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Elden Ring Boss Order: Main and Recommended Route

Follow Elden Ring’s required boss gates and a practical recommended order while keeping optional Shardbearers and exploration detours clearly labeled.

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Quick Answer

A clean base-game route is Margit → Godrick → Red Wolf → Rennala, then Draconic Tree Sentinel → Godfrey’s golden shade → Morgott → Fire Giant → Godskin Duo → Maliketh → Gideon → Godfrey/Hoarah Loux → Radagon and Elden Beast. Only part of that list is strictly required, and another Great Rune can replace Godrick or Rennala before Leyndell.

Last Updated Last Verified Game Version Elden Ring Patch 1.17; base-game systems
OfficialChecked Version Elden Ring Patch 1.17; base-game systems
Elden Ring Boss Order: Main and Recommended Route official game artwork
Official promotional artwork.Bandai Namco Entertainment · official-promotional
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Key Takeaways

  • Recommended order is not the same as mandatory order in an open-world game.
  • Leyndell normally requires two Great Runes and an audience with the Two Fingers; Godrick and Rennala are the smoothest early pair, but other Shardbearers can satisfy the rune requirement.
  • Radahn, Rykard, Mohg, and Malenia are optional for reaching a base-game ending.
  • The late-game sequence becomes much more linear after Morgott.
  • NPC quests and endings can add detours, so check a quest guide before major world-state changes.
StageBossesStatus
LimgraveMargit, GodrickRecommended; Godrick can be substituted as a Great Rune source
LiurniaRed Wolf of Radagon, RennalaRecommended second Great Rune; Rennala unlocks rebirth
Altus/LeyndellDraconic Tree Sentinel, Godfrey golden shade, MorgottMain route
MountaintopsFire GiantMain route
Farum AzulaGodskin Duo, MalikethMain route
Ashen CapitalGideon, Godfrey/Hoarah LouxMain route
ErdtreeRadagon, Elden BeastFinal sequence

Optional branches worth timing deliberately

Starscourge Radahn opens access tied to Nokron and Ranni's quest. Rykard sits at the end of Volcano Manor and its contracts can be cut short if the demigod is defeated too early. Mohg gates the path into Shadow of the Erdtree alongside Radahn's defeat. Malenia is a late optional challenge in Elphael, reached through the Haligtree route.

How to use the route

  1. If Margit blocks progress, explore Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula.
  2. Clear Stormveil or obtain a different Great Rune.
  3. Complete Raya Lucaria for Rennala and access to respec.
  4. Enter Altus by the Dectus Lift or Ruin-Strewn Precipice.
  5. Confirm two Great Runes before trying Leyndell's sealed entrance.
  6. Before the Forge of the Giants and Maliketh, finish quests or capital pickups you do not want to miss.
  7. After the final boss, choose an ending or postpone the ending decision to continue exploring.

Common Mistakes

  • Treating every named boss as required.
  • Entering Caelid because it is geographically adjacent to Limgrave and assuming it is the next difficulty step.
  • Defeating Rykard before finishing desired Volcano Manor contracts.
  • Advancing late world-state changes without checking Leyndell pickups.
  • Using a Nightreign boss list for the base game.

Troubleshooting

Why is Leyndell still sealed?

Confirm you possess two Great Runes and have visited Roundtable Hold to speak with the Two Fingers' representative after a Shardbearer victory. The route and entrance used also matter.

Can I skip Stormveil?

Yes. A path around Stormveil reaches Liurnia, and Godrick is not individually required if two other Great Runes satisfy Leyndell's gate.

FAQ

Is Margit mandatory?

Margit blocks the conventional entrance to Stormveil. The castle and Godrick can be bypassed for main progression if you pursue other Great Runes.

When should I fight Radahn?

After beginning Ranni's route or reaching a comfortable Caelid power level is a natural time. He is optional for a base-game ending but required for Shadow of the Erdtree access.

Is Malenia required?

No. She is an optional late-game Shardbearer with her own legacy dungeon route.

Version Scope

Base-game route verified through Patch 1.17. Expansion bosses are intentionally excluded.

Sources

For area-by-area travel, use the progression route or return to the boss guide hub.

Requirements

  • Use the game version named in this guide
  • Check the stated prerequisite before spending limited resources

Steps

  1. 1

    Start with the Quick Answer

    A clean base-game route is Margit → Godrick → Red Wolf → Rennala, then Draconic Tree Sentinel → Godfrey’s golden shade → Morgott → Fire Giant → Godskin Duo → Maliketh → Gideon → Godfrey/Hoarah Loux → Radagon and Elden Beast. Only part of that list is strictly required, and another Great Rune can replace Godrick or Rennala before Leyndell.

  2. 2

    Follow the verified route

    Use the ordered steps and tables in the visible guide.

Common Mistakes

  • Using an older-version route
  • Skipping the prerequisite named in the guide

How this answer was checked

Sources & Verification

Continue your route

Next Steps

01Elden Ring Progression Route: Where to Go NextFor a straightforward base-game route, explore Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula, clear Stormveil, move into Liurnia and Raya Lucaria, obtain two Great Runes, reach Altus Plateau, enter Leyndell, then continue through Mountaintops, the Forge, Farum Azula, and Ashen Capital. Caelid, underground cities, Volcano Manor, and the Haligtree are major optional branches.02Elden Ring Beginner Guide: What to Do FirstStart by activating nearby Sites of Grace, meeting Melina to unlock leveling and Torrent, collecting the Limgrave map fragment, and visiting the Church of Elleh. Explore Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula before forcing Stormveil; spend runes, raise Vigor, and upgrade one weapon you actually enjoy.

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