Bayle the Dread (Shadow of the Erdtree)

CURSE YOU, BAYLE!

For the record, there is an NPC you can summon for this fight that has amazing and iconic voice lines and acting. However, I am a gremlin who refuses to use summons, so he isn’t in this.

To the boss itself, DANG. Goes insanely hard, and also is insanely hard. I consider Bayle to be harder than any main game boss besides Malenia, as he took me around an 1 or so. His design is impeccable, showing up as the clear best dragon fight in Elden Ring. His OST is wild, his visual design is epic, and his moves are as varied as they are huge. They’re incredibly punishing when landed, and rewarded with the smallest punish window of almost any boss I’ve played. This fight is an absolute endurance test, with consistent difficulty throughout. At least until he grows phantom wings and nukes you. The second phase is genuinely stunning in every aspect. The added moves are crazy and mind-blowing, literally making the audio ring because of the explosions. His fire sweep is incredibly difficult to avoid, but sweet nonetheless. Overall, this boss is phenomenal and is, in my opinion, one of the best bosses in the game.

Deaths: 12

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