Conquering the Crimson Rot King: What is Radahn Weak To?
Ah, General Radahn. The colossal general of the Carian Royal Family, rider of the magnificent Leonard, and wielder of gravity-defying star-magic. Fighting him is often one of the most memorable and challenging encounters in Elden Ring. For many Tarnished, the sheer spectacle of Radahn himself, astride his trusty steed and raining down meteors, can be overwhelming. But like all formidable foes in the Lands Between, Radahn has his Achilles' heel. If you're wondering, "What is Radahn weak to?" you've come to the right place. Let's break down his vulnerabilities and how to exploit them.
Radahn's Elemental and Status Weaknesses:
While Radahn is a powerhouse, he's not completely impervious to all forms of attack. When it comes to elemental damage and status effects, he has a few notable sensitivities.
- Scarlet Rot: This is, perhaps, Radahn's most significant weakness, ironically. While he wields Scarlet Rot himself, he is surprisingly susceptible to being afflicted by it. Applying Scarlet Rot can chip away at his massive health bar over time, making the fight significantly more manageable. It's a bit like bringing a gun to a sword fight, but in this case, the gun is a festering disease.
- Frostbite: Another status effect that can be effective against Radahn is Frostbite. While it might not be as devastating as Scarlet Rot in terms of raw damage over time, Frostbite can stagger Radahn and temporarily reduce his damage output. This creates crucial windows for you to get in some heavy hits.
- Lightning Damage: Radahn doesn't have a strong resistance to Lightning damage. If your weapon or incantations deal lightning, you'll find it to be a consistently effective damage type against him.
- Magic Damage: Similarly to Lightning, Radahn is not particularly resistant to Magic damage. Sorcerers can find their spells to be quite potent in this encounter.
Radahn's Physical Vulnerabilities:
Beyond elemental and status effects, Radahn also has certain physical vulnerabilities that can be exploited, though these require more precise timing and positioning.
- Headshots/Critical Hits: Like many large enemies in Elden Ring, Radahn can be staggered, and if you manage to land a critical hit on his head when he's staggered, you'll deal a significant chunk of damage. This often involves dodging his sweeping attacks and finding an opening to get close and strike.
- Mounted Combat (Your Mount, Not His): While Radahn is a master of mounted combat, using Torrent, your spectral steed, can be a double-edged sword. However, if used strategically, Torrent can help you evade his ranged attacks, reposition quickly, and get in a few quick hits before disengaging. The key is to be mobile and not get pinned down.
What Radahn is NOT Weak To (and how to deal with it):
It's also important to know what Radahn is resistant to, so you don't waste precious Flasks and opportunities.
- Fire Damage: Radahn possesses a notable resistance to Fire damage. While you can still deal damage with fire, it will be less effective than other damage types.
- Bleed Buildup (from player): While *you* can apply status effects, Radahn himself is incredibly resistant to Bleed buildup from player attacks. Don't rely on it as your primary damage source.
- Holy Damage: Radahn shows no particular weakness to Holy damage.
Key Strategies for Exploiting Radahn's Weaknesses:
Now that we know what he's weak to, let's talk strategy.
- Embrace the Summons: The Radahn Festival is designed to have you summon NPC allies. These characters are invaluable. They draw Radahn's aggro, deal damage, and most importantly, can apply status effects like Scarlet Rot themselves. When you see a summon sign, use it! Re-summon them as they fall, and they'll continuously wear Radahn down.
- Scarlet Rot is Your Friend: If you have access to Rotten Breath incantation or any weapon with Scarlet Rot buildup (like the Antspur Staff or Rotten Greataxe), prioritize applying it. Two or three applications can significantly shorten the fight.
- Stay Mobile with Torrent: Radahn's attacks are wide-reaching and devastating. Torrent is your best friend for dodging his arrow barrages at the start of the fight and for repositioning when he unleashes his devastating AOE attacks. Learn his tells and use your speed.
- Punish the Downtime: After he finishes a particularly large attack animation, there are brief windows where he's vulnerable. Use these to get in a few hits, especially if you've managed to stagger him.
- Manage Your Flasks: This fight can be long. Conserve your Flasks of Crimson Tears and Flasks of Cerulean Tears as much as possible. The NPC summons will help with this by taking some of the pressure off.
By understanding Radahn's vulnerabilities to Scarlet Rot, Frostbite, Lightning, and Magic, and by effectively utilizing the NPC summons and your own mobility, you can overcome the Starscourage and claim your rightful place as Elden Lord. Good luck, Tarnished!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
How can I inflict Scarlet Rot on Radahn if I don't have the Rotten Breath incantation?
Several weapons and consumables can inflict Scarlet Rot. The Antspur Staff, Rotten Greataxe, or even Rotten Pots can be effective. Look for gear that has "Scarlet Rot buildup" in its description. You can also find specific Ashes of War that add Scarlet Rot buildup to your weapons.
Why is Radahn weak to Scarlet Rot even though he uses it himself?
This is a common question and often a point of confusion. The lore doesn't explicitly detail *why* he's weak to it, but it's a gameplay mechanic designed to provide a counter-strategy for players. It's a classic video game trope where an enemy who wields a powerful weapon or ability can themselves be vulnerable to it when applied by an outside force.
How do I deal with Radahn's incredibly powerful arrow attacks at the start of the fight?
The best way to deal with Radahn's opening arrow barrage is to summon the NPC allies immediately. As soon as you enter the arena, run towards the closest summon signs and activate them. While they distract him, use Torrent to gallop erratically, dodging his arrows. You can also use the debris scattered around the arena for partial cover.
Is there a specific weapon type that is better against Radahn?
While not a direct weakness, weapons that have good reach or allow for quick hit-and-run tactics can be beneficial. Weapons with innate Scarlet Rot or Frostbite buildup are also excellent choices. Ultimately, the best weapon is one you are proficient with and can reliably deal damage with during his openings.
Why does the Radahn Festival summon system work so well?
The summon system is a core mechanic designed to make the Radahn fight accessible and manageable, even for players who might struggle with soloing him. The NPCs act as distractions, deal consistent damage, and can apply status effects, effectively creating a chaotic but advantageous battlefield for the player to exploit Radahn's weaknesses.
