Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How to beat Messmer, the Impaler

Messmer is one of the toughest bosses that you'll face in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, and you'll need all of the tips and strategies in this breakdown to be able to beat him.

Boss breakdown

Messmer is the boss of the Shadow Keep legacy dungeon in the north of Scadu Altus. He is one of the few mandatory bosses that you must complete in order to progress through the DLC, so you'll definitely want to make sure that you're prepared.

If you've been paying attention at all during your time in the Shadow Realm then it'll come as no surprise that Messmer is resistant to Fire attacks, but he is particularly weak to Holy damage. From a status perspective, he is weakest to Frostbite, but you can also use anything apart from Sleep and Madness.

Messmer is also broken up into two distinct phases. The first, indicated by 'the Impaler' moniker, is Messmer's base form where he primarily utilises fast thrusting attacks, alongside devastating fire-based weapon skills and spells.

The second phase takes things up a notch though, as Messmer reveals the base serpent hidden behind his eye. This adds a number of new attacks where he transforms into a giant snake, and is considerably more dangerous.

Strategy, tips & tricks

The first thing you'll want to do before you walk through the fog gate is make sure that you're set up with the right Talismans, Crystal Tears, and armour. While you'd typically favour damage-boosting options in the base game, the DLC tends to favour defensive enhancements due to the amount of damage each boss outputs.

I'd recommend the following Talismans and Crystal Tears to use, alongside the best damage-mitigating armour you have that maintains a medium roll at most:

• Talismans:
  • Crimson Amber Medallion +3
  • Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman
  • Flamedrake Talisman +3
  • Pearldrake Talisman +3
  • Pearl Shield Talisman (if using a shield)
  • Greatshield Talisman (if using a shield)
• Crystal Tears:
  • Opaline Hardtear
  • Holy-Shrouding Cracked Tear (if using Holy damage)

Outside of this just make sure to use items that benefit your specific build, alongside the Golden Vow spell and trusty Boiled Prawns.

First phase

Like most bosses, Messmer typically starts each fight with a projectile attack. This will be a forward jumping lunge that's then followed by a small AoE so make sure to steer clear. If you're summoning any of the NPCs inside of the boss arena then it's best to bait out this attack away from the summon sign and then use it while the AoE triggers.

Almost all of Messmer's attacks are thrust-based, so make sure to time your dodge or block as soon as his arm/weapon starts moving towards you as the attacks hit you quickly. They also tend to come in quick succession, so make sure to only attack once you're sure a combo has finished.

I found some success getting close to Messmer as his thrusting attacks had a chance to go over my head, although he is sporadic with his movements so it's hard to stay in this advantageous position for too long.

Almost any time he uses his right hand, he will summon fire-based magic - which typically involves AoE-type attacks in close proximity. Make sure to back up quickly as it's easy to get caught up and stunned by these.

He will also summon the same delayed fireball attacks as the Fire Knights and Shadows that you've fought throughout the Shadow Keep - so pay attention to them as they can be easy to forget about.

The main attack that you'll want to watch out for during both phases is Messmer's Assault. This is a long, multi-hit combo that can wipe you out easily if you get caught.

This starts when Messmer jumps into the air and does a circular flame attack with his weapon. He'll then stab it downwards and dash away, only to quickly circle back and do a rapid stabbing attack. Finally, he will jump up into the air and do a downward slam, which then shortly after turns into a wide AoE of swords.

Despite its danger, this isn't too hard to avoid and generally, I found that staying close and behind Messmer allowed me to dodge most of the attacks. Once you learn the major timings you should be able to escape this unscathed. Importantly, both this and the opening attack are the only two plunge-based moves in the first phase that are followed by an AoE, so make sure to use the others to get some easy hits in yourself.

There is also a grab attack that you'll want to watch out for - but it's fairly well-telegraphed when he holds his hand out ready to snatch you up. This isn't an insta-kill move, but it will take off a significant chunk of your health so can drop you if you're not full.

Second phase

Much like the first, the second phase will always start with a lunge attack and AoE combo - only this time Messmer is a giant snake.

He retains much of the same moveset as the first phase, only additional snake-based attacks will be a frequent feature. These are usually telegraphed once Messmer raises his right hand and a black void is summoned above him. Be ready to quickly dodge as a bundle of serpents will start lunging towards you.

Messmer's combos can now also end with him transforming into a serpent, which can be disorienting if you've learned the patterns from the first phase. This is telegraphed when black material engulfs him, and a snake attack will follow shortly after.

Rewards

• 400,000 Runes
• Remembrance of the Impaler
  • Spear of the Impaler
  • Messmer's Orb (Incantation)
• Messmer's Kindling

Thankfully the rewards for defeating Messmer are well worth the challenge, as his Spear is one of the strongest weapons in the game, and the Kindling is required to progress through the story and finish the Ancient Ruins of Rauh.

You can also purchase his full armour set from Finger Reader Enia in the Roundtable Hold, which I unashamedly did to cosplay as him for much of the game's concluding areas.

You'll also want to pay close attention to the item descriptions here - especially that of his Kindling and Remembrance, as they will illuminate much of what happened within the Shadow Realm.