Elden Ring: 20 Best Tips for Beating Bosses Without Summons
Taking down bosses in Elden Ring without relying on summons is a true test of skill and patience. While spirit allies and co-op partners can make fights easier, there’s something deeply satisfying about conquering these challenges solo. If you’re aiming to prove your mastery and want to take on bosses without any external help, here are 20 essential tips to help you survive and succeed.
1. Learn Boss Patterns ThoroughlySpend time observing boss attack animations and timing. Most bosses have predictable moves once you get familiar, and recognizing these patterns is crucial for dodging or blocking effectively.
2. Patience is KeyDon’t rush your attacks. Wait for clear openings after the boss completes an attack, especially after big or sweeping moves. Rushing often leads to mistakes and unnecessary damage.
3. Manage Your Stamina CarefullyAlways keep some stamina in reserve for emergency dodges or blocks. Exhausting your stamina bar leaves you vulnerable to heavy hits, so balance offense and defense.
4. Use Elden Ring Items to Your AdvantageConsumables like firebombs, buffs, or status-effect items can provide an edge. Fire resins or poison throwing knives, for example, can chip away at a boss’s health or stamina.
5. Optimize Your Loadout for MobilityEquip lighter armor if it means you can maintain a fast dodge roll. Mobility often outweighs heavy protection in boss fights without summons.
6. Take Advantage of EnvironmentSome boss arenas have spots or features you can use to your advantage—cover, ledges, or pillars to break line of sight or avoid attacks.
7. Upgrade Your Weapon RegularlyMaximizing your weapon’s damage through smithing materials is critical. Don’t hesitate to spend runes upgrading your gear to make the fight easier.
8. Know When to Buy Elden Ring RunesIf you find yourself low on upgrade resources or level-up materials, consider ways to efficiently buy Elden Ring runes in-game to boost your stats and gear faster.
9. Buff Your Weapon Before the FightApplying buffs like magic or fire can add significant damage, especially if the boss has elemental weaknesses.
10. Focus on Dodging Over BlockingBlocking consumes stamina and can be unreliable against heavy attacks. Dodging allows you to avoid damage entirely and positions you for counterattacks.
11. Use Your Summoning Slot WiselyEven if you don’t want to summon spirits or players, you can use items that briefly stun or interrupt bosses, helping you get critical hits.
12. Study the Boss’s Phase ChangesMany bosses change tactics or gain new moves when their health drops to certain thresholds. Pay close attention to these shifts and adjust your strategy accordingly.
13. Don’t Get Greedy With AttacksOne or two hits per opening is usually safer than trying to chain combos, especially when the boss can quickly counter.
14. Use Status Effects to Wear Down BossesItems that cause bleed, poison, or frost can be very effective. Even if the damage isn’t huge upfront, these effects chip away and can stagger the boss.
15. Practice Parrying if PossibleSome bosses can be parried to create huge openings. It’s risky but rewarding for players confident in their timing.
16. Prioritize Dodging Over HealingTry to avoid getting hit altogether rather than relying heavily on healing mid-fight. Healing animations can leave you exposed.
17. Upgrade Your Flask DistributionAdjust the balance of your flask charges between health and mana to suit the fight. Some bosses require more healing, others more FP for spells or weapon arts.
18. Keep Your Distance When NeededNot all bosses should be fought up close. Use ranged attacks, magic, or bow skills to chip away safely when appropriate.
19. Maintain Calm and ComposureBoss fights can be intense, but staying calm and composed often means the difference between victory and defeat.
20. Learn From Each AttemptEvery death is a lesson. Take notes on what worked and what didn’t, and refine your approach. Persistence is key.
Beating Elden Ring bosses without summons demands a strong understanding of mechanics, careful resource management, and strategic use of all available tools. By integrating these tips into your gameplay, making smart use of Elden Ring items, and knowing when and how to buy Elden Ring runes to boost your character, you’ll find that solo victories become increasingly rewarding and achievable. Good luck out there in the Lands Between!