Elden Ring has established itself as a landmark title in gaming history since its launch in 2022 by FromSoftware. With over 25 million copies sold, its success can be attributed to several factors, particularly the challenging and complex bosses players encounter throughout the experience. These formidable adversaries, ranging from the Ulcerated Tree Spirits to the Limgrave Tree Sentinel, create a mix of frustration and fulfillment, leading players to ponder which among them is the hardest to defeat.
The Valiant Gargoyles might be straightforward to name, but many argue they're not the most challenging duo in the game. A distinctive characteristic of Elden Ring is how bosses encountered in Limgrave can transition into either ordinary NPCs or tough duo bosses. These dual-fight scenarios often present a significant challenge, and players have varied opinions on which duos are less enjoyable to battle.
One gamer shared their preference for the Bed of Chaos over the Valiant Gargoyles, labeling this latter pair as lacking originality. They criticized the background music during the encounters as uninspiring and deemed the battleground unsatisfactory, citing the poison from the Gargoyles as a major detractor from the overall fighting experience. This player even named the Demon Monarch from Dark Souls III: The Ringed City City as the quintessential duo boss, surpassing all others in terms of enjoyment.
Yet, another perspective emerged disputing the assertion that Valiant Gargoyles are the worst encounter in the game. This player suggested that other bosses in Elden Ring are far more challenging. Although they didn’t specify which ones, it’s reasonable to speculate that they might have been referring to the Elden Beast, Godskin Duo, Putrid Tree Spirits, or Godfrey as possibilities.
When it comes to identifying the toughest duo bosses, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single one, as several contenders exist. Crucible Knight and Crucible Knight Ordovis are among the notable mentions, first appearing as an Evergaol boss. A winning strategy against them is to divide their attention and tackle them sequentially since the battleground is compact. Taking out the spear-wielding knight first is advisable due to the far reach of their attacks. In addition, other bosses deserve recognition for their complex battle mechanics and impactful endings.
Another duo that poses a significant challenge is the Abductor Virgin Duo. Their terrifyingly sudden assaults can leave players in a state of panic, marking them as one of the more unsettling encounters in the game. Ultimately, opinions will differ on the best and worst bosses in Elden Ring. What are your thoughts? Share your views in the comments.