Elden Ring DLC: Best Radahn Builds - Top 3 Most OP Builds & Weapons To Destroy the Final Boss

The Radahn boss fight in Elden Ring, particularly in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, stands as one Elden Ring Runes  of the most intense and challenging encounters in the game. Radahn, known as the Promised Consort, is an extremely formidable foe with a devastating moveset, faster and more brutal attacks than his base game counterpart, and a terrifying set of arena mechanics that will test even the most seasoned players. The fight is mandatory to progress through the DLC's storyline and offers a unique set of challenges that require players to master dodging, recognize attack patterns, and strategically use the environment and summons.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 3 best builds to face Radahn in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, as well as the most effective weapons, talismans, armor, spells, and strategies that will help you overcome this boss with ease. Whether you want to lean into heavy tanking or agile damage-dealing, we've got you covered with builds that exploit Radahn's weaknesses and turn the tide in your favor.

The Challenge of Radahn: What Makes Him So Tough?
Radahn’s enhanced form in the DLC is far from a walk in the park. Players will face him atop Enir-Ilim, the final dungeon in the Shadow of the Erdtree, specifically in an area known as the Divine Gatefront Staircase Arena. Radahn's attacks are faster, his reach is longer, and his behavior is more erratic compared to his base game counterpart, making dodging and positioning crucial to surviving this battle.

His attack patterns involve devastating area-of-effect (AoE) strikes that can wipe out a full health bar in seconds, as well as charged projectiles that can track you across the battlefield. Furthermore, Radahn has the ability to summon devastating shockwaves and fire attacks, making close-range combat a risk. Players must also contend with the environment, which often involves dealing with minions and avoiding traps.

To succeed in this challenging fight, you’ll need to maximize your build’s effectiveness in damage output, survivability, and strategic play. Let's dive into the best Radahn builds for this fight.

No. 1 Elden Ring DLC Best Radahn Build: The Mimic Tear Build
The Mimic Tear Build is arguably the best and safest Radahn build in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. The Mimic Tear is a unique summon that mirrors the player’s stats, gear, and abilities, making it a powerful asset in combat. By leveraging the Mimic Tear’s ability to draw aggro away from the player, you can reduce the amount of damage you take and focus on attacking Radahn from a safe distance.

This build takes advantage of status effects, particularly bleed, which Radahn is especially vulnerable to. The Mimic Tear will help apply pressure by constantly proccing the bleed effect, gradually depleting Radahn’s health without putting the player in harm's way.

Gear
Right-Hand Weapon: Bloodfiend’s Blood Arm – A powerful weapon for applying bleed, especially when paired with the Mimic Tear.
Left-Hand Weapon: Sacred Black Steel Greatshield – A heavy shield to protect the Mimic Tear and the player while dealing with Radahn's powerful attacks.
Helm: White Mask – Provides a significant boost to bleed damage when equipped.
Armor: Verdigris Armor – Balanced armor that provides decent protection without sacrificing mobility.
Talismans
Lord of Blood’s Exultation – Boosts attack power when blood loss occurs in the area, enhancing the Mimic Tear’s bleed potential.
Shard of Alexander – Increases weapon skill damage, enhancing your offensive capabilities.
Erdtree’s Favor – Increases HP, stamina, and equip load, ensuring you can sustain attacks and keep the pressure on Radahn.
Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman – Reduces physical damage taken, helping to survive longer in the fight.
Spells
Savage Lion’s Claw – A high-damage, aggressive spell for dealing substantial damage when Radahn is distracted by the Mimic.
Consumables
Freezing Pot – Effective for reducing Radahn’s mobility and buying you time.
Blessing of Marika – For health regeneration during battle.
Raw Meat Dumpling – Heals and boosts your health for extended battles.
Wondrous Flask
Glovewort Crystal Tear – For increasing defense during battle.
This Mimic Tear Build makes the Radahn fight much more manageable, allowing you to keep Radahn distracted while applying significant bleed damage over time. The Mimic Tear’s tanking and aggro-drawing abilities reduce your need to constantly heal or dodge, making it an ideal setup for beginners and veteran players alike.

No. 2 Elden Ring DLC Best Radahn Build: The Tanking Build
For players who prefer a more traditional approach to boss fights, the Tanking Build allows you to face Radahn head-on with minimal risk. The key to this build is the Fingerprint Stone Shield, which can be upgraded to +25 to provide massive defensive capabilities, allowing you to block even Radahn’s most punishing attacks without worrying about stamina depletion.

This build is ideal for players who prefer to focus on defensive play, letting Radahn’s minions and attacks focus on your shield while you deal with him at a safe range using a thrusting weapon.

Gear
Right-Hand Weapon: Sword Lance – A reliable thrusting weapon that allows you to poke Radahn safely while hiding behind your shield.
Left-Hand Weapon: Fingerprint Stone Shield – An upgraded shield that provides exceptional protection against Radahn’s attacks.
Helm: Iji’s Mirrorhelm – A sturdy helmet that offers defense and protection.
Armor: Crucible Tree Armor – Offers great physical damage protection, perfect for tanking Radahn’s attacks.
Hands: Godskin Apostle Bracelets
Legs: Gold Waistwrap
Talismans
Viridian Amber Medallion – Increases your stamina for better shield stamina management.
Greatshield Talisman – Increases the efficiency of your shield by reducing stamina consumption while blocking.
Erdtree’s Favor – Boosts HP, stamina, and equip load to ensure you can carry the heavy shield without sacrificing mobility.
Old Lord's Talisman – Increases duration of buffs, helping to maintain your defensive boosts for longer periods.
Spells
Golden Vow – A powerful spell that increases both damage and damage negation, critical for Radahn’s aggressive attacks.
Lord's Divine Fortification – Increases holy damage negation by 60%, perfect for Radahn’s holy damage phase in the second stage.
Scholar’s Shield – Reduces stamina damage while blocking by 35%, allowing you to hold up your defense longer.
Wondrous Flask
Greenspill Crystal Tear – Increases stamina regeneration.
Greenburst Crystal Tear – Increases stamina recovery speed, allowing for quicker guard recharges.
With the Tanking Build, you’ll be able to withstand the brunt of Radahn’s attacks while whittling down his health with your thrusting sword. By managing your stamina carefully and staying patient, you can outlast the fight and take Radahn down.

No. 3 Elden Ring DLC Best Radahn Build: The Death Knight Build
The Death Knight Build focuses on sustained damage through bleed buildup and blood affinity weapons. This build excels at applying consistent pressure on Radahn, especially during his phases where you need to close the distance and deal damage over time. Rather than relying on high-risk, high-reward strategies, the Death Knight build applies steady bleed damage that stacks up over time, helping to wear Radahn down without putting yourself in danger.

Gear
Right-Hand Weapon: Blood Backhand Blade – This weapon has blood affinity and excels in applying consistent bleed buildup.
Left-Hand Weapon: Buckler – A lightweight shield for blocking attacks and quickly recovering stamina.
Helm: Helm of Night – Increases your Arcane scaling and provides solid defense.
Armor: Armor of Night – Provides great protection while allowing for high mobility.
Hands: Gauntlets of Night
Legs: Greaves of Night
Talismans
Two-Headed Turtle Talisman – Greatly increases stamina recovery.
Golden Braid – Boosts Arcane scaling, making your bleed buildup even more effective.
Crimson Seed Talisman – Boosts HP regeneration, essential for maintaining health during prolonged fights.
Dragon Shield Talisman – Increases physical damage negation, useful for surviving Radahn’s heavy attacks.
Spells
Death’s Embrace – A spell that can significantly boost your Arcane scaling, increasing your bleed buildup.
Bestial Vitality – For self-sustain, healing over time while maintaining pressure on Radahn.
Wondrous Flask
Stonebarb Crystal Tear – Adds a stagger effect to your attacks, helping interrupt Radahn’s devastating moves.
With the Death Knight Build, you can pressure Radahn constantly with blood loss damage, ensuring that his health slowly drains even while focusing on dodging and surviving his powerful attacks.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Build for Radahn
Each of the Radahn builds presented above has its strengths, and which one you choose largely depends on your playstyle and what you’re most comfortable with. The Mimic Tear Build is ideal for players who want a safe, reliable method to defeat Radahn while focusing on aggro management and status effects. The Tanking Build is perfect for those who prefer a more defensive, methodical approach, while the Death Knight Build is for players who want to continuously apply pressure through bleed and sustained damage.

No matter which build you choose, mastering the mechanics of the Radahn fight will be key to cheap Elden Ring Items emerging victorious. Good luck, and may you conquer Radahn and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC