Defeat Radagon Quickly: Your Ultimate Guide

Hey guys! Struggling with Radagon in Elden Ring? You're not alone! This boss is a tough one, but don't worry, we're going to break down everything you need to know to beat him ASAP. Radagon, the final boss of Elden Ring, is known for his relentless attacks, high damage output, and tricky teleportation moves. But with the right strategy, build, and a bit of patience, you can definitely conquer him. In this ultimate guide, we'll cover Radagon’s move set, effective strategies, recommended builds, and tips to make this fight manageable. Whether you’re a seasoned Tarnished or relatively new to the Lands Between, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tactics to emerge victorious against Radagon.

Understanding Radagon's Moveset

First things first, let's dive into Radagon's moveset. Knowing what to expect is half the battle! Radagon has a mix of melee and ranged attacks, making him a formidable opponent at any distance. Understanding his attack patterns is crucial for dodging effectively and knowing when to strike. Many of Radagon's attacks involve his hammer, which he uses for sweeping strikes and powerful slams. His hammer attacks often come in combos, so be prepared to dodge multiple times in quick succession. Pay close attention to the timing of his swings to avoid getting caught in a chain of hits. Radagon also has several ranged attacks, including golden projectiles and shockwaves. These attacks can be challenging to dodge, especially when he mixes them with his melee combos. Watch for the wind-up animations and try to anticipate when he's going to launch a ranged attack so you can dodge or block accordingly. One of Radagon's most dangerous abilities is his teleportation. He can teleport short distances, allowing him to reposition quickly and close the gap between you. Be ready to react when he teleports, as he often follows up with an immediate attack. Staying mobile and keeping an eye on his movements will help you avoid getting caught off guard. He also uses a variety of Holy magic attacks, which can deal significant damage if you're not prepared. These attacks include golden spears and explosive bursts of energy. Consider equipping armor and talismans that offer Holy resistance to mitigate some of this damage. Learning to recognize and anticipate these Holy attacks is vital for survival.

Key Attacks to Watch Out For

• Hammer Combos: Radagon frequently strings together multiple hammer swings, requiring precise dodging to avoid. Be patient and wait for openings between his attacks to counter. These combos can be especially deadly if you get caught in the middle, so focus on dodging away from his swings rather than trying to block them. Blocking can drain your stamina quickly, leaving you vulnerable to subsequent attacks. The key is to time your dodges perfectly, rolling just as the hammer is about to connect. This will give you the invincibility frames needed to avoid damage and create an opportunity to strike back. Also, try to identify the end of his combo strings. This is often the safest time to attack, as Radagon will be briefly vulnerable.
• Golden Projectiles: He fires golden projectiles that can track you. Dodging these requires good timing and movement. These projectiles can be particularly troublesome because they can track you, making it harder to simply run away. The best strategy is to dodge roll just as the projectile is about to hit you. This will give you the invincibility frames needed to avoid damage. Alternatively, you can use terrain or pillars to block the projectiles, but be mindful of your positioning. If you rely too much on blocking, you might find yourself cornered, making it difficult to dodge other attacks. Staying mobile and maintaining a medium distance from Radagon can help you better react to these projectiles.
• Teleportation Attacks: Radagon often teleports to reposition and can follow up with a quick attack, so be ready to dodge immediately. His teleportation is one of the most unpredictable aspects of the fight. He can teleport both to close the distance and to create space, so you need to be prepared for either scenario. Often, he teleports and immediately follows up with a powerful attack, such as a hammer slam or a ranged projectile. The key is to anticipate the teleport and dodge proactively. Don't wait to see what he's going to do; roll as soon as he reappears. This will help you avoid the initial attack and give you a chance to reposition yourself. Also, pay attention to the direction he's facing when he reappears. This can give you a clue about what kind of attack he's planning.
• Holy Magic: Radagon uses various Holy magic attacks, including spears and explosions. Equip gear that boosts Holy resistance to help mitigate this damage. Holy damage is a significant component of Radagon's arsenal, so reducing its impact is crucial for survival. Armor with high Holy resistance and talismans like the Holyproof Talisman can make a big difference. Additionally, consider using buffs like the Divine Fortification incantation, which temporarily boosts your Holy resistance. These preparations can help you withstand Radagon's magical assaults and give you more breathing room to focus on dodging and attacking. Remember, every point of damage reduction counts, so don't underestimate the value of boosting your Holy resistance.

Effective Strategies for the Fight

Now that we know what Radagon can do, let's talk strategy. The key to defeating Radagon is to stay patient, learn his attack patterns, and strike when he's vulnerable. Don't get greedy with your attacks; focus on dodging and creating openings. One of the most effective strategies is to use hit-and-run tactics. This involves getting in a few attacks and then backing away to create distance. This allows you to avoid his more dangerous combos and gives you time to recover stamina. Look for openings after his long attack animations or when he pauses between combos. These are the ideal moments to strike. Another helpful tactic is to circle around him. This can help you avoid many of his attacks and allows you to position yourself for counterattacks. Be careful not to get too predictable with your circling, though, as Radagon can adjust his attacks to catch you off guard. Vary your movements to keep him guessing. Managing your stamina is also crucial in this fight. Radagon's attacks can quickly deplete your stamina, especially if you're blocking frequently. Avoid overexerting yourself and make sure you always have enough stamina to dodge or block when necessary. Using stamina-boosting talismans or equipping lighter armor can help you maintain your stamina levels throughout the fight. Finally, don't forget to use your summons. Spirit Ashes can be incredibly helpful in drawing Radagon's aggro and creating openings for you to attack. Summons like the Black Knife Tiche or the Mimic Tear can deal significant damage and distract Radagon, giving you valuable time to heal or reposition. Experiment with different summons to find the ones that work best with your playstyle.

Positioning and Dodging

• Stay Mobile: Constantly move around the arena to avoid getting cornered and to create opportunities for attacks. Staying mobile is essential for both offense and defense. It prevents Radagon from pinning you down and allows you to better react to his attacks. Try to keep a medium distance from him, so you have enough time to dodge his swings and projectiles. Moving in circles around him can also help you avoid many of his attacks, but be sure to vary your movement patterns to avoid becoming predictable. If you find yourself cornered, use a well-timed dodge roll to escape and reposition yourself.
• Learn Dodge Timing: Mastering the timing of your dodges is crucial for avoiding Radagon's attacks. Practice dodging his different attack patterns to get a feel for the timing. The key is to dodge roll just as the attack is about to hit you. This will give you the invincibility frames needed to avoid damage. Don't dodge too early, as you'll still be vulnerable when the attack connects. Similarly, don't dodge too late, or you'll get hit. It takes practice to master the timing, but once you do, you'll be able to evade Radagon's attacks much more effectively. Pay close attention to his wind-up animations and the speed of his attacks to fine-tune your dodge timing.
• Exploit Openings: Look for openings after Radagon's attacks to get in a few hits. Don't be greedy; get in a couple of attacks and then back away to prepare for his next move. One of the biggest mistakes players make is trying to get in too many attacks at once. This often leaves you vulnerable to counterattacks. Instead, focus on being patient and waiting for the right moment to strike. After he completes a combo or uses a special attack, he'll often have a brief window of vulnerability. This is your chance to get in a few hits. After attacking, immediately back away and prepare to dodge. This hit-and-run strategy is a safe and effective way to chip away at his health.

Recommended Builds and Equipment

Choosing the right build and equipment can make a significant difference in your fight against Radagon. A well-optimized build can provide you with the damage output, survivability, and utility you need to succeed. Here are a few recommended builds and equipment choices to consider:

• Strength Build: Strength builds can deal significant damage with heavy weapons, but require good stamina management. Equip a weapon with high physical damage, such as a colossal sword or a great hammer. These weapons can stagger Radagon, creating opportunities for follow-up attacks. However, they are also slow, so you need to time your attacks carefully. Strength builds benefit from high Vigor and Endurance, which provide increased health and stamina. Talismans like the Green Turtle Talisman and the Erdtree's Favor can further boost your stamina and equip load, allowing you to wear heavier armor without sacrificing mobility. When using a strength build, focus on dealing heavy damage with charged attacks and jump attacks, and be prepared to dodge frequently.
• Dexterity Build: Dexterity builds excel at quick attacks and mobility, making them effective against fast-moving bosses like Radagon. Use weapons like katanas or curved swords, which have fast attack speeds and can inflict status effects like bleed. Dexterity builds benefit from high Dexterity and Vigor, as well as some Endurance for stamina management. Talismans like the Winged Sword Insignia and the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia can increase your attack power with successive hits, making them ideal for dexterity-based weapons. The key to playing a dexterity build against Radagon is to use quick attacks to interrupt his combos and then dodge away to safety. Bleed is particularly effective against Radagon, so consider using weapons or skills that inflict this status effect.
• Faith Build: Faith builds can utilize powerful incantations for both offense and defense, providing a versatile approach to the fight. Equip a Sacred Seal and use incantations like Black Flame Blade or Lightning Spear to deal damage. Faith builds benefit from high Faith, Mind, and Vigor, as well as some Endurance for stamina. Talismans like the Sacred Scorpion Charm can boost your Holy damage, while the Marika's Soreseal can increase your attributes at the cost of increased damage taken. When using a faith build, focus on maintaining a safe distance and using ranged incantations to chip away at Radagon's health. Incantations like Golden Vow and Flame, Grant Me Strength can buff your attack power and defense, making you more resilient in the fight.
• Intelligence Build: Intelligence builds rely on sorceries to deal damage from a distance, providing a safe and effective way to attack Radagon. Use spells like Comet Azur or Rock Sling to deal high damage. Intelligence builds benefit from high Intelligence, Mind, and Vigor, as well as some Endurance for stamina. Talismans like the Magic Scorpion Charm can boost your magic damage, while the Cerulean Amber Medallion can increase your FP, allowing you to cast more spells. The key to playing an intelligence build against Radagon is to maintain distance and use your spells strategically. Comet Azur is particularly effective when Radagon is distracted by your summons, while Rock Sling can stagger him and create openings for follow-up attacks. Be mindful of your FP consumption and use Cerulean Flasks to replenish your FP as needed.

Summons and Spirit Ashes

As mentioned earlier, summons and Spirit Ashes can be a game-changer in this fight. They can draw Radagon's aggro, allowing you to get in some free hits or heal. Some of the best summons for this fight include:

• Black Knife Tiche: This legendary summon deals high damage and is very mobile, making it an excellent choice for this fight. Tiche's agile movements and high damage output make her a formidable ally against Radagon. She can dodge many of his attacks and deal significant damage with her unique Black Knife weapon. Tiche is particularly effective at drawing Radagon's attention, giving you valuable time to heal or reposition. However, she is also somewhat fragile, so be sure to keep an eye on her health and avoid letting her get overwhelmed.
• Mimic Tear: The Mimic Tear summon creates a copy of your character, equipped with your weapons and armor. This can effectively double your damage output and provide a significant advantage. The Mimic Tear is one of the most versatile and powerful summons in the game. It can mimic your build and playstyle, making it an excellent choice for any fight. In the Radagon fight, the Mimic Tear can draw aggro, deal damage, and even heal you with spells if you equip healing incantations. However, the Mimic Tear can be costly to summon, so make sure you have enough FP before using it. Additionally, the Mimic Tear's effectiveness depends on your equipment, so be sure to equip your best gear before summoning it.
• Lhutel the Headless: Lhutel is a resilient summon that can take a lot of damage, making her a good choice for drawing Radagon's aggro. Lhutel the Headless is a tanky summon that can withstand a lot of damage, making her ideal for drawing Radagon's attention. She can also use her shield to block attacks and her spear to deal damage from a distance. Lhutel is particularly effective if you need a summon that can survive for a long time and keep Radagon occupied. However, her damage output is relatively low, so you'll need to rely on your own attacks to bring Radagon down.

Tips and Tricks for Victory

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you beat Radagon:

1. Use Fire Damage: Radagon is weak to Fire damage, so consider using weapons or spells that deal fire damage. Fire damage is highly effective against Radagon, as he has a significant weakness to it. Weapons like the Blasphemous Blade or spells like Flame, Grant Me Strength can deal substantial damage. Additionally, fire damage can interrupt some of Radagon's attacks, giving you an edge in the fight. If you're struggling with Radagon, consider respecing your build or switching to weapons and spells that deal fire damage.
2. Holy Resistance: Equip armor and talismans that increase your Holy resistance to reduce the damage from his Holy attacks. As mentioned earlier, Radagon's Holy attacks can deal significant damage, so reducing their impact is crucial for survival. Armor with high Holy resistance and talismans like the Holyproof Talisman can make a big difference. Consider using buffs like the Divine Fortification incantation, which temporarily boosts your Holy resistance. Every point of Holy damage reduction counts, so don't underestimate the value of boosting your resistance.
3. Stay Calm: This fight can be frustrating, but staying calm and focused is essential. Don't get discouraged if you die a few times; just learn from your mistakes and keep trying. Patience is key in this fight, so focus on dodging and creating openings rather than rushing in for attacks. Take breaks if you need to, and come back to the fight when you're feeling refreshed.
4. Practice Makes Perfect: The more you fight Radagon, the better you'll become at recognizing his attack patterns and dodging his attacks. Don't be afraid to experiment with different strategies and builds until you find what works best for you. Each attempt will help you learn something new about the fight, so keep practicing and you'll eventually emerge victorious.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Beating Radagon is no easy feat, but with the right strategy, build, and a little practice, you can definitely do it. Remember to stay patient, learn his moveset, and exploit his weaknesses. Good luck, Tarnished, and may the Greater Will guide you! By understanding Radagon's attack patterns, implementing effective strategies, and optimizing your build, you can overcome this challenging boss and claim victory in Elden Ring. Remember, every attempt is a learning opportunity, so don't get discouraged by setbacks. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually master the fight. With persistence and the right approach, you can defeat Radagon and experience the satisfaction of conquering one of Elden Ring's toughest challenges. So, gear up, stay focused, and go claim your Elden Lord title! You've got this!