Elden Ring: Ranking All Dragon Bosses by Difficulty

The dragon bosses in Elden Ring are among the most formidable challenges players face in the game. With a vast array of over 100 bosses, from fire-breathing beasts to those spewing Scarlet Rot and Glintstone, each encounter tests the mettle of even the most seasoned Tarnished. This guide ranks the dragon bosses based on difficulty, providing insights into their mechanics and strategies for victory.


Honorable Mentions

Lesser Dragons

While not classified as unique bosses, the lesser dragons scattered throughout Dragonbarrow in Caelid respawn upon resting at any Site of Grace. These encounters serve as excellent opportunities for farming runes, though they do not present the same challenge as their larger counterparts.


Magma Wyrms

Magma Wyrms appear multiple times in the game, notably in Gael Tunnel, Volcano Manor, and Fort Laiedd. While they can be challenging, their mechanics are largely similar across encounters, so they do not rank high on this list. Players should focus on maintaining distance to avoid their powerful fire attacks.


Dragon Boss Rankings

15. Elder Dragon Greyoll

Found in Greyoll's Dragonbarrow, Greyoll is unique in that she doesn't attack directly, providing a perfect opportunity for rune farming, yielding nearly 80,000 runes. However, her five baby dragons will defend her, necessitating a strategy to either deal with them or whittle down Greyoll's health safely from a distance.


14. Flying Dragon Agheel

Agheel, located near Agheel Lake in Limgrave, poses a moderate challenge, primarily due to the surrounding enemies in the arena. Engaging him on horseback can help dodge his devastating fire breath, which can also eliminate weaker enemies, granting additional healing opportunities.


13. Flying Dragon Greyll

Following Agheel, Greyll can be found in Dragonbarrow. With a similar moveset to Agheel, players familiar with the previous fight will find Greyll manageable. Utilizing Torrent for maneuverability on the bridge where the battle takes place can help avoid his powerful attacks.


12. Glintstone Dragon Smarag

Smarag, located in Liurnia of the Lakes, brings a different flavor with its Glintstone breath attacks. Players utilizing Faith or Intelligence builds can find cerulean scarabs nearby to enhance their flasks, making this battle a bit easier.


11. Decaying Ekzykes

This dragon, rotting away in Caelid, releases deadly rot, challenging players to dodge its cloud of decay. Ekzykes often performs a devastating rot attack that requires quick reflexes and movement, particularly when utilizing Torrent to gain height advantage during the fight.


10. Magma Wyrm Makar

Found in the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, Makar wields a gigantic sword and exhibits surprising speed. Players must avoid its fiery attacks and spin moves while staying mobile to dodge its onslaught.


9. Great Wyrm Theodorix

Located in the Consecrated Snowfield, Theodorix can be challenging due to its size and range of attacks, including powerful magma bursts. Managing the nearby enemies is key, as players can use them to their advantage during the fight.


8. Borealis, the Freezing Fog

Nestled in the Mountaintops of the Giants, Borealis presents a dangerous mix of icy attacks and stomps. Once its health drops, Borealis unleashes a devastating shockwave attack that requires precise dodging.


7. Ancient Dragon Lansseax

This dragon offers a brief yet intense encounter before the main fight, utilizing lightning and fire attacks to deal substantial damage. Defeating Lansseax grants players access to its powerful incantations.


6. Ghostflame Dragons

Found in multiple locations, these dragons challenge players' ranged combat skills as they fly high and unleash devastating flames. Each defeated dragon drops a Dragon Heart, useful for questlines involving dragon transformations.


5. Glintstone Dragon Adula

Initially encountered near the Three Sisters, Adula can summon powerful ice projectiles, making it a formidable opponent. Players must master its attack patterns to succeed.


4. Lichdragon Fortissax

Accessible during Fia's questline, Fortissax employs a variety of lightning attacks and can inflict the dreaded Death Blight status. Preparation with appropriate talismans is crucial for survival.


3. Dragonlord Placidusax

One of the hardest optional bosses, Placidusax boasts a complex fight with powerful sweeping attacks and lightning strikes. Mastery of dodging is essential to overcome this fearsome foe.


2. Bayle, the Dread

With the changes implemented in the latest patch, Bayle's repositioning attacks can still prove challenging. Players must summon allies and utilize ranged options to mitigate damage.


1. Ancient Dragon Senessax

Arguably the most challenging dragon in Elden Ring, Senessax is formidable not just for its power but for the cramped arena in which players must fight. Bringing allies and utilizing dodging techniques can turn the tide in this intense battle.


In conclusion, each dragon boss in Elden Ring presents unique challenges that require skillful dodging and strategic planning. By understanding their mechanics and employing effective strategies, players can conquer these formidable foes and enhance their journey through the Lands Between.


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