Promised Consort Radahn is the climactic final boss of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and he is nothing short of a brutal gauntlet. For veterans of the base game, it’s no surprise that Radahn has returned—but this time, he’s faster, more aggressive, and far less forgiving. Found at the summit of Enir-Ilim’s Divine Gatefront Staircase, Radahn guards the conclusion of the DLC with a moveset that demands perfect dodges, optimal build synergy, and  Elden Ring Runes an understanding of status effects. Whether you’re struggling or preparing in advance, this guide offers the top three best builds and weapons to defeat Radahn in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

Why You Need a Specialized Build for Radahn
Radahn’s boss fight is split into two phases and offers some of the most challenging mechanics in the game. With rapid gap-closing moves, devastating AOE combos, and a relentless second phase powered by holy magic, players must come in with the best possible setup. He has high resistances to many damage types, but bleed, poise damage, and consistent stamina pressure can crack his defenses over time. That’s where our top three builds come in—optimized to exploit his weaknesses while maintaining survivability.

No.1 – Mimic Tear Bleed Build (Best “No Damage” Strategy)
If you’re looking for a safe, almost "hands-off" method to beat Radahn, the Mimic Tear Bleed Build is the strongest choice. This strategy allows you to summon a high-damage twin that pulls aggro, keeping Radahn focused away from you. This lets your Mimic apply constant bleed damage, which Radahn is surprisingly vulnerable to—even in his final form.

Key Strategy
Equip weapons and talismans that maximize Arcane scaling and bleed buildup, and let your Mimic do the heavy lifting. Defensive buffs like Scholar’s Shield and high absorption armor ensure your Mimic survives Radahn’s hardest hits, while you apply pressure or stay safely behind.

Recommended Gear
Right Hand Weapon: Bloodfiend’s Blood Arm

Left Hand Weapon: Sacred Black Steel Greatshield

Helm: White Mask (boosts attack when bleed occurs)

Armor Set: Verdigris Armor (solid defensive stats)

Talismans
Lord of Blood’s Exultation: Boosts attack power on bleed proc

Shard of Alexander: Boosts skill damage

Erdtree’s Favor: Raises max HP, stamina, and equip load

Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: Massive physical damage reduction

Spells and Consumables
Savage Lion’s Claw: Powerful close-range Ash of War

Freezing Pot: Slows Radahn’s mobility during key moments

Blessing of Marika & Raw Meat Dumpling: Used for clutch healing and regen

Flask of Wondrous Physick
Glovewort Crystal Tear: Boosts summoned Mimic Tear’s potency

Why It Works
This build trivializes one of the hardest fights by letting your Mimic tank and damage Radahn. It’s incredibly effective for players who want to win without overly complex inputs or twitch reaction dodging.

No.2 – Greatshield Tank Build (Best Defensive Melee Strategy)
The Greatshield Tank Build focuses on turning Radahn’s aggression against him by turtling behind a maxed-out Fingerprint Stone Shield and poking through with a thrusting weapon. By pumping stamina and using the Scholar’s Shield spell, you’ll be able to block nearly every hit he throws at you, even in phase 2.

Key Strategy
Before the fight, activate all defensive and offensive buffs, particularly Golden Vow and Lord’s Divine Fortification, to significantly reduce incoming damage. Once inside, stay locked on, guard up, and punish Radahn’s recovery frames with thrusts from the Sword Lance.

Recommended Gear
Right Hand Weapon: Sword Lance (good reach and poke potential)

Left Hand Weapon: Fingerprint Stone Shield +25

Helm: Iji’s Mirrorhelm

Armor Set: Crucible Tree Armor

Hands: Godskin Apostle Bracelets

Legs: Gold Waistwrap

Talismans
Viridian Amber Medallion: Boosts stamina

Greatshield Talisman: Enhances guarding ability

Erdtree's Favor: Increases overall stats

Old Lord’s Talisman: Extends spell duration

Spells
Golden Vow: Buffs damage and defense

Lord's Divine Fortification: Boosts holy resistance (crucial for phase 2)

Scholar's Shield: Reduces stamina damage when blocking

Flask of Wondrous Physick
Greenspill Crystal Tear: Increases stamina recovery

Greenburst Crystal Tear: Boosts max stamina

Why It Works
This is the most forgiving build for players who struggle with dodge timing. You can absorb blows without stagger, control stamina consumption, and survive Radahn’s toughest sequences. It may be slow, but it's consistent and safe.

No.3 – Death Knight Bleed Build (Best Aggressive Melee Build)
This is the build for players who want to face Radahn head-on and wear him down through constant bleed procs with the Blood Backhand Blade. Designed for high mobility and DPS, the Death Knight Build focuses on fast attacks, high Arcane scaling, and a blend of defensive talismans to maintain pressure without relying on summons or ranged attacks.

Key Strategy
The Backhand Blade’s quick attack animations allow for rapid bleed buildup while staying mobile. Equip a lightweight Buckler for emergency parries, and use your Flask to boost strength and dexterity for consistent melee uptime.

Recommended Gear
Right Hand Weapon: Blood Backhand Blade +25

Left Hand Weapon: Buckler

Helm: Helm of Night

Armor Set: Armor of Night

Hands: Gauntlets of Night

Legs: Greaves of Night

Talismans
Two-Headed Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina regen

Golden Braid: Boosts resistances (very useful for Radahn’s holy damage)

Crimson Seed Talisman: Boosts healing from flasks

Dragon Shield Talisman: Physical defense boost

Consumables
Flask of Crimson Tears (for healing)

Blood Grease (apply extra bleed to weapon)

Flask of Wondrous Physick
Dexterity-knot Crystal Tear: Temporarily increases dexterity

Strength-knot Crystal Tear: Temporarily increases strength

Why It Works
This build balances offense and survivability, allowing you to stay close to Radahn and deal damage even during chaotic moments. Bleed ticks chunk down his health steadily, while your armor and flask support keep you alive through burst phases.

Final Thoughts: Which Build Is Right for You?
New players or cautious fighters will thrive using the Mimic Tear Build—it’s practically a free win with the right setup.

Defensive players who prefer to block and punish will get consistent results with the Greatshield Tank Build.

Skilled melee fighters who want a challenge should try the Death Knight Build to make Radahn bleed with finesse.

Whatever your choice, preparation is key. Make sure to Elden Ring Items for sale level the necessary stats, collect the talismans and spells beforehand, and don’t forget to upgrade your weapons and gear to +25. Radahn is a true final test of everything you’ve learned in Shadow of the Erdtree—but with the right build, you’ll emerge victorious.