As a Tarnished who has walked the Lands Between and ventured into the Land of Shadow, I can say with certainty that the Demigods are the ultimate test of will and skill. These eight shardbearers, six from the base game and two introduced in the climactic Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, stand as monumental challenges on the path to becoming Elden Lord. Each encounter is a story, a puzzle of mechanics, and a battle of attrition. Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to best these legendary figures? Let me share my hard-earned knowledge, gleaned from countless attempts and eventual triumphs over Godrick, Radahn, Morgott, Rykard, Mohg, Malenia, Messmer, and the ultimate challenge, Promised Consort Radahn.

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1. Godrick the Grafted: The First True Hurdle

My journey's first major roadblock was Godrick the Grafted, waiting at the end of Stormveil Castle in Limgrave. This fight is a brutal introduction to the scale of the challenges ahead. I learned quickly that rushing in under-leveled was a recipe for disaster; I recommend reaching level 35-40 before attempting him. His grafting makes him highly resistant to Holy damage, but he's vulnerable to physical strikes. Spells like conquering-the-demigods-of-elden-ring-and-shadow-of-the-erdtree-a-tarnished-s-guide-image-1 Rock Sling were my salvation, dealing heavy physical damage from a safe distance. Don't forget you can summon the warrior Nepheli Loux for this fight—every little advantage helps against his fiery second phase. His defeat grants the crucial Godrick's Great Rune and the Remembrance of the Grafted.

2. Starscourge Radahn: The Festival of War

Traveling to the blighted lands of Caelid for the Radahn Festival is an experience unlike any other. The battle in the wastes of Redmane Castle is a chaotic, epic spectacle. Here, you are not alone; NPCs like Blaidd and Alexander join the fray. This isn't a fight for traditional summons—you must use the allies on the battlefield strategically. My trusty steed, Torrent, was essential for navigating the massive arena and evading his meteor-like arrows. The key to victory? Scarlet Rot. Applying Rot Breath turns the tide dramatically. Defeating him is a pivotal moment, creating the Starfall Crater, opening Nokron, and advancing Ranni's questline. His Remembrance offers the mighty Starscourge Greatsword.

3. Morgott, the Omen King: The Capital's Guardian

To reach the Mountaintops of the Giants, you must pass Morgott, the defender of the Erdtree at the Leyndell throne. This is a demanding skill check. Thankfully, tools like Margit's Shackle can stun him twice in the first phase, creating precious openings. I found summoning Melina for this fight to be incredibly helpful. Morgott is notably weak to Slash damage and has no resistance to Fire or Lightning. Since his second phase takes place in the rain, Lightning damage becomes even more potent. Be sure to equip a conquering-the-demigods-of-elden-ring-and-shadow-of-the-erdtree-a-tarnished-s-guide-image-2 Haligdrake Talisman to mitigate his Holy attacks. His Great Rune is a fantastic asset, significantly boosting your maximum HP.

4. Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy: A Gimmick Fight Done Right

Deep within Volcano Manor lies Rykard, the God-Devouring Serpent. This fight is unique because it provides the exact tool you need: the Serpent-Hunter Great Spear. Trying to fight him without it is an exercise in futility. This spear's special thrust attacks are devastating against him. I paired it with my conquering-the-demigods-of-elden-ring-and-shadow-of-the-erdtree-a-tarnished-s-guide-image-3 Mimic Tear Ashes to double our spear-thrusting efforts. The strategy is to maintain a safe distance, timing your thrusts between his magma spews and lunges. For sorcerers, conquering-the-demigods-of-elden-ring-and-shadow-of-the-erdtree-a-tarnished-s-guide-image-4 Borealis's Mist can apply Frostbite effectively. His Remembrance grants the legendary, life-stealing Blasphemous Blade.

5. Mohg, Lord of Blood: The Gateway to the Land of Shadow

Mohgwyn Palace is home to one of the most terrifying Demigods. Defeating Mohg is mandatory to access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. His Bloodboon Ritual ("Nihil! Nihil! NIHIL!") can wipe out unprepared players. The secret? The Purifying Crystal Tear, obtained from Eleonora. Mix this into your Flask of Wondrous Physick to negate the curse's damage. Just like his brother Morgott, Mohg can be shackled in his first phase using Mohg's Shackle. Offensively, he is weak to Hemorrhage and Frostbite. His Great Rune is a cornerstone for powerful PvP Bleed builds, enhancing Spirit Ashes with a blessing of blood.

6. Malenia, Blade of Miquella: The Goddess of Rot

Ah, Malenia. She resides at the heart of the Haligtree, and she is the challenge against which all others are measured. Her Waterfowl Dance attack has ended more runs than I can count. Patience and preparation are everything. Before facing her, I maxed out my Physical Damage Negation with the conquering-the-demigods-of-elden-ring-and-shadow-of-the-erdtree-a-tarnished-s-guide-image-5 Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman, conquering-the-demigods-of-elden-ring-and-shadow-of-the-erdtree-a-tarnished-s-guide-image-6 Boiled Crab, and the conquering-the-demigods-of-elden-ring-and-shadow-of-the-erdtree-a-tarnished-s-guide-image-7 Golden Vow incantation. The strategy that worked for me was a relentless assault to trigger Hemorrhage, countering her health regeneration, and using powerful Spirit Ashes like conquering-the-demigods-of-elden-ring-and-shadow-of-the-erdtree-a-tarnished-s-guide-image-8 Ogha to stagger her. Defeating her is the game's true badge of honor, rewarding you with the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess.

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7. Messmer the Impaler: The Scorching Shadow

The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introduced Messmer, a demigod of sinister flame found in the Shadow Keep. He guards Messmer's Kindling, the key to burning the sealing tree. If you befriend characters like Hornsent, you can summon them for aid. Fire Damage Negation is non-negotiable here. One of his deadliest moves sees his right hand glow with red fire—when you see this, roll backwards immediately! Getting in close can mitigate the threat of his long-range spear. Inflicting Frostbite on him is highly effective, creating massive damage windows. His Remembrance yields the formidable Spear of the Impaler.

8. Promised Consort Radahn: The Culmination of All Trials

And then, there is the final test. In the soaring spires of Enir-Ilim awaits Promised Consort Radahn, Miquella's champion. This is not the Radahn of Caelid; this is a refined, divine version wielding both Bloodflame and Gravity magic. Do not face him without preparation:

  • Scadutree Blessings: Acquire at least 18 from across the Land of Shadow.

  • Buffs: Stock up on consumable conquering-the-demigods-of-elden-ring-and-shadow-of-the-erdtree-a-tarnished-s-guide-image-10 Golden Vows and conquering-the-demigods-of-elden-ring-and-shadow-of-the-erdtree-a-tarnished-s-guide-image-11 Boiled Crab.

  • Summons: Ansbach and Thiollier can be summoned to draw his aggro.

He is resistant to all status effects and deals devastating Holy damage in phase two. This fight demands everything you've learned: perfect timing, strategic buffing, and unwavering patience. It's the ultimate challenge of Elden Ring.

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In the end, each Demigod is a lesson. They teach you about build-crafting, patience, and the relentless spirit of the Tarnished. From the grafted limbs of Godrick to the divine gravity of Promised Consort Radahn, overcoming them is the core journey of becoming Elden Lord. So, fellow Tarnished, study their weaknesses, prepare your tools, and face them with courage. The throne awaits.