Introduction

In Elden Ring, Starscourge Radahn stands as one of the most daunting and spectacular boss fights. Found in the Wailing Dunes during the infamous Radahn Festival, this colossal warrior rides a small, loyal steed and wields the power of the cosmos. While Radahn's challenge has been tempered by nerfs since the game's release, those seeking a true test of skill can still face him at full strength using mods that revert his nerfs. In this guide, we'll explore strategies, preparation tips, and gear recommendations to defeat both nerfed and pre-nerf Radahn.

Understanding the Fight

Starscourge Radahn is unique in that you can summon numerous NPCs to aid you in battle, turning the fight into a grand festival. This design offers flexibility—allowing players to choose between tackling Radahn solo for a pure one-on-one showdown or using NPC assistance for a more balanced approach.

The fight takes place on an expansive battlefield where Radahn hurls colossal arrows, leaps into the sky, and bombards the player with devastating attacks. This means players need to balance offense and defense while managing Radahn's overwhelming barrage of attacks.

Phase 1: Managing Long-Range Threats

Upon entering the Wailing Dunes, Radahn will immediately attack by firing massive arrows that can one-shot unprepared players. Start by summoning the NPC allies scattered around the battlefield. While Radahn focuses on them, you can safely approach the boss.

Dodge the Arrows: Radahn's arrows are lethal, so dodging is key. Time your rolls to evade both his long-range shots and arrows launched into the sky that rain down unpredictably. Consider using a shield with high physical damage absorption to block any stray arrows.

Get Close: Radahn's ranged dominance is terrifying, but once you're in melee range, you can start dealing consistent damage. Use Torrent, your spectral steed, to quickly close the distance while summoning NPCs.

Phase 2: Starscourge Assault and Meteor Strike

At about 50% health, Radahn leaps into the sky and vanishes. This signals the transition to phase two, where he crashes down like a meteor. To survive this, keep moving and watch the skies for his impact location. After landing, Radahn becomes more aggressive, adding gravity-based attacks and wide, sweeping strikes to his arsenal.

Keep Summoning NPCs: Many of your summoned allies may have fallen during phase one, but you can resummon them by interacting with their golden summon signs. Having them absorb Radahn's attention gives you opportunities to heal or attack.

Torrent Mobility: During this phase, Radahn's mobility increases, and he can cover large distances with powerful slashes. Use Torrent to evade his area-of-effect gravity slams and ground eruptions. Positioning is crucial to avoid getting trapped by his wide swings.

Watch for the Meteor Strike: Radahn's most dangerous attack is when he launches himself into the sky, turning into a massive meteor. It can kill instantly if you're caught unaware. Watch the sky and prepare to sprint or ride Torrent out of the impact zone as soon as you spot him.

Preparation Tips

Level Up Vigor: Radahn's attacks deal massive damage, so having a high Vigor stat will increase your chances of surviving his onslaught. A minimum of 40 Vigor is recommended for the encounter.

Optimize Your Gear: Equip armor with strong physical and magic resistance. The Bull-Goat Set provides excellent protection against Radahn's strikes if you can manage the heavy weight. Combine this with a talisman like the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman to further mitigate incoming damage.

Use a Fast Weapon: While heavy weapons like colossal swords can deal huge damage to Radahn, they often leave you vulnerable due to slower attack animations. A fast weapon such as katanas or curved swords allows you to chip away at his health while dodging his counters. Infusing your weapon with bleed is particularly effective against Radahn, as bleed builds up quickly and deals percentage-based damage.

For Mod Enthusiasts: Facing Pre-Nerf Radahn

If you're up for an even more punishing fight, you can use the "DLC Radahn PreNerf" mod, which restores Radahn's original stats, making him faster and more aggressive. This version requires flawless execution of dodges, perfect timing, and an iron will.

Double Down on Defense: Since pre-nerf Radahn deals significantly more damage, wearing the heaviest armor you can manage while maintaining mobility is crucial. Use defensive spells like Barrier of Gold or Greatshield Barricade to reduce the damage from Radahn's magic-infused attacks.

Timing is Everything: Radahn's speed in the pre-nerf version is unforgiving, requiring precise dodge timings and spacing. Focus on learning his patterns and waiting for safe openings rather than being aggressive.

Conclusion

Starscourge Radahn remains one of Elden Ring's most iconic and challenging bosses, even post-nerf. With proper preparation, strategy, and patience, you can bring down the Starscourge and claim victory over one of the Lands Between's greatest threats. Whether facing his nerfed version or seeking a true test of skill with pre-nerf Radahn, this fight is a spectacle that defines the experience of Elden Ring.

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