If a census was taken of the inhabitants of the Lands Between in Elden Ring, you'd find pretty quickly that almost everything wants to kill you. It's a harsh world out there—especially over in Caelid, where the strawberries are the size of boulders and dog heads have been grafted onto dinosaur bodies. You'll find some friendly NPCs, too, but they're few and far between.
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Unsurprisingly, you'll also find some NPCs who are there just to kill you. At any unsuspecting moment, one might just sprout up from the ground like a maniacal daisy. These ten are especially tough to topple.
10 Inquisitor Ghiza
Inquisitor Ghiza might as well go by Inquisitor Pizza considering the giant pie cutter he wields as a weapon. Fans of developer FromSoftware's other masterpiece, Bloodborne, should rejoice, though—defeating him will earn you this weapon, which is quite similar to Yharnam's greatest invention, the Whirligig Saw. Inquisitor Ghiza can be found upstairs in Volcano Manor, which at least makes it easy to get back to him if he does slice you up. Don't try and take the fight down the stairs, though. If you do, he'll kindly un-invade you.
9 The Loathsome Dung Eater
What makes the Dung Eater tough isn't necessarily that he's a challenge to beat. Rather, it's that it is tough to figure out how to get him to invade you in the first place (and then that he's tough to look at). His quest-line is a long and convoluted one that requires you to plumb some of the most grotesque sewers in FromSoftware's history. If you do manage to complete all the necessary steps, though, he will more than happily meet you in the moat outside the capital. He's seemingly happy to die to you, too.
8 Recusant Henricus
Several factors make Recusant Henricus a scary man to take on. He's got a big mace, for one. He also clearly got the memo that jumping heavy attacks deal a good bit of damage. Even if he doesn't smash you, his attacks can leave behind pools of molten lava that are about as bad to step in as you would guess. What really makes him tough, though, is just how early you can come across him. Being in Limgrave, he is many players' first NPC invasion. It doesn't help that this invasion specifically happens in the Stormhill area where it is indeed quite stormy. It's often hard to see up there, which only adds to the disorienting effect of his rather rude assault.
7 Anastasia, Tarnished-Eater
Elden Ring's story is sometimes inscrutable, but it's hard to miss the fact that many characters in the world identify you as a Tarnished. Since it's Anastasia's job to eat tarnished, you can imagine your encounters with her aren't a walk in the park. The first time she invades you will likely be right when you're stumbling into Elden Ring's most horrifying area, Caelid. It's not a good sign when the sky turns red, and it's even worse when you think you're about to finally touch Grace and Anastasia swoops in and spams her Ash of War.
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Even if you beat her here, she'll appear later throughout the game. Make sure to take her down when she does, because if you best on her on all three of her invasion occasions, you'll be handsomely rewarded.
6 Juno Hoslow, Knight of Blood
Technically it's you who invade Juno Hoslow's world—making you the baddie—but your encounter with the Knight of Blood functions similarly enough to other NPC invasions. If you do take up the hit on him as assigned by the Volcano Manor, you'll find he is quick to dodge and quite deadly with his Petal Whip. Even worse, the area of the Mountaintop of the Giants where he is found is full of terrain that you can easily get caught on. A nub on the ground can be as dangerous as a lacerated whip!
5 Bloody Finger Okina
Despite the fact that you can start the game as a samurai, you don't encounter many others throughout Elden Ring. That is until you reach the Mountaintop of the Giants and get invaded by Bloody Finger Okina, after which you might wish the game didn't have any other samurai. With his ability to quickly inflict bleed damage, he can be a treacherous foe to take on. It doesn't help that nearby are some giant crows who are more than willing to peck you to death if you aren't paying attention.
4 Mad Tongue Alberich
In some respects, Mad Tongue Alberich is one of the more straightforward NPC invasions in Elden Ring. He can be fought in the Roundtable Hold after hopping off the balcony. If you look down before jumping, there's a good chance you'll notice tons of blood pools left behind by other players who were given a licking by the Mad Tongue. This gives you an idea of what you're in for and since it is an isolated location, you don't have to worry about the environment or other enemies getting in the way of your duel.
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That said, this guy is hard. He's got a big scythe that can deal bleed damage and a couple of different tactics that build up frost. If you come at him without a plan, or just early on in your adventure, there's a good chance he'll quickly turn you into a popsicle and melt your health.
3 Ensha Of The Royal Remains
Ensha of the Royal Remains is also found in the Roundtable Hold, but not as an enemy from the get-go. Upon your first visit to the area, they will be found hanging around outside Gideon's room. They appear cool and collected behind their skull mask and will watch you as you run about, but without ever speaking to you. Once you find a piece of the Haligtree Secret Medallion, though, Ensha will attack you immediately the next time you return to the Roundtable Hold.
In the end, Ensha can go down pretty quickly. If you've gotten as far as collecting the Haligtree Secret Medallion, there's a good chance you'll be prepared for the fight. Nevertheless, it can be quite a rude surprise to suddenly be attacked upon teleporting into the Roundtable Hold, and if you're not quick to react, Ensha will be quick to make you pay. More than anything, the knowledge that there are no truly safe spaces in Elden Ring is a tough bolus to swallow
2 Millicent's Sisters
Millicent's questline provides some genuinely satisfying narrative payoff, but the final fight with her sisters can be a nightmare. Not only does it occur next to a Scarlet Rot-inducing swamp, but there are four invaders who you'll have to deal with at once. Millicent herself will help you out, but it's still a nightmarish fight in one of Elden Ring's most nightmarishly difficult dungeons. If you're trying to finish Millicent's quest-line, you can instead challenge Millicent, but you shouldn't—Millicent is cool, and one of the few NPCs you can actually save in the game rather than simply witness their demise.
1 Preceptor Miriam
Preceptor Miriam is a little different from most NPC invasions in a number of ways. She doesn't technically have a red outline, yet it's indisputable that she invades you not long after you enter the Carian Study Hall at the base of the Divine Tower of Liurnia. Like others, her name will appear in red, and she'll pop up from the ground and immediately try to kill you. What follows is hardly a straightforward fight, though. Not only will she summon her own numerous Spirit Ashes, but she'll also teleport away as soon as you do some damage to her. This creates a chase sequence up to the top of the study hall. In retrospect, it's a fun and challenging fight, but, in the moment, it can be grueling and challenging. Good thing after you best her you can explore the tower in peace! Just kidding: she returns later in the game to give you a migraine once again.
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FAQs
How many NPC invasions are in Elden Ring? ›
All three invaders wear the full War Surgeon Set (with the altered form of the War Surgeon Gown chest armor) and use the Miséricorde alongside the Swarm of Flies incantation.
Can you avoid NPC invasions Elden Ring? ›To turn off invasions in Elden Ring, you'll need to simply avoid summoning other players into your game. Playing in solo mode, while connected to the internet, will not allow players to invade your world. You're entirely safe when doing this.
Are there NPC invasions in Elden Ring? ›This mod is for you if you really like being a Duelist. One of the many hallmarks of a FromSoftware game is the Invasion system.
Who has the saddest backstory in Elden Ring? ›Screen Rant - Elden Ring's Saddest Character Is One Of Its Most Secret Boss Fights - ข่าวสารบน Steam. bosses players should feel bad for, and most of the game's lore is fraught with tragedy. Placidusax, however, is exceptionally depressing, from his decrepit body to what little is known of his pitiful backstory.
What is the hardest NPC quest in Elden Ring? ›Ranni's side quest is the longest and one of the most challenging in the game. It's fitting that you'd have to go through so much to unlock what is almost certainly the game's darkest ending.
How do you beat Millicent invader? ›Keeping your distance from Millicent means she's less likely to land any of her whirlwind hits, and then it's just a matter of whittling her health down. Jump attacks tend to briefly stagger Millicent, which gives you time to retreat. Just make sure not to get greedy.
How many NPC fight Radahn? ›Luckily, there are a total of eight possible NPCs you can summon for help in the Radahn boss fight. However, only five can be on the field at a time, which means you have some important decisions to make.
Who is the NPC invader in Roundtable Hold? ›Ensha of the Royal Remains is an NPC in Elden Ring that typically minds their own business at Roundtable Hold. Even when players approach this NPC, they will stay leaning against the wall and not speak a word. They will, however, follow the Elden Ring player with their eyes whenever they are near.
How do you beat madness invader? ›To defeat Vyke the Invader in Elden Ring, Tarnished fighters are recommended to use fast-casting spells or heavy attacks to interrupt him from casting his Madness-spreading abilities. As a Tarnished humanoid, his Poise is relatively low, making him vulnerable to being staggered.
Which NPC steals your runes Elden Ring? ›As it turns out, there is an NPC in Stormveil Castle called Gatekeeper Gostoc, who upon first visiting, actually helps players avoid walking face-first into a barrage from ballistae. While this is certainly helpful, Gostoc gives with one hand and takes with the other.
What does Varre give you? ›
Once you have collected Maiden's Blood using one of these methods, return to Varre at the Rose Church. During the conversation, you'll be asked to offer your finger. Doing so gives you the Bloody Finger item. Speak to him again and you'll receive a Pureblood Knight's Medal.
How many runes do you get for killing an invader? ›I just realized that killing invaders does not give Rune Arcs so there is zero incentive to ever want to fight an invader. In previous games it was risk/reward. Invader might slap you but you could also kill them and get an extra humanity/ember.
What is the infinite invasion item in Elden Ring? ›Being a consumable Multiplayer Item, players will burn through a Festering Bloody Finger with each invasion. Fortunately, an item known as the Bloody Finger can grant players limitless invasions. Thus, eliminating the costly effort of acquiring Festering Bloody Fingers.
Does killing NPCs in Elden Ring matter? ›Yes, many of the NPCs in Elden Ring are killable just like FromSoftware's other classics. Some NPCs players should even kill for the in-game benefits that their death may bestow upon them. Conversely, other characters should be left alone as they are too valuable alive.
What is the most annoying enemy in Elden Ring? ›Revenants are the bane of many Elden Ring players' existence. These multi-limbed creatures are some of the most aggressive enemies in the game and move way faster than they have any right to.
Who is god in Elden Ring? ›The Fell God is a deity of fire in Elden Ring, mainly associated with one of its most powerful bosses: the Fire Giant. The Fire Giant that players encounter as a boss in Elden Ring is the last of his kind, an ancient race that lived in the Mountaintops of the Giants region.
Who is the missable NPC in Elden Ring? ›Elden Ring: Gowry or Millicent
Gowry and Millicent are too closely connected NPCs that are easily missable. Gowry is found in his titular shack in eastern Caelid and enlists the player to help Millicent with her plague. Millicent can be found northeast of his location at the Church of Plague.
Talk to her and give her the needle. She'll be hesitant but if you go rest at the Site of Grace and return you'll next see her standing up, seemingly cured of her scarlet rot. She'll thank you by giving you the Prosthesis-Wearing Heirloom talisman, which raises your dexterity when equipped.
Is it better to help or fight Millicent? ›If you assist Millicent, you'll receive the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia and be able to return to the summoning stones to speak with her some more. If you choose the former, her quest will end here, but if you choose the latter, defeat her sisters in combat and then return to your own world.
What is Millicent weak to? ›If defeated as an NPC, drops: 6,000 runes, Millicent's Prosthesis (after she moved to the Windmill Village). As an invader she is immune to Scarlet Rot, but susceptible to Poison.
What is Radahn weak to? ›
Radahn is vulnerable to Frostbite and other status conditions, but especially Scarlet Rot. Rot Pots and arrows tinged with Scarlet Rot are good options if you want to take advantage of status effects for this fight. These weaknesses remain even in phase two.
Why is Radahn horse so small? ›Elden Ring: Radahn and Leonard, The Rider and Its Horse
It turns out that Radahn learned Gravity Magic in Elden Ring for the sole purpose of never being separated from his horse, thus alleviating his weight off the shoulders of the horse.
It turns out you can actually cheese the boss fight with Elden Ring's mighty General Radahn. At least, you can cheese it once you get his health whittled down to 50 percent, which is admittedly still a task in its own right.
Is bloody finger an NPC? ›Bloody Finger Hunter Yura is one of the many NPCs you'll encounter that has a side quest to complete in Elden Ring. For this part of our Elden Ring guide, you'll find details of where to find him, how to begin his questline, and the consequences of any choices you make along the way.
Should you let fia hold you? ›You can choose to let her hold you or reject the offer, but most people — at least at first — will feel tempted to let this kind woman hold our tired warrior for a brief moment of respite. If you do, or did, then you will also realize that you gain a special item for letting Fia hold you called a Baldachin's Blessing.
Why is the Deathroot NPC attacking me? ›The deathroot guy will attack you once during his questline to bring him the deathroot. You just have to beat him back into submission and he will go back to normal.
What is the strongest role in Elden Ring? ›Best Elden Ring class for experienced players
Samurai: If Dexterity, agility, and parrying are for you, the Elden Ring Samurai class is definitely one of the best for experienced players. The starting Katana and Long Bow make it a versatile class that'll see you through all kinds of encounters early on in the game.
The Fell God is a deity of fire in Elden Ring, mainly associated with one of its most powerful bosses: the Fire Giant. The Fire Giant that players encounter as a boss in Elden Ring is the last of his kind, an ancient race that lived in the Mountaintops of the Giants region.
What is the strongest class in Elden Ring? ›1 Astrologer
Sorceries are extremely powerful, so Elden Ring's Sorcery-focused class is its strongest. The Astrologer begins with several powerful, practical Sorceries that, while not flashy, are good at helping a player slay enemies and master the magic system.
Dark Moon Greatsword
One of the Legendary Armaments in Elden Ring, Dark Moon Greatsword's lives up to the expectations by being one of the most overpowered weapons. The weapon has a unique skill – Moonlight Greatsword.
Is ranni a god? ›
Ranni the Witch, also known as Renna, is a supporting character in the 2022 video game, Elden Ring. She also serves as the deuteragonist of her own quest line. She is a four-armed witch that happens to be the demigod daughter of Radagon and Rennala, making her the sister of Radahn and Rykard.
Who are the 4 Lords in Elden Ring? ›Dragonlord Placidusax (Crumbling Farum Azula) Elemer of the Briar (The Shaded Castle, Atlus Plateau) Fire Giant (Mountaintops of the Giants) Godfrey the First Lord (Leyndell, Royal Capital)
Can the NPCs beat Radahn? ›Should an NPC fall to Radahn, their summon sign will respawn, allowing you to bring them back. While these NPCs can damage Radahn, they're unlikely to kill him. Especially once the second phase of the fight begins. However, they can get lucky if you can summon enough of them at one time throughout the battle.
What is the weakest Elden Ring class? ›Wretch. The Wretch is Elden Ring's version of the Deprived class from Dark Souls, which is really just another way of saying that this is the class that starts at the lowest overall level with no real statistical advantages to speak of.
What is the best catalyst in Elden Ring? ›The Carian Regal Scepter is the best all-around Sorcery catalyst in the game. It has very high sorcery and Intelligence scaling, reaching S rank at just +9. If you need a go-to catalyst for casting powerful sorceries, the Carian Regal Scepter is for you.