The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC expands Elden Ring's already massive world with new regions, quests, and some of the most challenging hidden bosses in the entire game. While main story bosses like Messmer the Impaler and Radahn's second phase are well-documented, the DLC contains numerous secret and optional bosses that many players miss on their first playthrough. This comprehensive guide reveals every hidden boss location, recommended levels, and strategies for defeating them.
Base Game Hidden Bosses (Relevant to DLC)
Before diving into DLC-exclusive content, it's worth noting that several base game hidden bosses become more relevant with the DLC expansion, either through new lore connections or upgraded rewards.
Dragonlord Placidusax
Location: Crumbling Farum Azula, accessible through a secret path
Recommended Level: 120+ with upgraded weapon (+24/+25 or Somber +9/+10)
While not technically part of the DLC, Placidusax gains new significance as lore connections to the Shadow Realm become apparent. To reach this ancient dragon boss, you must find the hidden path in Crumbling Farum Azula. After defeating the main boss, return to the site of grace "Beside the Great Bridge." Take the elevator down and follow the path until you reach a large plaza. Look for a phantom wall on the right side—walk through it to access the secret area where Placidusax awaits.
Strategy: Placidusax uses devastating lightning attacks and can teleport around the arena. Stay aggressive during his ground phase, but be ready to dodge his lightning storms. The "Lightningproof Dried Liver" consumable significantly reduces lightning damage taken. His most dangerous attack is the "Rule of Death" laser—when he flies up and charges this attack, run perpendicular to his position to avoid it.
DLC Secret Bosses: Complete List
1. Bishop of the Bloodflame
Location: Abandoned Temple, Western Shadow Realm
Recommended Level: 150+
Rewards: Bloodflame Talisman, 180,000 runes
The Bishop of the Bloodflame guards a hidden temple accessible only after completing a complex puzzle involving three blood-imbued stones scattered throughout the western region. To find the temple, start from the "Shadow Keep Lower" site of grace and head west through the Crimson Woods. Look for a broken statue of a bishop near a cliff edge—interact with it to reveal a hidden path descending into the temple.
The Bishop uses powerful blood-based incantations and can summon blood pools that damage you if you stand in them. Key strategy: Keep moving to avoid blood pools, and use fire-based attacks to exploit his weakness. His "Blood Oracle" attack creates a large AoE explosion—dodge roll away when you see him raise his staff overhead. The fight becomes easier at 50% health when he stops summoning additional blood pools.
2. The Lost Gravekeeper
Location: Forgotten Cemetery, Eastern Shadow Realm
Recommended Level: 145+
Rewards: Gravekeeper's Greatshield, Ancient Death Rune
This optional boss is found in the Forgotten Cemetery, a hidden area accessible through a puzzle in the Eastern Catacombs. After reaching the "Catacombs of Shadow" site of grace, explore the lower levels until you find a room with four tombstones. Examine them in the correct order (left to right, based on the rune symbols) to open a secret passage leading to the cemetery.
The Gravekeeper wields a massive greatshield and hammer, making him incredibly defensive. Strategy: Use magic or ranged attacks to chip away at his health while staying outside his attack range. If playing melee, wait for his hammer slam attack, then circle behind him for 2-3 hits. His "Earth Shatter" attack creates shockwaves—jump to avoid the initial slam, then dodge roll through the shockwave. At 30% health, he enters a rage state with faster attacks but reduced defense—this is your window to finish him.
3. Twin Dragon Knights
Location: Dragon's Roost Arena, Central Shadow Realm
Recommended Level: 160+
Rewards: Dragon Knight Twinblade, 240,000 runes
This is arguably the most challenging optional boss in the DLC, featuring two dragon knights fighting simultaneously. The arena is located at the peak of Dragon's Roost, accessible after collecting three Dragon Hearts from secret locations throughout the Shadow Realm. From the "Dragon's Roost" site of grace, take the hidden path behind the fallen statue and climb the spiral staircase to reach the arena.
The twin knights use coordinated attacks—one wields a lance while the other uses dragon incantations. Strategy: Focus on the lance knight first, as he's more aggressive in close combat. Keep the magic knight at medium range to avoid his spells. When one knight is at 50% health, they synchronize their attacks, making the fight significantly harder. Use the arena's pillars to break their line of sight and reset their positioning. The fight becomes manageable once you reduce one knight below 30% health, as the remaining knight's damage output decreases.
Recommended builds: Quality builds with balanced stats perform well here, as you need both damage output and survivability. The "Blasphemous Blade" weapon skill is particularly effective for healing during the fight.
4. Spectral Beast of the Grove
Location: Ancient Grove, Northern Shadow Realm
Recommended Level: 140+
Rewards: Beast Claw Talisman, Ancient Beast's Heart
This hidden boss resides in the Ancient Grove, a mystical area accessible only at night. From the "Grove Upper" site of grace, descend into the lower areas and look for a glowing spirit wolf—follow it to trigger the boss fight. The grove is filled with spectral enemies, so clear them out before engaging the boss.
The Spectral Beast is a massive wolf-like creature with lightning-fast attacks and the ability to phase through your defenses. Strategy: Stay at medium range to bait its charges, then dodge to the side and counterattack. Its "Spectral Howl" attack creates multiple homing projectiles—run in circles to dodge them. The beast is weak to holy damage, so "Lightning Spear" incantations or holy-infused weapons are highly effective. At 40% health, it gains the ability to teleport short distances—watch for its glowing eyes as a tell.
5. The Forgotten King
Location: Sunken Palace, Deep Shadow Realm
Recommended Level: 170+
Rewards: Forgotten King's Regalia, Royal Ancient Rune
The most well-hidden boss in the DLC, the Forgotten King is found in the Sunken Palace, accessible only after completing a multi-step puzzle involving collecting four ancient coins scattered throughout the Shadow Realm. The palace entrance is located at the bottom of the Abyssal Lake, reachable through a hidden waterfall in the northern mountains.
The Forgotten King is a master swordsman with incredibly fast and varied attacks. Strategy: This fight is pure skill—learn his combo patterns and punish recovery frames. His "Royal Decree" attack creates a massive sword wave—dodge roll through it at the last moment. At 60% health, he draws a second sword, dual-wielding with increased speed. Use "Bloodhound's Step" to create distance and reset. The fight is a test of patience and precision, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
General Strategies for DLC Secret Bosses
The DLC's secret bosses are designed to test even veteran players. Here are some universal strategies:
- Upgrade your weapon fully: At the recommended levels, your weapon should be at +24/+25 or Somber +9/+10. Use Smithing Stones generously.
- Respec if needed: The DLC's challenges may require different builds than the base game. Don't hesitate to use Larval Tears to respec.
- Use spirit ashes wisely: Mimic Tear +10 remains your best summon, but Black Knife Tiche +10 excels at drawing aggro in 1v1 scenarios.
- Learn before committing: Spend your first attempt learning attack patterns rather than trying to win. This investment pays off in subsequent attempts.
- Stock appropriate resistances: Many secret bosses inflict status effects. Bring the right boluses and consumables.
Missable Bosses and Questlines
Some secret bosses are tied to NPC questlines and can be missed if you progress too far:
- Thiollier's Duel: If you complete St. Trina's questline incorrectly, you'll miss the fight against Thiollier in the Shadow Realm. Ensure you give St. Trina's Lily to the right NPC at the right time.
- Hornsent's Revenge: The Hornsent NPC questline culminates in an optional boss fight that's missable if you kill him early or fail to progress his dialogue.
- Needle Knight Leda's Betrayal: Depending on your choices, Leda may become an optional boss. Her questline intersects with multiple NPCs, so be careful with dialogue choices.
Rewards Worth the Challenge
Each secret boss offers unique rewards that can significantly enhance your build:
- Legendary Armaments: Several secret bosses drop weapons that count toward the "Legendary Armaments" achievement.
- Unique Talismans: Hidden bosses often drop talismans not available elsewhere, expanding your build options.
- Ancient Runes: These special items can be used to upgrade certain weapons beyond their normal limits or unlock special abilities.
- Massive Rune Rewards: Secret bosses typically grant 180,000-240,000 runes, making them valuable for leveling.
Conclusion
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC's secret bosses represent some of the most challenging and rewarding content in Elden Ring. From the Twin Dragon Knights' coordinated assault to the Forgotten King's masterful swordplay, each encounter tests different aspects of your combat skills. By following this guide, you'll ensure that no hidden boss escapes your notice, and you'll be prepared for the unique challenges each one presents. Remember that these fights are designed to be difficult—embrace the challenge, learn from each attempt, and revel in the satisfaction of victory when you finally triumph.
