The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring raises the stakes with one of its most intense encounters: Promised Consort Radahn. This God Boss is not optional, defeating him is essential to conclude the DLC's story. Clad in red-and-gold armor, with a lion-shaped helm and wielding twin colossal swords, Radahn embodies both the grandeur and brutality of the game's late-stage bosses.

 

This guide covers strategies, recommended Elden Ring Items, and tips for both phases of the fight, including his terrifying second form: Radahn, Consort of Miquella.

 

Where to Find Promised Consort Radahn

 

Radahn is located in Enir-Ilim, the grand city you'll reach late in Shadow of the Erdtree. Once you enter his arena, prepare for one of the toughest battles in the game. Unlike other fights where exploration or farming might give you the option to wait, this boss is mandatory, there's no skipping him if you want to see the story's end.

 

Preparation Before the Fight

 

Radahn's overwhelming damage and resistances demand preparation. At this stage of the DLC, you should have unlocked a strong set of Elden Ring Runes to boost your attributes, and it's recommended to have at least Scadutree Blessing +18 (though +20 is ideal).

 

Essential Buffs

 

Golden Vow: Cast this in both phases for a balanced boost.

 

Black Flame's Protection: Excellent in phase one, giving extra durability.

 

Divine Fortification or Lord's Divine Fortification: Critical in phase two, when Radahn channels devastating holy damage.

 

Summons

 

While you may summon Thiollier and Ansbach if their quests are completed, it's generally not recommended. Summons increase Radahn's health bar and his resistance to status effects, making the battle longer. Use them only if you need a distraction or want to finish their questlines.

 

Recommended Talismans

 

Choosing the right talismans makes a dramatic difference. These Elden Ring Items allow you to adapt depending on your build:

 

Universal Picks

 

Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: Boosts physical damage negation.

 

Golden Braid: Critical for surviving holy damage in phase two.

 

Two-Headed Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina regeneration.

 

Build-Dependent Picks

 

Dagger Talisman: Perfect for parry/riposte setups.

 

Curved Sword Talisman or Greatshield Talisman: For guard-counter builds.

 

Radagon Icon: Must-have for caster builds.

 

Shard of Alexander: Excellent if you're using Lion's Claw.

 

Spear Talisman: Tank builds using pierce weapons.

 

Two-Handed Sword Talisman: Boosts strength-based heavy weapons.

 

Verdigris Discus: Tank-focused survivability.

 

Avoid Beloved Stardust, as the reduced damage negation outweighs its casting benefits.

 

Crystal Tears for Your Flask

 

Another set of vital Elden Ring Items is the Crystal Tears you mix into your Flask of Wondrous Physick.

 

Offensive: Thorny Cracked Tear for physical DPS, or an elemental Tear matching your main damage type.

 

Defensive: Opaline Hardtear or Opaline Bubbletear to mitigate big hits.

 

These allow you to fine-tune your survivability and damage output.

 

Best Great Runes to Equip

 

Great Runes amplify your build's strengths, and for Radahn, the following are recommended:

 

Radahn's Great Rune: Provides a 15% boost to HP, stamina, and FP.

 

Morgott's Great Rune: Grants a 25% HP increase, ideal for tanking hits.

 

Miquella's Great Rune (tool): Neutralizes the "charmed" status from Radahn's opening grab. To get this, defeat the Scadutree Avatar before tackling Radahn.

 

Consumables to Use

 

Consumables can turn the tide if used strategically. Two particularly effective Elden Ring Items are:

 

Hefty Rot Pot: Inflicts Scarlet Rot, draining about 30% of Radahn's HP over 90 seconds. Use it after his Gravity Rush in phase one, and during his Light of Miquella charge in phase two. Farming ingredients ahead of time is crucial.

 

Boiled Crab: A solid substitute for physical defense if you lack the Faith to cast defensive buffs.

 

Combat Strategy

 

Phase One: Promised Consort Radahn

 

Radahn fights with colossal swords, using both ground-shaking swings and gravity-based attacks. Keep your distance until you recognize openings, then punish with fast strikes or piercing skills like Giant Hunt. Inflicting Scarlet Rot early is a strong tactic to whittle him down.

 

Phase Two: Radahn, Consort of Miquella

 

In his second form, Radahn channels holy damage with frightening AoEs. This is where Divine Fortification and the Golden Braid Talisman are essential. His grab attack can charm you, so if you don't have Miquella's Rune equipped, play ultra-defensively. Focus on dodging the Light of Miquella charge and punish during his recovery frames.

 

Farming for Success

 

If you're struggling, take time to farm more Elden Ring Runes to strengthen your attributes. Higher Vigor, Endurance, and Faith can dramatically improve your survivability here. Meanwhile, hunt down additional Elden Ring Items like crafting materials for Hefty Rot Pots or upgrade materials for your weapons. Even a few extra upgrades can tip the balance.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Promised Consort Radahn is one of the most cinematic and challenging fights in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. With his blend of colossal strength and divine power, he pushes your build, preparation, and reflexes to the limit.

 

By stacking the right Elden Ring Items, farming enough Elden Ring Runes, and equipping tailored buffs and talismans, you can overcome this godlike foe. While he will test your patience, the sense of triumph when Radahn falls is one of the most rewarding moments the DLC offers.