How To Beat Starscourge Radahn In Elden Ring

TL;DR

  • Minimum level 70 with +15 weapon recommended for viable Radahn encounter
  • Utilize all available NPC summons as strategic distractions throughout the battle
  • Master dodge timing for gravity arrows and spear rain attacks during approach phase
  • Activate Great Rune and Flask of Wondrous Physik with complementary buffs
  • Employ hit-and-run tactics during openings created by allied NPC engagements

The confrontation with Starscourge Radahn represents one of Elden Ring’s most demanding combat encounters, testing even veteran players’ skills and preparation. This legendary demigod commands devastating area-of-effect abilities and punishing melee combinations that can eliminate unprepared challengers instantly.

While technically optional, bypassing Radahn locks you out of significant late-game content including crucial story progression and access to Nokron, Eternal City. Proper preparation transforms this seemingly impossible battle into a manageable, though still challenging, engagement.

Radahn employs an arsenal of one-shot elimination techniques, erratic sword combinations, and a particularly demanding second stage that requires precise execution. The developers have provided some relief through summonable NPC allies who can create attack opportunities, though their assistance alone won’t secure victory.

Elden Ring’s expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, has launched with numerous additional challenges. Consult our comprehensive Complete Guide for detailed assistance with the game’s most difficult content including comprehensive maps, optimal equipment, and boss strategies.

Radahn’s challenge is accessible at any progression point without dungeon completion prerequisites. He has issued a summons across the Lands Between, inviting warriors to help end his Scarlet Rot-induced insanity. Don’t misinterpret this accessibility as indicating an easy encounter. You should reach at least character level 70 before attempting Radahn, preferably wielding a upgraded weapon aligned with your build specialization like the Moonveil Katana, or potent sorceries with substantial range such as Comet. Activate your equipped Great Rune—Godrick’s remains the top recommendation for boss encounters—and ensure your Flask of Wondrous Physik contains a synergistic blend of enhancement effects.

Exhaust Jerren's dialogue to unlock the elevator that takes you to Radahn.

Exhaust Jerren’s dialogue to unlock the elevator that takes you to Radahn.

Once adequately prepared, journey to Redmane Castle located in Caelid’s southeastern region, positioned south of Sellia, Town of Sorcery, and east of the Cathedral of Dragon Communion. Utilize the teleporter adjacent to the Site of Grace on the bridge to circumvent the tedious castle traversal, then proceed inside. Converse with Jerren, the elderly individual on the platform, when prepared for combat, then descend via the elevator to the beach arena.

Complete Jerren’s conversation sequence to activate the elevator providing access to Radahn’s combat zone.

Contrary to standard encounters, you can summon multiple NPC companions once the Radahn engagement commences. Also distinctive to this fight, Radahn can instantly defeat you with his tracking gravitational arrows. Maintain target lock on Radahn to visually track incoming projectiles, then evade as they approach. Environmental obstacles don’t consistently block arrow impacts, so avoid relying on them as guaranteed protection.

Progress toward the golden summoning markers distributed across the battlefield, activating each upon arrival. You can summon allies including Blaidd, Alexander the Iron Fist, Okina, and several additional combatants. While their survivability is limited, they serve as excellent diversions to facilitate safer approaches toward Radahn.

During your advance, Radahn launches multiple spear projectiles toward your position. These descend sequentially in linear patterns and pursue your movement, so continue evading until the assault concludes. If this offensive pattern proves problematic, you can persist in dodging the gravitational arrows until one of your summoned NPC allies reaches Radahn’s position.

Understanding Radahn’s attack sequencing proves crucial for survival. His gravitational arrows feature distinct audio cues—listen for the characteristic humming sound that indicates imminent release. The spear rain attack always initiates from his left side, providing directional awareness for improved evasion positioning.

Radahn’s combat methodology follows predictable rhythms once you recognize his tells. His gravitational arrow volleys occur at approximately 8-second intervals during the initial approach, providing consistent timing windows for summon activation. The spear rain assault typically triggers when you close within 50 meters of his position.

Critical mistakes players commonly make include: attempting to block his magical projectiles (ineffective against most builds), over-committing to attack sequences during brief openings, and neglecting to re-summon NPC allies as they fall in battle. Each summon sign becomes available again approximately 15 seconds after the previous ally’s defeat.

For optimized performance, consider respeccing into a Dexterity-focused build utilizing weapons like the Hand of Malenia or Rivers of Blood, which provide exceptional damage output against his vulnerabilities. Alternatively, Intelligence builds employing Night Comet or Rock Sling can maintain safe distance while dealing significant posture damage.

Phase transition occurs when Radahn reaches approximately 60% health remaining. He will leap into the atmosphere and transform into a meteor, crashing down with massive area damage. Immediately upon his ascent, sprint toward the battlefield’s perimeter and prepare to evade the impact zone.

Advanced tactical considerations include utilizing the terrain’s slight elevation changes for arrow evasion, timing your rolls to occur at the last possible moment for gravity-based attacks, and employing hit-and-run tactics exclusively during NPC distraction windows. Consult our Weapons Unlock guide for additional armament options that may suit your preferred combat approach.

Action Checklist

  • Achieve character level 70+ with +15 weapon upgrade
  • Activate Godrick’s Great Rune and configure Flask of Wondrous Physik
  • Travel to Redmane Castle via bridge teleporter
  • Summon all available NPC allies and master gravity arrow dodging
  • Execute hit-and-run tactics during NPC distraction windows

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