How to Defeat Rykard Lord of Blasphemy in Elden Ring

Last Updated on: 18 January, 2024 | 11:52 AM

Talking about action RPGs instantly brings to mind only a few games, and undoubtedly Elden Ring will be on top of that. The massive open world of the game, along with its intense storyline and challenging boss fights enthralled gamers across the world. Generally, optional boss fights are not tough, but in Elden Ring, the optional boss fights may give you the toughest challenges. Naturally, you look for help to complete these fights, and Lord of Blasphemy, Rykard must be among them. Don’t worry, if you have got stuck and getting constant eliminations. This guide will help you know how to defeat Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy.

Before you get prepared for the boss fight, you must know the location of the boss. As an optional boss, the main story won’t take you to him. So, if you are not aware of his location, you may miss him entirely.

Where to Find Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy in Elden Ring?

elden ring rykard — God-Devouring Serpent

If you are looking for Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy in Elden Ring, let me tell you there are two different ways to access this enemy. You can either find him by reaching the end of the Volcano Manor or by completing all of Lady Tanith’s assassination missions. You can choose the path that seems more suitable to you.

As the story reveals, Rykard used to be a human, but he fused his body to the God-Devouring Serpent in the hope of devouring the Gods. At the point you fight him, he is the final boss of Volcano Manor.

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Though Rykard is an optional boss, he can give you a good fight. So, it won’t be wise to face him without preparation. Additionally, this fight will have two stages and Rykard will appear after you defeat the God-Devouring Serpent.

Tips to Prepare for Rykard Fight in Elden Ring

Once you reach the battle arena, on your left side you will notice a dead body holding the Serpent Hunter weapon. This is the best weapon to make this fight a little bit less challenging. The Serpent Hunter weapon fires long-range AoE attacks that deal massive damage to both the God-Devouring Serpent and Rykard. Before you use it for the fight, we recommend taking it to the blacksmith and leveling up its Great-Serpent Hunt skill to make it deadlier for the two serpents.

Though the first stage of the fight requires no build, Rykard will require you to use Sprit Ash. We recommend using Mimic Tear. Despite going through nerfs, this Spirit Ash is the most effective one in challenging situations. First, it can shift the boss’ attention from you, and second, it is an exact copy of you including the weapons and equipment. So, it will also have a Serpent Hunter to deal damage to the boss. But remember not to call him before Rykard appears. You won’t need it in the initial stage.

How to Fight Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy in Elden Ring?

When you enter the battle arena first, you will encounter the God-Devouring Serpent. As you approach him, he will start attacking you. The two most dangerous attacks of this phase are his grab attack where the boss opens his mouth and tries to gobble you, and the poison shower. In this move, the boss will shower poison on you. So, whenever you notice him trying to use the grab attack or poison shower, step back and get out of his range.

This boss gives you much hard time. After a while, you will find spots to claim your spear and deal damage to the boss. Don’t go close to him. Actually, you can’t as the lava won’t let you get close to the enemy. Additionally, sometimes the boss will put his head close to the ground, don’t waste the chance, and hit his head to deal the most damage.

This fight will take a few minutes and once the God-Devouring Serpent is dead, a cutscene will play showing you the appearance of Rykard. He will take out a sword from the mouth of the serpent. This fight will become challenging. Previously, the serpent used to attack you from the same spot, but now Rykard will start moving throughout the arena. Wherever he goes, he will take the lava pool with him. So, be careful of him.

In this phase, players must have dealt with sword combos, Explosive spells, and snake-head slams. All these attacks are enough to drain half of your XP in one hit, so you must not get hit by any of these. Don’t stay close to the boss like you did in the previous phase. Keep running and use the Mimic Tear to accompany you in the fight. After a point, the boss will start calling fire skulls that will start chasing you. He will summon multiple at a time and they will chase you for a while. Run around and don’t let them hit you. If you successfully avoid them, the boss will hit one of the powerful attacks before the red cloud disappears. He will raise his sword and slam it on the ground.

Fortunately, the strategy that you have used in the previous phase will work for you in this phase as well. Don’t get close to the boss. While the magma won’t let you do that, you don’t need to go near him as your weapon can deal damage from a distance. Also, if you get too close to the boss, you can’t dodge the attacks the boss launches. Though Rykard won’t give you a break to attack him, you must look for opportunities to slam your sword and deal damage. That’s the only way you have in this fight.

That’s all you need to do to defeat Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy in Elden Ring. This fight will take lots of time and patience. Don’t get restless and try to speed up the process. It may backfire. Stick to the strategy and fight the boss to snatch your victory. Once the boss is dead, he will leave behind the Remembrance of the Blasphemous and Rykard’s Great Rune for you.