Alright, fellow Tarnished, gather 'round the Site of Grace! Ever since its release, Elden Ring has been a landmark title, and with the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC dropping in 2024, the Lands Between got even more crowded with legendary beasts to slay. Among its staggering roster of over 100 bosses, the dragon encounters stand out as some of the most iconic, challenging, and downright cinematic moments in the entire Soulsborne series. Think about it—FromSoftware has always loved throwing dragons at us, from the gimmicky Ancient Wyvern in Dark Souls 3 to the awe-inspiring spectacle fights in Elden Ring. But here's the real question: which of these winged terrors truly test your mettle, and which are just glorified rune pinatas? Let's dive into the definitive ranking of Elden Ring's most formidable dragon bosses, updated for 2026 with all the DLC goodness.
First off, let's set the stage with a couple of honorable mentions. The Lands Between are crawling with lesser dragons, especially in the Dragonbarrow region of Caelid. These guys are like the minions of the dragon world—they respawn, they're annoying, but they don't quite have that boss-level prestige. Then you've got the lightning-spewing dragons in Farum Azula; tough, but not official boss fights. And who could forget the Magma Wyrms? These fiery serpents pop up in places like the Gael Tunnel and Volcano Manor. They're technically bosses, but let's be real, their most memorable move is trying to swallow you whole for a massive chunk of your health. Pro tip: if you see one open its mouth and charge, roll sideways ASAP! These are just the warm-up acts for the main event.
Now, let's get to the real stars of the show, starting from the... well, let's say the least aggressive.
15. Elder Dragon Greyoll
This is arguably the most unique "fight" in the game. Found at Greyoll's Dragonbarrow in Caelid, this colossal dragon doesn't even move to attack you. Sounds like free runes, right? Think again! She's protected by five of her baby dragons that will swarm you the moment you start swinging. The strategy? Either take out the babies one by one or, for the efficient Tarnished, chip away at Greyoll's massive HP from behind with a Bleed weapon. The reward? A cool 80,000 runes. It's less of a battle and more of a strategic resource-gathering operation.
14. Flying Dragon Agheel
Your first real dragon encounter for many players, waiting near Limgrave's Agheel Lake. Agheel sets the standard: terrifying fire breath, massive aerial assaults, and a health bar that seems to go on forever. The arena is also littered with weaker enemies, but here's a fun trick: Agheel's fire breath can kill them for you, potentially granting you extra healing flasks. The key to victory? When it lands to breathe fire, gallop in on Torrent and stick to its feet or neck. Consider this fight your formal introduction to dragon slaying in the Lands Between.
13. Flying Dragon Greyll
Fought Agheel? Good. Now head to Dragonbarrow in Caelid to meet its close relative, Greyll. The moveset is very similar, making it predictable if you've mastered the first fight. The major twist? This battle happens on a narrow bridge. Maneuverability is key, so using Torrent is highly recommended to dodge the sweeping fire attacks and tail whips. Defeat Greyll, and you'll bag yourself another 80,000 runes.
12. Glintstone Dragon Smarag
Located in the Liurnia of the Lakes, Smarag trades fire for magical Glintstone. Instead of getting roasted, you'll be peppered with Glinstone-charged breath and short beam attacks. The core tactics of staying near the feet still apply, but for all you magic users out there, there's a hidden benefit: cerulean scarabs scattered about the arena can grant you additional Cerulean Tear Flasks. It's like the game is giving sorcerers a fighting chance!
11. Decaying Ekzykes
Found in the southern part of Caelid, this dragon is a walking (well, flying) biohazard. As the name implies, Decaying Ekzykes spews deadly Scarlet Rot instead of fire. One wrong move and you're ticking down to a miserable death. Its most dangerous attack? It unleashes a massive, nearly inescapable cloud of rot. The fight is a brutal dance: get in, hit its legs a few times, and get out before the stomps, tail whips, or rot explosions catch you.
10. Magma Wyrm Makar
Now we're getting into the heavy hitters. Located in the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, Magma Wyrm Makar isn't your typical dragon. It's a wyrm with a gigantic sword, and it's shockingly fast. When its health drops to half, it stands on its hind legs, becoming even more dangerous. Its arsenal includes hurling fireballs, a devastating spin attack, and bringing its massive sword down for a ground-shattering slam. This fight is all about timing and avoiding its relentless charges.
9. Great Wyrm Theodorix
Found in the Consecrated Snowfield, Theodorix is a test of endurance even before the fight begins, thanks to the annoying land octopuses guarding its lair. This wyrm also wields a huge, glowing sword. Mid-fight, it will stand up and start slamming it down with terrifying force, combined with tail whips and magma-spewing spins. It's a chaotic, high-damage brawl in a frozen wasteland.
8. Borealis, The Freezing Fog
Nestled in the Mountaintops of the Giants, this fight starts with a eerie fog and a piercing screech. Borealis is an ice dragon, and its breaths are wide, deadly, and can inflict frostbite. The real danger begins when its health gets low: it performs a scream that releases an icy shockwave, dealing massive damage. After this, its attacks become more aggressive and widespread. It's a true battle of attrition against the cold.
7. Ancient Dragon Lansseax
Your first encounter with this boss is in the Altus Plateau, but it's just a teaser. To finish the job, you must seek it out for a rematch deeper in the region. Lansseax is a master of lightning, employing sweeps, slams, shockwaves, and even calling down strikes from the sky. The payoff for this tough fight is fantastic: you earn Lansseax's Glaive, a powerful Dragon Incantation that lets you mimic its lightning attacks. A worthy prize for a worthy foe.
6. Ghostflame Dragons (Shadow of the Erdtree)
The DLC introduced a new kind of terror to the Land of Shadow. Three Ghostflame Dragons roam areas like the Gravesite Plain and Cerulean Coast. What makes them so frustrating? They love to stay airborne, spewing their powerful Ghostflames from a safe distance while you scramble below. These fights are a true test of your patience and ranged combat skills. However, for those pursuing the ultimate dragon transformation questline, each one drops a precious Dragon Heart. The grind is real, Tarnished!
So, what's the verdict? From the passive giant Greyoll to the elusive Ghostflame Dragons of the DLC, Elden Ring's dragon bosses offer an incredible range of challenges. They're not just health sponges; they're spectacles, tests of skill, and homages to the legacy of Soulsborne. Each victory against these beasts feels like a true milestone in your journey to become Elden Lord. Now, go forth, Tarnished, and claim those Dragon Hearts! 💀🔥