Bayle the Dread: Defeating Elden Ring's Epic Dragon Boss
Bayle the Dread is one of the most formidable bosses introduced in the Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree. This dragon stands out not only for its devastating attacks but also for the strategic challenge it poses. In this guide, we’ll explore how to locate, prepare for, and ultimately defeat Bayle the Dread.
Location: Finding Bayle the Dread
Bayle the Dread is located at the Jagged Peak Summit. To reach him, start from the Gravesite Plain Site of Grace, then proceed eastward through the Dragon’s Pit Dungeon. Once you’ve navigated the dungeon, you’ll reach the summit where Bayle awaits.
Preparing for Battle: Bayle's Weaknesses
To effectively fight Bayle, you need to account for his weaknesses and resistances. Like most dragon bosses in Elden Ring, Bayle is highly resistant to most status effects like poison, scarlet rot, and hemorrhage. However, he is vulnerable to weapons that deal extra damage to dragons and frostbite.
Some of the recommended tools for this fight include the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana, which can deal significant damage, and the powerful Ancient Dragon Lightning Strike spell. Don’t forget to boost your defense against fire and lightning by equipping the Flamedrake Talisman and using Fireproof Dried Liver before the battle.
Phase 1: Combating Bayle’s Fire and Lightning
Bayle the Dread begins the fight with a series of powerful attacks, including fire breath and lightning strikes. He alternates between these and physical attacks like bites and stomps, which can deal massive damage.
The key strategy in the first phase is to stay close to Bayle’s body and dodge-roll under him to avoid the lightning strikes from above. This gives you an opportunity to land heavy attacks, especially after he finishes a combo. Make sure to avoid his wide-area attacks by moving away and timing your rolls perfectly.
Phase 2: Bayle Unleashes His Full Power
When Bayle’s health drops below 50%, the battle enters its second phase. His attacks become more aggressive, and he uses area-of-effect stomps that can easily one-shot unprepared players. Additionally, Bayle starts to use a devastating combination of fire and lightning breath attacks that spread across the battlefield.
To survive this phase, keep close to Bayle’s body, but be cautious of his enhanced attacks. Use the Ancient Dragon Lightning Strike spell under him whenever possible, as it deals considerable damage. You’ll also need to dodge his new stomps and breath attacks carefully to avoid being caught in the spread.
Summons and Allies: Igon and Mimic Tear
During the battle, you can summon allies to help you fight Bayle. One of the most useful summons is Igon, whose questline ties directly to Bayle. He can act as a distraction, drawing Bayle’s attention and giving you the chance to land critical hits.
Additionally, using the Mimic Tear Ashes is a great strategy, as the summon can copy your build and help apply extra pressure on the boss. By utilizing both Igon and the Mimic Tear, you can focus on dealing damage while they absorb Bayle’s attacks.
Rewards and Conclusion
Once you defeat Bayle the Dread, you will be rewarded with 490,000 runes and the valuable Heart of Bayle, which can be used to unlock powerful dragon-related abilities such as Bayle's Flame of Lightning.
Bayle is one of the most challenging yet rewarding bosses in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, offering players a truly epic encounter. With the right strategy, preparation, and use of summons, you can conquer this fearsome dragon and claim your rewards.
