Elden Ring: How to Defeat Radagon

In Elden Ring, few encounters are as memorable as the final stretch of the game, where players face Radagon of the Golden Order. As the first half of the two-phase endgame boss fight (followed by the Elden Beast), Radagon is a formidable foe who wields holy power, devastating melee attacks, and Elden Ring Runes tricky timing windows. Defeating him requires patience, knowledge of his attack patterns, and careful build preparation. This guide will walk you through Radagon’s moveset, weaknesses, recommended strategies, and tips for both melee and ranged builds so you can overcome him and progress to the true final battle.

Who is Radagon?

Radagon is the former consort of Queen Marika and a central figure in Elden Ring’s lore. He embodies both divine strength and radiant holiness, using hammer-based melee attacks infused with holy light. Lore aside, he’s one of the game’s toughest bosses because his attacks hit hard, have deceptive delays, and punish overly aggressive players.

Radagon’s Moveset and Patterns

Understanding his moves is half the battle. Here are Radagon’s main attacks to watch for:

Hammer Slam (Single)

Radagon raises his hammer slowly before slamming it down. The delay is deceptive—wait until the hammer actually begins to descend before dodging.

Hammer Slam (AoE Explosion)

Sometimes, the hammer slam triggers a holy explosion in a wide radius. Roll toward him just as the hammer connects with the ground to avoid the blast.

Triple Combo

A chain of up to three hammer swings. The timing varies: sometimes he does one swing, sometimes all three. Don’t dodge preemptively—watch his animation carefully.

Grab Attack

He glows briefly, then lunges forward to grab. If it connects, it deals massive damage. Roll backward or to the side as soon as you see him lunge.

Holy Projectiles

Radagon can summon golden projectiles that track the player. Dodge sideways at the last moment, or sprint to outrun their tracking.

Ground Shockwave

A large AoE shockwave after slamming his hammer. Jumping can avoid some shockwaves, but rolling toward him is the safest option.

Delayed Slam with Explosion

One of his trickiest moves: Radagon lifts his hammer, holds it aloft with a long pause, then slams down with a delayed explosion. Many players roll too early here—wait until the hammer actually moves.

Key takeaway: Radagon uses delayed animations to bait dodges. Patience and timing are crucial.

Radagon’s Weaknesses

Damage Type Weakness: Radagon is resistant to Holy damage (making Faith/Holy builds less effective). Instead, use Fire, Physical, or Magic damage.

Status Effects: He is immune to most status effects like bleed and frostbite. Don’t rely on these.

Poise Break: Radagon can be staggered if enough poise damage is dealt, leaving him open for a critical hit. Heavy weapons like Colossal Swords or Spirit Summons with stagger potential can help.

Recommended Preparation

Before challenging Radagon, ensure you are properly prepared:

Level & Gear: Aim for level 120–150 depending on your build. Fully upgrade your main weapon (+25 normal or +10 special).

Armor: Use medium or heavy armor to survive his heavy hits, but avoid overloading your equip load (keep fast or medium rolls).

Talisman Suggestions:

Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman (physical damage reduction).

Fire Scorpion Charm or Magic Scorpion Charm if using elemental builds.

Erdtree’s Favor for stamina, health, and equip load boosts.

Spirit Summons: Spirit Ashes like Mimic Tear, Black Knife Tiche, or Latenna are very helpful. They distract Radagon and deal consistent chip damage.

Flask Setup: Balance your Crimson (healing) and Cerulean (FP) Flasks depending on build.

Strategy for Melee Builds

Stay Close

Oddly enough, being near Radagon is often safer. From close range, you can bait his melee swings instead of his deadly holy projectiles.

Punish After Slams

Many of his hammer slams leave a brief opening. Roll into him to dodge, then immediately land 1–2 hits. Never overcommit.

Watch for Delays

Radagon loves delayed hammer swings. Don’t roll on the raise—roll on the downswing.

Jump Attacks & Poise Breaks

Use heavy jump attacks to deal poise damage. If you stagger him, go in for a critical strike to chunk his health.

Healing Windows

Only heal after a long combo or when he’s distracted by Spirit Summons. Healing carelessly often gets you punished.

Strategy for Ranged & Magic Builds

Keep Distance, But Watch Projectiles

Distance helps, but watch for his tracking projectiles. Dodge sideways at the last second instead of rolling early.

Use Fast-Cast Spells

Spells like Rock Sling, Comet Azur, or Glintstone Pebble are effective. Avoid long cast times unless Radagon is staggered.

Spirit Summon Support

Let your summon hold his aggro while you free-cast. This is especially useful for fragile sorcerers.

Avoid Holy Damage

Skip Faith/Holy spells—they barely scratch him. Fire and sorcery are much stronger here.

General Tips

Patience Wins: Radagon punishes aggression. Attack once or twice, then retreat.

Camera Control: Keep the camera centered; Radagon moves fast, and losing sight of him is deadly.

Save Flasks: Remember, Radagon is only phase one—you’ll need healing for the Elden Beast afterward.

Summon Timing: Summon Spirit Ashes at the start so they can tank his opening moves.

Final Thoughts

Defeating Radagon in Elden Ring is a true test of timing, patience, and buy Elden Ring Runes adaptability. His delayed hammer swings, holy projectiles, and grab attacks make him one of the most intimidating bosses in the game. However, with the right preparation—avoiding Holy damage, learning his delays, and punishing openings—you can bring him down. Once Radagon falls, brace yourself, because the Elden Beast awaits immediately after.

Master Radagon, and you’re one step closer to claiming your title as Elden Lord.