As a Tarnished who's spent countless hours journeying through the Lands Between and the Realm of Shadow, let me tell you, the sheer number of challenges awaiting you is nothing short of mind-boggling. It's a real 'welcome to the jungle' moment every time you boot up the game. While wandering the breathtaking, yet treacherous landscapes, you'll encounter foes of all sizes. But let's cut to the chase: a true boss in Elden Ring is defined by one iconic feature—that massive health bar that dominates the bottom of your screen. That's the universal sign that you're in for a real scrap, a fight where the stakes are high and every dodge counts. The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, which I've been exploring since its release, only amplified this feeling, stuffing the new realm with formidable adversaries that had me sweating bullets more often than I'd like to admit.

my-guide-to-elden-ring-s-daunting-boss-count-in-2026-from-base-game-to-dlc-image-0

Elden Ring's Base Game: A Colossal 238 Boss Encounters 🤯

Trying to 100 percent the base game? Buddy, you better have nerves of steel and reflexes like lightning. I learned the hard way that 165 True Bosses are scattered around the Lands Between. Some are hidden in the most obscure, 'off-the-beaten-path' corners, while others... well, let's just say I've accidentally stumbled into more than a few nightmare scenarios. And if that number doesn't make you gulp, get this: on top of those 165, there are also 73 mini-bosses that you can come across. Do the math, and that puts the total boss count for the base game at a staggering 238. That's not just a game; that's a gauntlet.

my-guide-to-elden-ring-s-daunting-boss-count-in-2026-from-base-game-to-dlc-image-1

The Essential Thirteen: Beating the Game

Here's a little secret that saved my sanity: of that overwhelming plethora of bosses, only 13 of them are actually necessary to beat the game. Now, don't get it twisted—avoiding the other 152 is like trying to dodge rain in a storm; it's feasible if you're a speedrunning pro and know exactly what you're doing, but for most of us, we're gonna tangle with a good chunk of 'em. To just see the credits roll, you need to face these legends:

Boss Name Location
Margit, The Fell Omen Stormveil Castle's Entrance
Godrick the Grafted Stormveil Castle
Red Wolf of Radagon Raya Lucaria Academy
Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon Raya Lucaria Academy
Godfrey, First Elden Lord (Golden Shade) Leyndell Royal Capital
Morgott, the Omen King Leyndell Royal Capital
Fire Giant Mountaintops of the Giants
Godskin Duo Crumbling Farum Azula
Maliketh, the Black Blade Crumbling Farum Azula
Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing Leyndell, Ashen Capital
Godfrey/Hoarah Loux Leyndell, Ashen Capital
Radagon of the Golden Order The Erdtree
Elden Beast The Erdtree

Planning a route around these thirteen is key. It's like having a map in a maze—without it, you're just asking for trouble.

Shadow of the Erdtree: A New Realm, New Nightmares 😈

When I first stepped into the Land of Shadow through the Divine Gate, I knew I was in for it. The DLC is a whole new beast, packed with its own roster of legendary fights. In total, there are 40 total named bosses here, including those pesky mini-bosses. But the real trophies, the ones that grant you powerful Remembrances to trade for gear or spells, come from only the mightiest. Only 11 bosses will drop Remembrance. Whether you're after their loot or just the bragging rights, each fight is a spectacle worth experiencing, especially with the cool expansions to certain character stories (I'm looking at you, one particular base-game boss who gets a major glow-up).

my-guide-to-elden-ring-s-daunting-boss-count-in-2026-from-base-game-to-dlc-image-2

The 11 Main Bosses of the DLC

To progress through the Shadow of the Erdtree story, you'll need to face these eleven champions. Depending on your build—are you a spell-slinging wizard or a brute-strength bonker?—some will be a walk in the park (yeah, right), and others will have you pulling your hair out. Let's be real, the 'multiple tries' scenario is pretty much a given. Here's who's waiting for you:

Boss Name Location
Divine Beast Dancing Lion Belurat, Town Settlement
Rellana, Twin Moon Knight Castle Ensis
Commander Gaius Scaduview
Scadutree Avatar The Scadutree
Putrescent Knight Stone Coffin Fissure
Messmer the Impaler Shadow Keep
Romina, Saint of the Bud Ancient Ruins of Rauh
Bayle the Dread Jagged Peak
Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame Abyssal Woods
Metyr, Mother of Fingers Finger Birthing Grounds
Radahn, Consort of Miquella Enir-Illm

Facing Messmer was a real 'hold my Estus' moment for me, and don't even get me started on the epic, dragon-filled chaos of the Bayle fight. It's a hell of a ride.

Final Tally & My Two Cents

So, let's break it down for 2026, with all content considered:

  • Base Game True Bosses: 165

  • Base Game Mini-Bosses: 73

  • Shadow of the Erdtree Named Bosses (Inc. Mini-Bosses): 40

  • Total Boss Encounters (Approx.): 278

That's right, nearly three hundred unique boss encounters across one of the greatest games ever made. It's an absolute treasure trove for anyone who loves deep lore, intricate world-building, and, of course, punishing but incredibly satisfying combat mechanics. Whether you're here for the essential thirteen or aiming to conquer every single one, the journey through the Lands Between and its shadow is an unforgettable, albeit controller-throwing, experience. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I hear a Scadutree Avatar calling my name for another round... wish me luck! 🛡️⚔️