Elden Ring Boss Battle Guide: How To Beat Rykard, Lord Of Blasphemy

While Rykard presents an intimidating presence, mastering his mechanics transforms this encounter from daunting to manageable. This shardbearer’s threatening appearance belies a strategic fight that rewards preparation over brute force.

Elden Ring delivers numerous spectacular boss battles, with several incorporating specialized mechanics. Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy exemplifies this design approach. Though less demanding than adversaries like Starscourge Radahn, he can swiftly eliminate unprepared warriors who disregard the clearly indicated key item. Fortunately, strategic planning enables you to topple this colossal serpentine foe.

To challenge Rykard and acquire his Great Rune, you must navigate Volcano Manor’s challenges. This guide details both pathway options to reach his arena plus comprehensive tactics for overcoming this demigod.

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Players have two primary approaches. The initial method involves journeying to Volcano Manor from Mt. Gelmir then accepting and fulfilling assassination contracts from Tanith. Completing these missions prompts Tanith to inquire if you wish to behold the Lord of Blasphemy personally. Accepting teleports you immediately to Rykard’s fog gate.

The alternative approach entails battling through Volcano Manor’s interior. To pursue this route, converse with Tanith inside the manor, accept her proposition, and obtain the Drawing-Room key. One unlocked chamber contains a phantom wall in the rear right corner. Progress through subsequent areas until confronting a Godskin Noble boss. After victory, continue advancing through the estate to locate the mist barrier preceding Rykard’s chamber.

Immediately inside the boss arena entrance rests a corpse bearing an item. This object constitutes the Serpent Hunter great spear weapon. This armament proves indispensable for defeating Rykard, therefore equip it promptly.

Navigating serpent-infested terrain requires careful positioning and awareness.

Serpentine adversaries…what necessitates their involvement?

The Rykard confrontation represents what gamers frequently classify as a “gimmick” boss encounter, meaning your character build specifications become largely irrelevant. These specialized battles focus on utilizing particular items or game mechanics to achieve victory. Here, the central gimmick involves the Serpent Hunter spear.

Though appearing as a conventional polearm initially, this weapon possesses a unique capability activated exclusively during this engagement. All its offensive actions receive significant amplification against Rykard, with the spear projecting an extended-range white energy wave accompanying each strike. This permits assaulting the enormous Rykard from substantially safer distances. While theoretically possible to employ standard weaponry or sorceries against Rykard, doing so dramatically increases difficulty. This duel is intentionally crafted for Serpent Hunter utilization.

The God-Devouring Serpent’s massive scale demands specialized combat approaches.

Optimal Serpent Hunter Techniques: Execute charged heavy attacks for maximum damage output while maintaining sufficient stamina for evasion. The weapon’s skill, Serpent Hunter, projects a devastating wave ideal for striking the serpent’s head during recovery windows.

Positioning Strategy: Remain at medium distance to avoid the serpent’s lunging bites while staying clear of lava pools forming near its body. Position yourself slightly to the side rather than directly facing the creature.

Critical Attack Recognition: The serpent’s ground slam creates a wide shockwave requiring jump evasion. The fiery breath attack demands immediate sprinting to the creature’s flank for safety.

Upon depleting the God-Devouring Serpent’s health, Rykard emerges from the creature’s remains, introducing dramatically altered combat dynamics.

Phase Transition Awareness: The transformation sequence provides a brief window for healing and rebuffing. Immediately consume any necessary items before the second phase commences.

Blasphemous Incantations: Rykard employs devastating magical attacks including skull projectiles that track your movement and area-of-effect blasphemous eruptions.

Advanced Serpent Hunter Application: Continue utilizing the specialized spear, focusing on Rykard’s humanoid upper body. The weapon retains its extended range and damage bonuses throughout this phase.

Environmental Hazard Management:

The arena continues generating lava patches that inflict build-up damage. Constantly monitor your positioning to avoid these zones while maintaining offensive pressure.

Common Strategic Errors: Many players mistakenly switch to their preferred weapons during this phase, drastically reducing damage output. Others fail to recognize the increased aggression requiring more conservative stamina management.

Optimization Recommendation: Upgrade the Serpent Hunter to +6 or higher before the encounter. While not mandatory, this significantly reduces the battle’s duration and margin for error.

For additional combat preparation insights, explore our comprehensive BF6 weapon optimization guide and class specialization strategies to enhance your overall gameplay proficiency.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Elden Ring Boss Battle Guide: How To Beat Rykard, Lord Of Blasphemy Master the gimmick boss fight against Rykard with essential Serpent Hunter strategies and Volcano Manor navigation