skills and experience up to this point. Challengers who come out victorious are players who deeply understand the game's mechanics, are mechanical skilled or possess knowledge of entirely reasonable exploits. On the other hand, those who rely on serendipity or other players to carry them might have trouble with this Elden Ring boss.
To confront the Starscourge General and begin the boss fight in Elden Ring, Tarnished must head to Redmane Castle's Plaza in East Caelid and speak with Witch-Hunter Jerren to begin the Radahn Festival. Afterward, head into the chapel and take the lift down to the Sending Gate, which will send players to the battlefield.
Starscourage Radahn Boss Fight Strategies
Demigod Radahn's boss battle begins with the General firing heavy-damage arrows at Tarnished as soon as they enter the arena. These projectiles cannot pierce through debris, so players are advised to hide behind ruined weaponry lying about the field or perform perfectly timed dodge rolls while approaching the General. The player can call Torrent during this time but will automatically dismount until they pass a certain point in the battlefield. Therefore, it is recommended players carefully summon the NPCs on foot before mounting until Radahn becomes distracted with the Tarnished allies.
While it is feasible to take on Radahn solo, many Elden Ring players may find this approach too challenging. Therefore, it's best to call for help from NPCs and other players. Otherwise, time and sanity might be squandered in the process. Radahn is relentless with his attacks and will intimidatingly charge at a target non-stop until another warrior aggroes him. Some Elden Ring summonable NPCs, like Patches, are less useful than others during this fight, but every other body on the battlefield is a potential target to draw Radahn's eye. It is also very good to keep in mind that NPCs can be summoned again even if they fall to Radahn in battle.
Using ranged attacks from afar while Elden Ring's Starscourge Radahn is distracted is a sound strategy, or running in and stealing a few hits before he is aggroed onto the player is just as effective. However, some Elden Ring players have discovered a clever way to "cheese" this difficult boss.
Use The Scarlet Rot Radahn Boss Fight Exploit
Jerren mentions during Radahn's introductory cutscene that the General has been severely inflicted with Scarlet Rot, revealing a primary weakness. To take advantage of this exploit, travel to the Cathedral of Dragon Communion in Caelid and exchange a Dragon Heart for Rotten Breath, an Incantation that requires Faith 15 and Arcane 12. Cast this spell on Radahn as soon as he's within distance and run away while the Spirit NPCs distract him.
After the General's HP whittles down and his second phase begins, repeat the same process until he is defeated. Remember to stay clear off his flaming meteorite attack and his Rock Sling Spell, as two abilities, in particular, will spell instant death to Tarnished. The rest of his attacks can either be jumped over or sprinted away from atop Torrent. Still, players must ensure they have enough Stamina before dodging. Furthermore, Elden Ring fans should not forget to continually summon NPCs by visiting the spectral banner sites throughout the battlefield. Once no NPCs are present, Radahn's attention will immediately be turned to the player, causing the fight to become problematic.
Elden Ring is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.