Conquering the Starscourge: A Comprehensive Guide to Defeating Radahn in Elden Ring

In the treacherous and vast world of Elden Ring, few challenges stand as tall as the formidable Starscourge Radahn. This prominent boss encounter does more than just challenge the strength of even the most seasoned players but also serves as a pivotal gateway to new realms within the game. Though players could theoretically bypass this confrontation, achieving victory over Radahn is a necessity for unlocking essential areas in the Lands Between. With an arsenal of swift attacks, devastating combos, and an unpredictable second phase, Radahn promises a battle that will leave even the most skilled players on edge. However, armed with the right strategies and knowledge, you can emerge victorious against this daunting foe.

Preparing for Battle

Before setting foot in the arena of Redmane Castle, it’s crucial to ensure that your character is adequately prepared for the duel ahead. While you can encounter Starscourge Radahn at virtually any point in your journey, it is highly recommended that you arrive at level 70, equipped with a powerful weapon that aligns with your character’s build. For those wielding katanas, the Moonveil Katana stands out, while spell users may find success with long-range magic like Comet.

Additionally, activating a Great Rune, particularly Godrick’s, can turn the tide in your favor, granting you vital bonuses during the encounter. Don’t forget to optimize your Flask of Wondrous Physik with the right buffs to enhance your survivability and damage output. Rest assured, the battle ahead will demand both skill and strategy.

The Path to Radahn

Your journey to confront Radahn begins at Redmane Castle, situated in the southeastern region of Caelid, south of Sellia, Town of Sorcery, and east of the Cathedral of Dragon Communion. A teleporter located near the Site of Grace at the bridge provides a shortcut to the action, sparing you from the tedious castle trek. Once inside, engage with Jerren, the old sage perched on the platform, to commence the battle. Then, take the elevator down to the beach, where the showdown will unfold.

The First Phase of Battle

As the battle kicks off, players are granted the extraordinary ability to summon several NPC companions to provide support against Radahn. However, do not be deceived by this assistance—Radahn possesses lethal gravity arrows capable of one-shotting you if you’re not careful. Maintain your focus on Radahn while deftly dodging incoming attacks. The debris might offer some shelter, but reliance on it as a shield is a risky move.

Look for golden summoning signs scattered around the battlefield and activate each one as you approach. You can summon allies like Blaidd, Alexander the pot warrior, and Okina to help divert Radahn’s attention. Although they won’t last too long under the Starscourge’s relentless assault, their mere presence can create much-needed opportunities for aggression.

Upon closing in on Radahn, watch out for his spear rain attack, which launches a barrage of projectiles that track your movement. Evade them effectively until they cease, and then look for openings to retaliate. Once Radahn engages in close combat on his tiny steed, he will unleash rapid slashes. Recognizing the pattern can be invaluable, as he tends to follow up individual attacks with slight pauses, presenting brief windows for counter-attacks. His unpredictability may seem daunting at first, but with practice, you’ll learn when to strike and when to retreat.

Understanding Radahn’s Attacks

Radahn’s arsenal includes several distinct attacks that you should familiarize yourself with:

• Slashing Combos: Typically a flurry of 1 to 4 slashes, often finishing with a powerful slam.
• Gravity Smash: A devastating attack where he plunges his swords into the ground, creating a shockwave that can potentially end your run.
• Attack Patterns: Learning the nuances of his delay timings is essential for dodging effectively.

Utilizing Status Effects

Strategically employing status effects could swing the balance to your advantage during this phase. Radahn shows weakness to Frostbite and particularly to Scarlet Rot. Consider utilizing Rot Pots and specially crafted arrows to sow chaos among his defenses. For spellcasters, opting for spells with swift casting times like Glintblade Phalanx can help maintain a distance while dealing damage.

Transitioning to Phase Two

Once Radahn’s health bar dips below the halfway mark, the battle escalates significantly as he ascends into the sky and crashes down engulfed in flames. This marks the transition into the second phase, and new attacks come into play that necessitate swift adaptation. Radahn gains a myriad of formidable new capabilities, including a pull effect that draws you into his orbit and gravity waves that unleash devastating energy blasts.

Strategies for Survival

In facing Radahn’s enhanced offensive moves, the key lies in avoidance. When he takes to the skies, utilize the moment to gallop away on your trusty steed, Torrent, and reposition yourself. This is also the perfect opportunity to re-summon any previous allies who met an untimely end in battle. Some players have reported success relying on natural cover, such as sand dunes, to evade the wrath of his gravity attacks.

As Radahn engages with his gravity-powered Glintblade Phalanx, where he summons massive rocks to strike at random, maintaining a safe distance becomes paramount. Observing his maneuvers and allowing your NPC companions to wear him down may be the most effective way to navigate this volatile phase.

Victorious Ascension

With patience, skill, and a thorough understanding of Radahn’s attack patterns, you can achieve victory over the Starscourge. Defeating him not only removes a major obstacle but also allows access to new areas in Elden Ring, propelling your adventure forward. Remember, the journey may be arduous, but with preparation and adaptation, there is no foe too great to conquer. Good luck, brave tarnished, and may your battles be triumphant!