Hey fellow Tarnished! ✨ It's 2026, and I still find myself booting up Elden Ring for a fresh challenge. Let me tell you, the thrill of finally taking down a boss that's been handing you your own head for hours... it's a feeling that just never gets old. Forget about the frustrating ones or the pushovers – I'm talking about those epic showdowns that leave your hands shaking and your heart pounding. Here’s my personal rundown of the bosses that gave me the biggest fist-pump moments. Buckle up, it's gonna be a ride!
Oh, Margit, The Fell Omen. Where do I even start? This guy is the game's way of saying, "Welcome to The Lands Between, now suffer." He's that first real wall for so many of us, camped out at Stormveil Castle. Sure, you can sneak around him, but honestly? Don't. Facing him head-on is a rite of passage. It's like the game's boot camp, forcing you to git gud before the real chaos begins. And the lore reveal later? Knowing he's actually Morgott, the Omen King? That tragic backstory hits different after you've spent an evening learning his moveset. Beating him for the first time is pure, unadulterated relief mixed with pride. You've passed the first test!
🏹 Starscourge Radahn: A Festival of Pain (and Glory)
Walking into Redmane Castle in Caelid... man, the atmosphere is just heavy. The music, the eerie calm before the storm. And then this legendary general starts sniping you with giant arrows from across the arena! The Radahn Festival is an event. Taking him down, whether you go in swinging a colossal sword or try your luck with a bow, is incredibly satisfying. It feels less like a boss fight and more like participating in a myth. When he finally falls, it's a legendary moment for your Tarnished.
😤 Godskin Duo: The Ultimate Gank Spank
Let's be real, this fight can be... a lot. The Godskin Duo is infamous for a reason. Two bosses you've fought separately, now teaming up to make your life miserable. They're aggressive, they respawn, it's chaos. My advice? Don't be a hero. Summon those Spirit Ashes! Even the odds. Using fast spells to keep your distance is a solid strategy too. Beating them isn't about finesse; it's about survival. And the satisfaction comes from overcoming what feels like an unfair situation. You'll scream "FINALLY!" at your screen, I promise.
🐍 Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy: A Spectacle Fight Done Right
Rykard is a spectacle. This giant serpent-lord in a lake of lava is visually stunning and brutally challenging. The game gives you a special weapon, the 
Serpent-Hunter, for a reason – use it! Trying to fight him without it is a self-imposed nightmare (though some mad lads do it). Dodging his AoEs in phase two is a dance with death. The reward? The Blasphemous Blade, one of the coolest weapons in the game. This fight makes you feel like a true giant-slayer.
🩸 Mohg, Lord of Blood: A Nightmare Worth Facing
Mohg... oh, Mohg. Cursed, shunned, and waiting in a palace straight out of a nightmare. If you're heading into the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC (which, in 2026, is essential playing), he's a mandatory skill check. This fight requires patience. Lots of it. Learning his bloody rituals and finding openings is key. But hearing his final, tragic lines as he falls... chills. Absolute chills. Defeating Mohg feels like conquering a dark, hidden part of the world. A true badge of honor.
🐺 Maliketh, the Black Blade: From Clergyman to Death Incarnate
Tricked ya, didn't he? The Beast Clergyman seems manageable at first. But then phase two hits, and Maliketh becomes a whirlwind of black blades and destined death. His attacks are fast, devastating, and will punish any mistake. This is a fight that demands perfection. A pro tip: the 
Blasphemous Claw can parry some of his big moves – a lifesaver! Beating him is a masterclass in reaction and timing. You don't just win; you outskill him.
🌙 Rellana, Twin Moon Knight: The DLC's "Welcome" Party
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC said, "You thought the base game was hard? Hold my flask." Rellana is often the first major wall players hit. She is relentless. Her dual sword and sorcery combo leaves almost no room to breathe. I'd bet my best runes that the number of people who beat her first try is tiny. She forces you to relearn everything. But that moment when her health bar finally empties? Unbeatable. She perfectly represents the DLC's elevated challenge.
🦋 Malenia, Blade of Miquella: The Legend Herself
We all knew she'd be here. Malenia. The name alone sends shivers. Arguably the hardest boss in the base game, and she's optional! That's the beauty of it. You choose to challenge the legend. Learning her dance, especially dodging the infamous Waterfowl Dance, is a journey. But the payoff? Hearing her acknowledge your strength is a top-tier gaming moment. And claiming her weapon, the 
Hand of Malenia, lets you wield a piece of that legend. Defeating her is the ultimate personal achievement.
👑 Promised Consort Radahn: The Final Exam
And here we are. The pinnacle. Promised Consort Radahn is, by popular consensus, the ultimate challenge of Elden Ring. This isn't the festival Radahn; this is Radahn at his peak, powered up by Miquella. This fight is brutal, beautiful, and feels like the final exam for everything you've learned. Using the powerful new weapons from the DLC can help, but nothing makes it easy. When you finally defeat him... that sense of accomplishment is unmatched. It sits with you. For days. You've beaten the best, and nothing can take that away from you.
So there you have it, my list! These are the fights that defined my Elden Ring experience. They're the ones that made me rage, then strategize, and finally triumph. In 2026, these battles still hold up as some of the most masterfully designed and satisfying challenges in gaming. What about you? Which boss had you jumping out of your seat? Let me know down below! 👇
May the guidance of grace be with you, always. ✨