Mastering Radahn Dlc: Cheesy Strategies For Easy Victory In Elden Ring

how to cheese radahn dlc

The Radahn DLC in *Elden Ring* introduces a formidable challenge, but players have discovered creative strategies to cheese the boss fight, making it significantly easier. By exploiting specific mechanics, such as summoning NPCs like Alexander or using the Starscourge Radahn’s limited AI to your advantage, you can minimize direct confrontation and chip away at his health from a safe distance. Additionally, positioning yourself near the edge of the arena or using ranged attacks like arrows or spells can keep you out of harm’s way while steadily whittling down his massive health pool. These tactics, while not conventional, offer a practical approach for players struggling with the boss’s overwhelming attacks and ensure a smoother path to victory.

Characteristics Values
Boss Starscourge Radahn (DLC)
Location Mountaintops of the Giants (DLC Area)
Cheese Strategy Summon NPCs + Ranged Attacks
Required NPCs Alexander the Iron Fist, Jerren, and Great Horned Tragoth
Recommended Weapons Any ranged weapon (bows, crossbows, magic spells)
Difficulty Reduction Significantly reduces boss health and damage
Key Mechanics Exploited Boss remains stationary, NPCs tank damage
Risk Level Low (minimal player engagement required)
Patch Compatibility Works in latest DLC patch (as of October 2023)
Time to Execute ~5-10 minutes with optimal setup
Additional Tips Position NPCs strategically, stay out of melee range

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Use Rotten Breath: Summon Rotten Stray to inflict Scarlet Rot, weakening Radahn significantly

One of the most effective strategies to cheese Radahn in the DLC involves leveraging the Rotten Breath ability to summon a Rotten Stray, which inflicts Scarlet Rot and significantly weakens the boss. This method exploits Radahn’s vulnerability to rot, turning a daunting fight into a manageable encounter. To execute this, ensure you’ve acquired the Rotten Breath spell, typically found in the Leyndell, Royal Capital area. Equip it in your spell slot and prepare to cast it during the battle.

The process begins by summoning the Rotten Stray at a strategic moment. Wait for Radahn to initiate one of his slower, more predictable attacks, such as his sweeping sword strike or arrow barrage. As he commits to the attack, cast Rotten Breath to summon the Stray directly in front of him. The Stray’s presence will not only distract Radahn but also begin applying Scarlet Rot damage over time. This dual effect—distraction and damage—creates a window of opportunity for you to either heal, reposition, or deal additional damage.

While the Rotten Stray is active, focus on maximizing its effectiveness. Position yourself behind Radahn to avoid his attacks while the Stray tanks his aggression. If you have rot-infused weapons or spells, use them to amplify the rot damage. For example, casting Scarlet Aeonia or using a weapon coated with Scarlet Rot Grease can stack additional rot buildup, further weakening Radahn. Time your attacks carefully to avoid interrupting the Stray’s rot application, as its presence is crucial for maintaining pressure.

A critical caution: Radahn’s area-of-effect attacks can damage or destroy the Rotten Stray, so monitor its health closely. If the Stray is low on health, recast Rotten Breath to summon a new one. Additionally, avoid summoning the Stray during Radahn’s most aggressive phases, such as when he’s charging or performing rapid combos, as it may be instantly destroyed. Patience and timing are key to ensuring the Stray survives long enough to inflict meaningful damage.

In conclusion, using Rotten Breath to summon a Rotten Stray is a highly effective cheese strategy for Radahn. By exploiting his vulnerability to Scarlet Rot and creating distractions, you can significantly reduce his health while minimizing your own risk. Pair this tactic with rot-infused weapons or spells for maximum efficiency. With practice and precision, this method transforms one of the DLC’s most challenging bosses into a far more manageable opponent.

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Sniper Strategy: Stay at range, use arrows or spells to chip damage safely

The Sniper Strategy hinges on one principle: distance is your ally. Radahn’s sweeping attacks and relentless aggression make close combat a gamble. By maintaining a safe range, you neutralize his greatest strengths. This approach isn’t about flashy kills or speedruns; it’s a methodical dismantling of a formidable foe.

To execute this strategy, equip a bow with high damage output or a staff capable of casting long-range spells. Arrows like the Poison Arrow or spells like Carian Slicer are ideal for consistent, safe damage. Position yourself on elevated terrain or behind obstacles to minimize exposure. Aim for Radahn’s head or torso, as these areas often lack heavy armor. Patience is key—avoid the temptation to rush, as a single misstep can be fatal.

While the Sniper Strategy is effective, it’s not without risks. Radahn’s gravity attacks and area-of-effect spells can still reach you, so stay mobile and anticipate his moves. Additionally, this method requires a significant time investment, as chipping away at his health bar takes longer than aggressive melee combat. However, the trade-off is safety and control, making it ideal for players prioritizing survival over speed.

For optimal results, pair this strategy with buffs like Golden Vow or Magic Spot to amplify your damage. Summoning allies can also distract Radahn, giving you more opportunities to strike. Remember, the goal isn’t to outmatch him in strength but to outmaneuver him in strategy. With precision, patience, and preparation, the Sniper Strategy turns Radahn’s battlefield into your hunting ground.

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Meteor of Astel: Lure Radahn under Astel’s meteor for massive damage

The Meteor of Astel strategy hinges on exploiting a devastating environmental attack to bypass Radahn’s formidable defenses. Astel’s meteor, a massive projectile summoned during the fight, deals colossal damage to anything caught in its blast radius. By luring Radahn directly beneath its impact zone, players can bypass the need for prolonged combat, effectively cheesing the boss with minimal effort. This method requires precise timing and positioning but rewards execution with a swift victory.

To execute this strategy, begin by engaging Radahn normally, drawing his attention while staying mobile. Position yourself near the center of the arena, where the meteor is most likely to strike. Use hit-and-run tactics to maintain aggro without overcommitting, as Radahn’s attacks are deadly. Once Astel’s meteor is summoned (typically during the second phase), sprint toward Radahn, ensuring he follows you. Time your movement so that he is directly under the meteor’s impact point when it lands. The blast will deal massive damage, often reducing his health bar significantly or outright killing him.

A critical caution: Radahn’s AI can be unpredictable, and he may break pursuit or use wide-reaching attacks to disrupt your positioning. To mitigate this, equip fast-rolling gear and prioritize agility over damage output. Practice the meteor’s timing in earlier attempts to recognize its descent pattern. Additionally, avoid summoning allies, as they can inadvertently draw Radahn away from the target area. This strategy is most effective for players with high mobility builds or those willing to retry until the AI cooperates.

Compared to traditional methods, the Meteor of Astel cheese offers a high-risk, high-reward alternative. While it lacks the consistency of ranged chip damage or summon overload tactics, its potential for instant gratification is unparalleled. Players seeking a challenge may find this approach unsatisfying, but for those prioritizing efficiency, it’s a game-changer. Mastery of this technique not only trivializes Radahn but also highlights the depth of Elden Ring’s environmental interactions, proving that creativity often trumps brute force.

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Golden Vow Buff: Stack Golden Vow and other buffs for amplified damage output

To maximize damage output against Radahn in the DLC, stacking buffs like Golden Vow is a game-changer. Golden Vow, a powerful incantation, increases attack power for all allies within its radius, including yourself. Its effect is straightforward: cast it, and for 120 seconds, you and your summons gain a significant boost in physical damage. But the real cheese lies in combining it with other buffs to create a multiplier effect. For instance, pairing Golden Vow with the Flask of Crimson Tears’ attack boost or the Blessing of the Erdtree talisman amplifies your damage exponentially. This strategy turns even modest weapons into devastating tools, allowing you to melt Radahn’s health bar faster than he can summon his meteor storm.

The key to this tactic is timing and coordination. Cast Golden Vow just before engaging Radahn to ensure its full duration overlaps with your most aggressive phases. Follow it up with a Flask of Crimson Tears for an immediate 15% attack boost, and equip the Blessing of the Erdtree talisman for an additional 10% increase. If you’re using a strength-based weapon, add the Lion’s Claw skill for a temporary 20% boost, or apply a Grease buff for elemental damage. Each layer compounds the effect, turning your attacks into a cascade of critical hits. However, be mindful of buff durations—Golden Vow’s 120 seconds is generous, but other buffs like Grease last only 45 seconds, so prioritize casting order to maximize overlap.

Comparatively, this strategy outshines traditional approaches like summoning multiple allies or relying solely on high-damage spells. While summons can distract Radahn, their AI is inconsistent, and spells often lack the sustained DPS needed to outpace his healing. Buff stacking, on the other hand, transforms your character into a self-sufficient powerhouse. It’s particularly effective for solo players or those with limited summon options. Plus, it’s cost-efficient: Golden Vow requires minimal FP, and its long duration means you can focus on dodging and attacking rather than recasting. This method isn’t just about dealing damage—it’s about controlling the fight by dictating its pace.

To execute this strategy flawlessly, prepare your inventory with the right tools. Carry multiple Golden Vow charges, as well as Crimson Flask charges for sustained buffing. Equip the Carian Filigreed Crest talisman to extend Golden Vow’s range, ensuring it covers your entire battlefield. If you’re using a weapon with innate buffs, like the Rivers of Blood’s bleed buildup, time your attacks to coincide with the peak of your stacked buffs. Finally, practice your timing in less risky encounters to master the rhythm of casting and attacking. With this setup, Radahn’s once-daunting health bar becomes a mere formality, and the fight transforms from a test of endurance into a showcase of strategic dominance.

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Summon Overload: Bring multiple summons to distract Radahn while you attack freely

The key to the Summon Overload strategy lies in sheer numbers. Radahn, the Red Lion General, is a formidable foe with devastating area-of-effect attacks. By flooding the battlefield with summons, you create a chaotic environment where his attacks become less focused and predictable. This dilution of his aggression allows you to exploit openings and chip away at his health bar with relative safety.

Imagine a pack of wolves harassing a bear. Individually, each wolf is no match, but their combined harassment forces the bear to constantly shift its attention, preventing it from focusing on any single threat. This is the essence of Summon Overload.

Executing this strategy requires careful summon selection. Opt for durable summons with decent health pools and the ability to draw aggro. The Black Knife Tiche, with her relentless attacks and decent survivability, is a prime example. The Rivers of Blood summon, while less tanky, excels at dealing consistent damage and distracting Radahn with its ranged attacks. Don't underestimate the value of lesser summons like the Great Horned Tragoth or the War Hound. Their sheer numbers can overwhelm Radahn's targeting, creating crucial windows of opportunity for you to strike.

Aim for a minimum of three summons, ideally four or five if your summoning pool allows. This creates a critical mass of distractions, forcing Radahn to constantly re-evaluate his targets.

Timing is crucial. Deploy your summons strategically, staggering their entrances to maintain constant pressure on Radahn. Don't unleash them all at once, as this can lead to them bunching up and becoming easy targets for his area-of-effect attacks. Instead, summon one or two initially, then introduce the rest as the battle progresses, keeping Radahn constantly off-balance.

While Summon Overload is a powerful tactic, it's not without its drawbacks. Summons can be unpredictable, sometimes getting stuck on terrain or failing to engage Radahn effectively. Additionally, relying solely on summons can lead to a lack of direct control over the battle. Be prepared to step in and capitalize on openings created by your summoned allies, using your own attacks to finish off Radahn when the opportunity arises.

Frequently asked questions

The easiest method involves using the Rotten Stray summon and positioning yourself near the edge of the arena. Radahn will focus on the summon, allowing you to deal damage safely from a distance with ranged attacks or spells.

Yes, using a weapon with long range, such as the Rivers of Blood katana or a bow, allows you to chip away at Radahn’s health while staying out of his attack range. Pair this with the Rotten Stray summon for maximum effectiveness.

Positioning yourself near the edges of the arena, particularly near the cliffs, forces Radahn to use fewer attacks and limits his movement, making it easier to avoid damage while attacking him.

While the Rotten Stray summon is highly effective, it doesn’t guarantee success. You still need to manage your positioning, avoid Radahn’s attacks, and time your damage output to ensure a consistent and safe strategy.

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