In the vast, mysterious world of Elden Ring, few encounters are as intense, or as rewarding, as the battle against Rakshasa, a hidden boss that many players miss entirely. Found deep within the Eastern Nameless Mausoleum, Rakshasa is a humanoid warrior wielding a deadly great katana, and while this is an optional boss, defeating him offers not just bragging rights, but a valuable trove of Elden Ring Runes and unique Elden Ring Items.

 

If you're looking to challenge Rakshasa and emerge victorious, this in-depth guide breaks down the best strategies, builds, and gear to make the fight manageable, even for solo players.

 

Where to Find Rakshasa

 

Rakshasa resides in the Eastern Nameless Mausoleum, a remote and ominous area tucked away in the shadows of the Lands Between. This location is easily missed if you're not combing the map for secrets, which makes Rakshasa one of the more hidden bosses in Elden Ring.

 

Though defeating him isn't necessary to progress the main story, players seeking powerful rewards and extra Elden Ring Runes should absolutely seek him out.

 

Rakshasa Boss Overview

 

Rakshasa is a fast, aggressive melee fighter. His attacks are katana-based, often enhanced with bleed or fire damage. He's relentless in his combos, often punishing players who overcommit or misread his movement patterns.

 

Key Combat Traits:

 

    Weapon: Great Katana

    Damage Types: Physical, Fire, and potentially Bleed

    Mobility: High (dashes, lunges, quick recovery)

    Weakness: Staggered by high Poise damage or parries

 

Best Loadout

 

To stand a fighting chance against Rakshasa, you'll need the right combination of Elden Ring Items, Ashes of War, and Talismans. Below is a curated list of the most effective tools for this boss encounter:

 

Recommended Ashes of War:

    Flame of the Redmanes – Deals massive Poise damage and can stagger Rakshasa quickly, interrupting his combos.

    Golden Crux – Excellent for aggressive builds with holy scaling.

    Taker's Flames – Ideal for strength builds looking to heal off aggression.

    Wave of Gold – Use for AoE disruption if Rakshasa calls in spirit support.

    Dragonmaw – A devastating, high-risk, high-reward spell for INT/FAI hybrids.

 

Recommended Talismans:

    Fire Scorpion Charm – Boosts fire damage, great synergy with Flame of the Redmanes.

    Ritual Sword Talisman – Increases attack power when HP is full, excellent for skilled players who can avoid taking hits.

    Shard of Alexander – Increases the power of skills, making Ashes of War significantly more potent in this fight.

 

Recommended Elden Ring Items (Consumables):

 

    Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear – Boosts fire damage in your Physick, making Ashes of War hit harder.

    Opaline Hardtear – Temporary boost to all damage negation.

    Opaline Bubbletear – Grants a protective shield for a single hit; excellent for surviving Rakshasa's sudden bursts.

 

Also, bring any Parry-capable shield, as Rakshasa is susceptible to well-timed parries during his single-swing attacks.

 

Combat Strategy

 

1. Opening Phase: Stay at Mid Range

 

Rakshasa typically opens with a sweeping katana strike or a dash. Circle-strafe and bait his initial attacks, then punish with Flame of the Redmanes or a light weapon skill.

 

Tip: Use your Opaline Bubbletear at the start to absorb the first unexpected blow.

 

2. Mid-Fight: Pressure with Stagger and Flame Damage

 

Once he enters his rhythm, you'll want to break it. Spam stagger-heavy Ashes of War like Flame of the Redmanes or Dragonmaw to knock him down. Use charged R2 attacks after knockdowns for maximum damage.

 

If you're running a fire-based build, stack your Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear with Fire Scorpion Charm for devastating output.

 

3. Watch for Combos and Punish Windows

 

Rakshasa's quick strikes are often part of multi-hit chains. Don't rush your counterattacks, wait for his two- or three-strike combos to finish before swinging.

 

Parrying can be a game-changer here. If you've mastered the timing, a well-executed parry opens Rakshasa up for a huge critical hit, quickly turning the tide of battle.

 

4. Final Phase: Be Aggressive

 

At low HP, Rakshasa becomes more erratic and aggressive. This is the moment to go all-in with burst damage. Use Taker's Flames or Wave of Gold while maintaining spacing. Finish strong before he enters a second wind.

 

What You Get for Defeating Rakshasa

 

Victory over Rakshasa rewards you handsomely. While the exact drops may vary based on your progression and RNG, typical rewards include:

 

    A high number of Elden Ring Runes

    A unique katana or talisman themed around fire or energy

    Rare Elden Ring Items that boost fire damage or stamina regeneration

 

These drops make the fight not only worthwhile but strategically beneficial for mid-to-late game builds focused on elemental or strength-scaling weaponry.

 

Rune Farming Tip

 

Before entering the boss arena, consume a Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot to increase the number of Elden Ring Runes you receive from the kill. This is a common farming technique and can help you maximize the fight's payoff.

 

Combine this with a Rune-boosting talisman or armor piece if available, especially if you're doing a Rune-farming run through multiple optional bosses.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Rakshasa may be an optional challenge in Elden Ring, but the depth of his combat design and the quality of his loot make him a must-fight for those chasing elite builds and top-tier Elden Ring Items. Whether you're collecting Elden Ring Runes, testing a new Ash of War, or just want to face every challenge the game offers, Rakshasa is well worth your time.

 

With the right preparation, gear, and strategy, you'll make quick work of this deadly warrior, and you'll walk away stronger for the battles still to come.