When FromSoftware announced defeating General Radahn from the base game in Elden Ring as one of the prerequisites to accessing its new DLC Shadow of the Erdtree, many fans were understandably puzzled. While it made sense to beat Mohg, Lord of Blood, for his nefarious plans involving Miquella, the warmonger general was another story altogether.

However, the Tarnished’s journey through the Land of Shadow slowly unveils Miquella’s grand plan. We would like to warn those of you who are yet to enter the Shadow Keep to take on Messmer, the Impaler, to come back to this guide a little later if you’re trying to find things out for yourself. The rest of this guide wades deep into spoiler territory!

A Bond That Reaches Beyond the Grave

While we all know how Malenia, the Blade of Miquella, and Radahn’s half-sister brought him to a standstill in Caelid, infecting him with the Scarlet Rot, which made him a mindless beast until he met an honorable death at the hands of the Tarnished. It seems, however, that his bond with Miquella dragged his soul over to the Land of Shadow, searching for the one with whom he shared an unbreakable vow.

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As your Tarnished explores the Shadow Keep, they come across Sir Ansbach, the former servant of Mohg who switched his allegiances over to Miquella, having been charmed by the demigod after he once tried to kill him. The wise old man harbors his doubts about Kind Miquella, and it all comes to a head at the keep. With Lord Mohg’s remains mysteriously vanishing from his palace, it is soon revealed that they are to serve a very nefarious purpose!

Bosses Be Gone: How to Defeat Promised Consort Radahn in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree

It seems that Miquella’s rise to godhood requires a consort, just as his mother, Queen Marika, did in the Lands Between. Radahn’s death put a knot in his plans until Mohg’s death, which prompted Miquella’s journey to the Land of Shadow with his remains in tow.

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As your Tarnished makes their way to the Divine Gate after defeating Needle Knight Leda and her allies, they find an imposing figure blocking the path to the former demigod. Radahn is back in all his former glory in Mohg’s body and is ready to protect his half brother against any and all threats.

If you managed to complete the questlines for Sir Ansbach and Thiollier, they are available as summons for this epic showdown. We highly recommend bringing them onboard along with your best Spirit Summon like the Mimic Tear, as Radahn hits very hard and fast! Be sure that you pick up as many Scadutree Fragments as you can to improve your damage and defenses enough before facing him in battle.

Radahn begins the fight with a stunning display of his gravitational powers, twirling through the air to come at you like a missile before slamming down his trademark Greatswords. Dodge to either side to avoid this attack and get in a few hits of your own. You should try and limit yourself to one or two attacks considering the blinding speed with which he launches his combos.

Watch out for multiple swings of his sword that he can delay at will to throw off your dodge timings. He can also leap into the air and spin back down for two consecutive slam attacks that you can dodge to get some damage in. Dodging toward him can help you avoid a few hits and have enough Stamina to counterattack.

If you try and attack from range, Radahn uses a gravity wave to pull you in close before slamming his swords into the ground to bring up multiple spikes from underneath it that deal a lot of damage. Roll back twice from this attack and do not try to punish it, as the spikes are sure to punish any attempts you make to land a hit.

Given that he is in Mohg’s body, Radahn also uses a Bloodflame slash that lingers in the air before exploding. Keep your distance to avoid taking damage unless you can roll through and get behind him for a few attacks of your own.

Radahn also tears his swords along the ground, bringing up a bunch of debris that he takes with him into the air and launches at you for some massive damage. Sprint to either side as he leaps up and try jumping over the rocks as they come toward you. You could attempt rolling through, but the timing in jumps is more forgiving.

At about 50-60% of his health, Miquella joins the fray, hanging over Radahn’s shoulders in a brilliant callback to another pair of brothers from Dark Souls III. He adds a slew of holy attacks to Radahn’s standard attacks, most notable among them being a grab move in which Miquella tries to sway you to his side. The fight automatically ends if you are caught in this move more than once, so prepare to dodge out of the way as soon as you see Radahn glow with golden light!

At this stage, the fight becomes about managing your Stamina and dodging attacks, letting your allies distract the boss while you whittle away at his health. With some skill and patience, Radahn and Miquella finally fall to your blades, and you witness the end of Miquella’s journey in the Land of Shadow.

However, that does not mean your time in the Land of Shadow is at an end. There’s a lot more to discover and more gear to chase down for some cool builds! Check out our Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree guides to learn more.