In Elden Ring: Shadow of The Erdtree, many new and formidable bosses have been introduced, posing significant challenges even to seasoned souls-like players. Therefore, preparation before facing a boss is crucial.

Among these opponents, the demigod boss Messmer the Impaler stands out. As a mandatory boss in the game, you cannot skip him, and you must defeat him to progress further in the story. This guide will delve into the intricacies and nuances of the battle with Messmer the Impaler to help you defeat him.

Where to Find Messmer the Impaler location

Since this boss is mandatory, you won’t miss him, and finding him doesn’t require much time or effort. He resides at the top of the Shadow Keep location in the Specimen Storeroom. You’ll need to climb up in this location using ladders and statues. There are plenty of enemies along the way, including fire mages, so try to avoid them if you don't want to stop and fight each one.

Upon reaching the top floor, you’ll see a warrior with a sword in front of closed doors. Defeating him will drop the Winged Serpent Helm and Ash of War: Flame Spear. After defeating him, open the door to find a Scadutree fragment. To the left of the entrance, there will be stairs leading up to a grace site, and before it, the door to the boss room.

Preparing for the Battle with Messmer the Impaler

Messmer the Impaler is a strong and dangerous opponent, so you need good equipment to make the upcoming battle easier and make your character stronger and more protected. The first thing to remember is that the boss’s main weaknesses are bleeding and frost.

Therefore, items or magic that can inflict these debuffs on the opponent will be useful. For example, you can use Glintstone Icecrag with a high-rank staff. For frost attacks, use Ash of War such as Divine Beast Frost Stomp or Ghostflame Call.

Having helpers for the battle is advisable. For this, you’ll need the Mimic Tear, which you can use for a distraction maneuver. Using the Mimic Tear spirit, you’ll gain additional damage and can take more advantageous positions, combining physical and magical attacks while avoiding enemy strikes.

Among the various magical spells, consider Adula’s Moonblade, Ranni’s Dark Moon, and Zamor Ice Storm. Pay attention to Frozen Lightning Spear and Aspect of the Crucible: Thorns. Avoid long casting spells like Dragon Communion, as Messmer the Impaler can quickly close the distance and damage you.

Alternatively, you can summon the ash spirit Dung Eater Puppet, which inflicts bleed effects on the enemy, or Ancient Dragon Florissax, capable of dealing damage from a distance and dodging. Melee heroes can employ heavy strikes to break the enemy’s stance, for which Stonebarb Cracked Tear can be used. Additionally, you can enlist Hornsent to add more distraction maneuvers.

Before entering the boss’s lair, ensure that your Scadutree level is at least 10. If not, it’s advisable to search for the appropriate Scadutree fragments and upgrade them. Before the battle, use a Rune Arc and Fireproof Pickled Liver to increase your resistance to magic, as many of Messmer the Impaler’s attacks are fire-based. Any armor or talisman that provides fire damage protection will be useful in this fight, such as the Flamedrake Talisman +3. Equipping Radagon’s Icon will increase your casting time, and the Two-Headed Turtle talisman will improve your stamina.

How to beat Messmer the Impaler in Phase 1

At the start of the fight, Messmer immediately envelops himself in shadow flames and then charges at the player, causing a fire explosion upon impact. Dodging his attack gives you a brief window to summon an ash spirit and move away as quickly as possible, making Messmer attack the summoned warrior instead of you.

Messmer’s periodic and basic attacks primarily consist of alternating fireball combinations and spear strikes. He launches a fireball from his hand, which can be dodged with a roll. This is followed by a series of spear strikes: a regular strike, then a sharp thrust with a spin.

Next, Messmer spins in a whirlwind, jumping up and aiming his spinning strike at you, followed by a series of quick spear swings, a jump with a fiery landing, and a barrage of spears emerging from the ground. This attack sequence is consistent, so you may need time to get used to the timing and safe zones. You are unlikely to dodge or survive this combo easily on the first try.

Another possible attack is a jump during which Messmer launches his spear at the player, then moves quickly toward you, swinging it and dealing several hits. His piercing straight spear strikes are also dangerous. However, if you react in time and roll to the opposite side of the strikes, he will miss most of his hits. Avoid getting too close prematurely, as he can turn around suddenly.

His flaming hand strikes should also be noted. Initially, it’s a simple upward swing, but Messmer then performs a quick spin and slams his hand into the ground. Quick reactions can help you survive this attack, which looks dangerous but is less challenging than most previous moves.

Patience is key during the fight with Messmer the Impaler, and avoid being greedy with your strikes. The best approach is to wait out his attack sequence and strike when there is a window between the end of one combo and the start of the next. If you attack prematurely, you risk taking a hit from the boss, losing the opportunity to strike when it’s safer. When the enemy jumps and aims at you, roll forward under him, then turn around and hit Messmer a few more times.

How to beat Messmer the Impaler in Phase 2

Once Messmer the Impaler’s health bar drops to half, a cutscene will play, transforming the boss into a giant fire serpent, marking the start of the second phase of the battle.

At the start of this stage, the serpent creates a large fireball in its mouth and slams it into the ground, aiming at the player. Once it hits the ground, dodge the attack and strike the boss’s snake head while it’s stuck in the ground.

Messmer the Impaler will begin to combine his spear attacks in human form with transforming into a giant serpent, swinging towards you with its sinuous movements. At the end of this attack, the serpent will lie on the ground for a second, giving you an opportunity to land a few hits before Messmer returns to human form.

Next, Messmer will summon three snakes that circle the battlefield in a ring, then take turns lunging at the player. During this time, all you need to do is dodge by running to the side or rolling and wait until this attack sequence ends.

After each serpent form, Messmer returns to human form and performs one or more strikes from the previous phase. Additionally, he gains a new attack where he flies towards the player like a spinning harpoon.

Initially, this phase may seem much harder, given the new serpent attacks combined with the regular human attacks from the first phase. However, dodging in this form is not too difficult, and after a few attempts, you can get used to these move sets. Using spirits to help distract the boss will make the battle easier.

Tips for Fighting Messmer the Impaler

• Increase Fire Resistance

Since many of Messmer’s attacks are fire-based, take everything you can to counteract fire effects. Consider using consumables like Fireproof Dried Liver or buffs like Flame, Protect Me. For better protection, equip the Flamedrake Talisman +3, found in Fort of Reprimand in Scadu Altus.

• Frost Effects Against Messmer

The boss is quite vulnerable to frost effects, so consider using Freezing Grease or Chilling Mist Ash of War to imbue your weapon with frost, increasing damage to the boss or slowing him down to better dodge his attacks.

• Roll Forward

The boss’s explosive fire attacks can knock you back. When dodging enemy attacks, consider rolling forward so if you get hit, you won’t be knocked further away, keeping you closer to the boss for advantageous moments.

• Learn Enemy Attacks

Messmer’s attacks are unpredictable, making him dangerous. He can deliver a single strike and pause or combine several attacks in a row, forcing you to constantly dodge and wait for an opportunity to strike.

• Dodge Aerial Attacks

One of the most dangerous attacks is his aerial combos. However, if you time it right when Messmer the Impaler flies at you, roll forward under him.

• Use Spirits

Using spirits in battle will help you use them as tanks. This is effective if you are a ranged hero.

Rewards for Defeating Messmer the Impaler

Defeating Messmer the Impaler rewards the player with Remembrance of the Impaler, which can be exchanged for a sphere or spell that summons a fireball like the boss’s, as well as Messmer's Kindling and 400,000 runes.