Summary
FromSoftware’sElden Ringcontinues in the tradition of its spiritual predecessors in theDark Soulstrilogy by presenting players with a variety of dragon bosses to overcome. These encounters are some of the most awe-inducing moments ofElden Ring, establishing a sense of scale and grandeur that few other games are capable of matching. More than just challenging encounters though, the dragon battles are practically essential for certain builds reliant on the Dragon Incantations that are only unlocked by slaying dragons and taking their Dragon Hearts. And, like the dragon enemies in other FromSoftware games,Elden Ring’s draconic enemies factor heavily into the game’s lore and backstory.
The dragons inElden Ringare separated into two categories – Ancient Dragons and their weaker descendents, the standard Dragons. Prior to the sprouting of the Erdtree, the Ancient Dragons are said to have ruled the Lands Between, withthe Dragonlord Placidusaxacting as both their ruler and the first Elden Lord. The arrival of Queen Marika would trigger a war between the Empyreans and the Ancient Dragons, resulting in a truce between Godwyn and the Ancient Dragon Fortisaxx that would give rise to the Ancient Dragon Cult. During the time of The Shattering in whichElden Ring’s events take place, there are 12 Dragons and Ancient Dragons left.
Every Dragon in Elden Ring
The dynamic open world of The Lands Between can see The Tarnished come across any number of unexpected threats, includingElden Ring’s Dragonsand Ancient Dragons. There are a total of 12 Dragons to fight throughout the game, many of which are completely optional boss encounters that provide some enticing rewards for those willing to put in the work. Standard Dragons are weaker and more plentiful than the demigod-like Ancient Dragons, of which there are only 3 in the entire game.
Borealis, The Freezing Fog
Players encounter Borealis, The Freezing Fog after entering the frozen lake areawithin the Mountaintops of the Giantsregion. This Greater Foe continually emits a stream of frost during combat, limiting player visibility and inflicting Frostbite damage.
Decaying Ekzykes
After visiting the Caelid Highway Site of Grace, players can venture southeast and come face to face with Decaying Ekzykes. Ekzykes has beendriven mad by the Scarlet Rotand, as a result, breathes out clouds of toxin that cause Scarlet Rot buildup on the player.
Elder Dragon Greyoll
According toElden Ring’s lore,Greyoll is the mother of The Lands Between’s dragons, and her imposing size gives weight to that claim. It’s practically impossible to miss Greyoll while traveling through Caelid toward the Dragonbarrow region, as her body essentially acts as a makeshift mountain. She is surrounded by several of her Lesser Dragon offspring.
Flying Dragon Agheel
Most players will stumble upon Flying Dragon Agheel completely by accident after firststartingElden Ring, as this flying dragon lies in wait in the lake just north of the first Site of Grace. When it takes to the skies, it will circle around the battlefield breathing fire.
Flying Dragon Greyll
The second of the two Flying Dragons players encounter is Greyll, who guards the bridge just south ofthe Bestial Sanctumin the far northern reaches of Caelid. While the beast is essentially identical to Flying Dragon Agheel, including its moveset and abilities, fighting this dragon on the bridge presents some difficulty with positioning.
Glintstone Dragon Adula
Although Adula is first encountered in the Three Sisters area as part ofRanni’s questline, this first battle ends prematurely when the dragon takes flight to fight another day. After gaining access to the Cathedral of Manus Celes, Adula reappears for the true fight. Not only can she breathe magic-imbued breath on the player, she summons her Moonblade mid-flight to create a wave inflicting Frostbite.
Glintstone Dragon Smarag
Smarag’s lore states that his fondness for eating sorcerers and their Glintstones resulted in his body becoming corrupted, resulting in him breathing powerful Glintstone breath imbued with magic against the player. He can be found near the island west of the Academy of Raya Lucaria.
Great Wyrm Theodorix
Theodorix is a former troll who was transformed into the Great Wyrm for the sin of Dragon Communion, taking refuge on the frozen river within the Consecrated Snowfield. Heading north and then east from the Inner Consecrated Snowfield Site of Grace will put players in its path.
Magma Wyrm Makar
Like Theodorix, Makar was not always a dragon but was transformed into one after committing the sin of Dragon Communion. He guards the Ruin-Strewn Precipice area within Liurnia of the Lakes and has several fire-based attacks to contend with.
Ancient Dragon Lansseax
Lansseax is the sister of Fortissax and likely the first Ancient Dragon players will encounter inElden Ring. She wields a glaive made of red lightning and will momentarily retreat after sustaining enough damage, prompting the player to give chase.
Lichdragon Fortissax
Fortissax is the Lichdragon and corrupted by death thanks to his efforts aiding his ally Godwyn after he became the Prince of Death. Players will encounter this Ancient Dragon within the Deeproot Depths inside the Deathbed Dream.
Dragonlord Placidusax
The Dragonlord Placidusax is the lord of all Dragons, Ancient or otherwise, and asecret boss encounter inElden Ring. To reach him, players must make their way inside the heart of the storm within Crumbling Farum Azula and then lie down within an open grave. This twin-headed demigod is the most powerful and aggressive of all the Dragon bosses, wielding red lightning and dive-bombing the arena.
Elden Ring
WHERE TO PLAY
ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
