Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree introduces a host of new challenges, and among the most intimidating optional bosses is the Red Bear. Found deep in the Northern Nameless Mausoleum, this Great Enemy Boss doesn't block your story progression, but conquering it is a satisfying test of skill and an opportunity to earn valuable Elden Ring Runes and loot.

 

With its humanoid frame, glowing white body, and bear-like fur cloak, Red Bear is as eerie as it is deadly. In this guide, we'll break down how to defeat this boss, the best Elden Ring Items and tactics to use, and why it's worth taking on this optional beast.

 

Where to Find Red Bear

 

Red Bear resides in the Northern Nameless Mausoleum, an ominous zone filled with haunting statues and lingering spirits. This area lies beyond the main questline in Shadow of the Erdtree, so it's entirely optional, but seasoned Tarnished looking to farm Runes, upgrade materials, and rare gear shouldn't skip it.

 

Tip: Equip a lantern or light source; the path to the mausoleum can be dark and easy to get lost in.

 

Red Bear Boss Overview

 

    Type: Great Enemy Boss

    Appearance: Glowing white, humanoid, cloaked in bear fur

    Location: Northern Nameless Mausoleum

    Optional: Yes

    Elemental Weaknesses: Fire, Madness

    Status Effect Vulnerability: Scarlet Rot, Madness

 

Red Bear fights with ferocity and unpredictability. It uses lunging attacks, heavy slams, and AoE shockwaves, making the fight feel like a mix between a beast and a warrior duel.

 

Why You Should Fight Red Bear

 

Though optional, defeating Red Bear yields impressive rewards, including Elden Ring Runes, rare crafting materials, and a potential new Spirit Ash or Weapon drop (depending on patch or edition updates). It's also a prime chance to farm Elden Ring Items that are hard to find elsewhere, especially for endgame builds.

 

Bonus: Red Bear also offers a good opportunity to test Madness-based builds and fire magic, as it is highly susceptible to both.

 

Recommended Build and Strategy

 

Red Bear hits hard and fast, so your approach should be a blend of mobility, patience, and high-impact spells or Ashes of War.

 

Recommended Spells

 

    Rotten Breath

    Scarlet Rot deals consistent damage over time and can be applied early in the fight. Red Bear lacks a fast cleanse mechanic, so this DOT is incredibly effective.

 

    Inescapable Frenzy

    For Faith builds, this Madness-based incantation is devastating. Red Bear's resistance to Madness is low, making it vulnerable to this powerful spell when cast from behind or after a stagger.

 

Recommended Ashes of War

 

    Flame of the Redmanes

    This Ash of War deals heavy posture damage and can stagger Red Bear after a few well-placed hits. It's ideal for setting up critical strikes, especially if you're using a strength-based weapon.

 

Essential Elden Ring Items

 

    Cerulean Hidden Tear

    Temporarily eliminates FP consumption when used in your Flask of Wondrous Physick. This allows you to spam Rotten Breath or Frenzy early without worrying about FP management.

 

    Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear

    Boosts fire damage, perfect when pairing with Flame of the Redmanes or fire-based incantations.

 

    Opaline Bubbletear

    Grants a temporary shield that absorbs one hit. This can save you during Red Bear's initial combo chain or late-fight desperation attacks.

 

Fight Strategy

 

Phase 1: Observation and Debuff

 

Start the fight by maintaining distance. Allow Red Bear to make the first move so you can read its attack pattern. Use Rotten Breath early from a safe distance. Once Rot is applied, focus on dodging and letting the DOT work in your favor.

 

Phase 2: Close-Combat and Stagger

 

Once you've weakened Red Bear, it will become more aggressive. Equip Flame of the Redmanes and time your attacks between its slams or lunges. After 2–3 solid hits, Red Bear will stagger, opening it up for a critical hit.

 

Use this opportunity to cast Inescapable Frenzy or land a charged heavy attack.

 

Phase 3: Survive and Finish

 

As the fight nears its end, Red Bear may enter a frenzy-like state, attacking with rapid slams and unpredictable movements. Keep your distance, watch its footwork, and time your dodges carefully.

 

Finish it off with another cast of Rotten Breath or a heavy weapon skill. Don't get greedy, many deaths come from getting too aggressive when the boss is at 10% HP.

 

Post-Fight Rewards

 

Upon defeating Red Bear, you'll receive:

 

    A large number of Elden Ring Runes, suitable for leveling up or buying upgrade materials

 

    Unique Elden Ring Items, possibly including a Red Bear Spirit Ash, special weapon, or crafting components

 

    Access to hidden lore and possibly new NPC dialogue, depending on your progression

 

Pro Tip: Use your Runes quickly after the fight, there may be strong enemies nearby that could catch you off guard before you return to a Site of Grace.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Red Bear is one of Shadow of the Erdtree's most memorable optional bosses. With its feral design, unrelenting combat style, and generous rewards, it's a fight well worth taking on for players who want to push their build to the limit.

 

With the right strategy, well-chosen Elden Ring Items, and some patience, you'll walk away with valuable Elden Ring Runes and the satisfaction of overcoming one of the expansion's deadliest foes.