Elden Ring throws a wide range of terrifying bosses at players, from hulking brutes to nimble assassins. While each encounter offers unique mechanics, certain universal combat techniques can give you an edge in nearly every fight. Whether you’re facing a late-game Shardbearer or a field boss while exploring, mastering these techniques can significantly increase your survival rate—and your runes.

Here are 20 tried-and-tested combat strategies that consistently work across the Lands Between.

1. Learn the Boss’s Opening Moves

Every boss has a pattern at the start of the fight. Take a few seconds to observe their first swings instead of rushing in blindly. This gives you valuable insight into timing and spacing.

2. Use Jump Attacks to Break Posture

Jump attacks are not only powerful but also build up stance break quickly. Two-handed jump attacks with colossal weapons or strength-based arms are especially effective.

3. Dodge Toward, Not Away

It’s counterintuitive, but dodging into a boss’s attack (toward them) often places you safely behind or to their side, avoiding damage and setting up a counter.

4. Keep Your Equipment Load Below 70%

Staying in “medium roll” territory ensures your dodge is fast enough to evade most boss combos. Consider shedding unnecessary Elden Ring Items to stay mobile.

5. Buff Before Entering the Fog Wall

Spells like Flame, Grant Me Strength or Golden Vow, as well as consumables that boost resistance or attack, can swing the tide if used at the right time.

6. Summon Spirits Strategically

Spirit Ashes can draw aggro or interrupt attacks. Use tanky summons for crowd control or agile ones like Black Knife Tiche for damage and distraction.

7. Use Terrain to Your Advantage

Some boss arenas have uneven ground, pillars, or edges. Use these environmental features to block line-of-sight attacks or create breathing room.

8. Punish Recovery Frames

Instead of swinging wildly, wait for the boss to whiff a big move and punish their recovery window with a powerful charged or jumping attack.

9. Maintain Stamina Discipline

Never let your stamina drop to zero. Save enough for a dodge or two at all times—it’s better to miss a hit than to get caught unable to roll.

10. Two-Hand for More Damage

Two-handing your weapon increases its scaling and attack power. If you don’t need a shield for the fight, this can help end it faster.

11. Know When to Heal

Timing your flask use is critical. Heal during the boss’s longer animations or while your Spirit Summon has their attention.

12. Use Elemental Damage Wisely

Some bosses are weak to fire, others to magic or holy. Swapping weapon infusions or consumables like Greases can exploit those weaknesses for big damage.

13. Guard Counter with Shields

Blocking and immediately counterattacking (guard counter) works wonders on aggressive bosses—especially if you’ve invested in Strength and Endurance.

14. Bait Out Combos

Sometimes, intentionally triggering a boss combo helps you learn their patterns and sets up openings you can capitalize on.

15. Capitalize on Stagger Opportunities

When a boss is staggered—either from posture damage or parry—you can land a critical hit. This is one of the best ways to chunk down their health.

16. Use Light Armor for Fast Recovery

Light armor builds can roll faster and have lower recovery times, making it easier to reposition after failed dodges.

17. Respec if You’re Stuck

Using a Larval Tear to respec your stats can tailor your build for a tough fight. Need more HP or a heavier weapon? Respec and adapt.

18. Buy Elden Ring Runes to Level Up Efficiently

If you’re hitting a wall and struggling with a boss, consider leveling up your Vigor, Endurance, or weapon scaling stats. Many players choose to buy Elden Ring runes to push past particularly brutal encounters.

19. Manage Aggro in Co-op

If playing multiplayer, take turns drawing aggro. Let one player tank while others damage from range. Poor aggro management leads to chaos and fast deaths.

20. Practice, Then Practice Again

No trick replaces raw experience. Learning boss animations and trusting your muscle memory takes time. Don’t get discouraged—every death is a step closer to victory.

Whether you prefer heavy melee builds or nimble sorcerers, these techniques offer reliable tools to tackle any boss in Elden Ring. And as you refine your combat, don’t forget to keep your gear and Elden Ring Items in top shape—sometimes a small tweak is all it takes to turn the tide.