Promised Consort Radahn is no pushover. As the final boss of Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, he marks the culmination of your journey across the Lands of Shadow. And this version of Radahn is far more aggressive, punishing, and unpredictable than the one encountered during the Festival of Combat in the base game. With rapid-phase transitions, brutal AoEs, and relentless melee pressure, players must bring their best to survive the Elden Ring Runes Divine Gatefront Staircase showdown.

In this guide, we break down the top 3 best builds to take down Radahn, optimized for different playstyles. Whether you're looking to tank, cheese, or bleed your way to victory, there's a strategy here for you.

1. The Mimic Tear Bleed Build – The Safest, Easiest Way to Beat Radahn
If you're struggling to survive even a few seconds against Radahn's onslaught, the Mimic Tear build offers the safest and most consistent way to win. This strategy hinges on letting your upgraded Mimic Tear take center stage. While the Mimic draws Radahn's aggression, you or your clone unleash powerful bleed procs to rapidly chunk his health bar.

Radahn, despite his cosmic power, remains highly susceptible to blood loss. When properly geared with high Arcane and the right tools, your Mimic can apply massive pressure while you stay alive with minimal effort.

Gear Setup
Right-Hand Weapon: Bloodfiend’s Blood Arm – A devastating bleed weapon with excellent synergy for Arcane scaling.

Left-Hand Weapon: Sacred Black Steel Greatshield – Provides the Mimic added durability when used defensively.

Helm: White Mask – Boosts attack power when blood loss is nearby, perfectly complementing the bleed setup.

Armor: Verdigris Armor – Offers a balance of poise and protection, ideal for letting your Mimic take the hits.

Talismans
Lord of Blood’s Exultation: Grants a significant attack buff on bleed procs.

Shard of Alexander: Increases skill damage, crucial if your build uses weapon arts.

Erdtree’s Favor: Boosts max HP, stamina, and equip load.

Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: Grants strong physical damage negation, improving survivability for both you and your Mimic.

Spells
Savage Lion’s Claw: An excellent AoE skill that can stagger and finish weakened Radahn phases.

Consumables & Wondrous Flask
Freezing Pot: Radahn can be slowed and interrupted, opening windows for attack.

Blessing of Marika / Raw Meat Dumpling: Useful healing options in clutch moments.

Wondrous Flask: Include the Glovewort Crystal Tear to enhance your summon.

Why it Works: The Mimic Tear build removes much of the mechanical burden from the player. It's ideal for those who struggle with dodging or simply want a more relaxed strategy to beat the final boss.

2. The Shield & Spear Tank Build – Hold the Line and Poke to Victory
Prefer to be the wall that Radahn crashes against? This tank build revolves around the Fingerprint Stone Shield—one of the best greatshields in the game—and stamina management. You'll face Radahn head-on, absorbing his heavy hits, and countering with steady thrusts using a spear or thrusting sword. The build's defensive layers are bolstered by buffs and talismans that mitigate even Radahn’s most punishing attacks.

Gear Setup
Right-Hand Weapon: Sword Lance – A strong thrusting weapon capable of safe damage through block.

Left-Hand Weapon: Fingerprint Stone Shield (+25) – With 100% physical block and high guard boost, it’s perfect for turtling.

Helm: Iji’s Mirrorhelm – Provides resistance to magical attacks and looks incredible.

Armor: Crucible Tree Armor

Hands: Godskin Apostle Bracelets

Legs: Gold Waistwrap – Offers balanced protection and poise.

Talismans
Viridian Amber Medallion: Boosts stamina—crucial for non-stop blocking.

Greatshield Talisman: Reduces stamina consumption while guarding.

Erdtree’s Favor: Increases health and stamina pool.

Old Lord’s Talisman: Extends buff durations, letting you tank longer.

Spells
Golden Vow: Buffs both damage dealt and damage negation.

Lord's Divine Fortification: Increases Holy resistance, useful for Radahn’s late-phase celestial damage.

Scholar's Shield: Increases shield blocking stability.

Wondrous Flask
Greenspill Crystal Tear: Boosts stamina recovery.

Greenburst Crystal Tear: Adds even more stamina regen, letting you turtle indefinitely.

Why it Works: This build is perfect for players who love to control fights and never let their guard down. As long as you manage stamina, you can withstand Radahn’s might and safely retaliate from behind your fortress.

3. The Death Knight Bleed Build – High-Risk, High-Reward Bleed Pressure
This is the ultimate no-heal, no-mercy build designed for aggressive players who want to bleed Radahn dry with stylish melee engagements. The Death Knight relies on the Blood Backhand Blade—a nimble, high-bleed weapon with excellent scaling—and goes all-in on Arcane and survivability. This build doesn’t rely on summons or gimmicks, just relentless aggression and calculated dodging.

Gear Setup
Right-Hand Weapon: Blood Backhand Blade – Upgraded to max with blood affinity for nonstop bleed procs.

Left-Hand Weapon: Buckler – Allows for parries, but mainly used to keep weight low and maintain mobility.

Helm: Helm of Night

Armor: Armor of Night

Hands: Gauntlets of Night

Legs: Greaves of Night – A full themed setup for max aesthetics and good stats.

Talismans
Two-Headed Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina regen.

Golden Braid: Reduces holy damage taken—crucial for phase 2.

Crimson Seed Talisman: Increases flask healing.

Dragon Shield Talisman: Raises physical defense.

Consumables & Wondrous Flask
Flask of Crimson Tears: Used sparingly due to high vigor and natural defenses.

Dexterity-Knot Crystal Tear & Strength-Knot Crystal Tear: Boosts both offense stats temporarily, perfect for aggressive openings.

Why it Works: This build is all about speed and pressure. Players who master spacing and dodge timing can constantly apply bleed procs and force Radahn into reaction mode, bypassing much of his burst potential.

Final Thoughts: Which Radahn Build Is Right for You?
Each of these builds serves a distinct playstyle:

Want an easy mode? Go with the Mimic Tear Bleed Build—it's the safest.

Love defensive play and patience? Try the Shield & Spear Tank Build.

Enjoy dodging and burst damage? Choose the Death Knight Bleed Build.

Whichever path you pick, remember that the key to victory lies in learning Radahn’s patterns, adapting your strategy across his multiple deadly phases, and maintaining discipline. Don’t panic roll, don’t get greedy, and keep your buffs up. With the right setup and focus, you can bring down the final king of the stars and complete your journey in the Lands of Shadow.

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Prepare for glory—and may Radahn fall before your might.
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