How To Fight Radahn

How To Fight Radahn: A Complete Guide for Elden Ring Players

Facing Starscourge Radahn, the massive demigod of the Red Moon Festival, can feel overwhelming for any Tarnished. This article breaks down every step you need to take to reach the battlefield, prepare your character, and defeat Radahn efficiently. Follow the strategies below to turn this legendary boss into a manageable encounter.

Getting to Radahn and Starting the Festival

Before you can even engage the Starscourge, you must trigger the Red Moon Festival questline. The sequence is straightforward:

Reach the Academy of Raya Lucaria. Defeat the boss in the academy and obtain the Academy Glintstone Key if you haven’t already.
Talk to Renna (Ranni) at the Three Sisters. She will direct you toward the festival location.
Travel to Caelid. Use a fast travel site near the Caelid Highway or ride a Torrent to the Redmane Castle area.
Locate the Festival Grounds. The arena is situated just north of the Academy of Raya Lucaria in the region known as the Mountaintops of the Giants.
Speak with the NPCs. Talk to the two festival organizers—one near the entrance and another by the central bonfire—to officially start the battle.

Once the dialogue is completed, the sky darkens, the moon turns red, and Radahn’s silhouette appears on the horizon, signaling that the fight is about to begin.

Preparing for the Fight

Radahn is a strength‑type boss with powerful melee attacks, gravity‑based sorceries, and a massive health pool. Proper preparation can dramatically reduce the difficulty.

Essential Gear

Weapon Choice: Heavy weapons with high stagger potential (e.g., Greatsword, Colossal Hammer) or dexterity weapons with rapid attacks (e.g., Twinblades) work well. Choose a weapon you can comfortably swing while maintaining mobility.
Armor: Prioritize medium or light sets that keep your equip load below 70% to retain fast roll speed. The Radahn’s Set (if obtained) offers solid physical defense.
Talismans: Green Turtle Talisman for stamina recovery, Carian Filigreed Crest to reduce sorcery FP cost, and Erdtree’s Favor for health, stamina, and equip load.