The formidable dragon Bayle the Dread in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree takes inspiration from some of the most terrifying creatures in fiction. Here’s a guide on how to defeat this fiery beast.
Bayle the Dread bears a strong resemblance to the Balrog featured in The Lord of the Rings, specifically the version depicted in the Peter Jackson films. In addition to possessing comparable abilities to manipulate fire and wielding a massive flaming sword, the only divergence is that this colossal tyrant has not forgotten how to utilize his wings – and employs them effectively.
This is an optional boss in Shadow of the Erdtree, so those who are more reserved can choose not to face it. Beating this boss is not necessary to finish the game’s story. However, one may question whether they can truly be the Elden Lord while such a formidable endgame boss remains undefeated.
Bayle can use his fire breath to attack from across the arena
Bayle the Dread location
Bayle can be located in the Jagged Peaks, situated in the eastern region of the Shadow Realm. You will encounter Bayle after you have successfully defeated the Ancient Dragon Senessax and continued further along the path.
Bayle the Dread is faced after defeating Ancient Dragon Senessax.
Strategies for Defeating Bayle the Dread
Bayle is weak against Frost damage! If you possess Sorceries that inflict this type of damage, or if you have a fully upgraded Icerind Hatchet, these should be your preferred weapons. Make sure to also bring any gear or items that provide protection against Fire or Lightning damage. Bayle frequently employs these elements in battle.
Bayle’s offensive maneuvers can be effectively countered by using a shield. By utilizing a shield, both its tail attack and headbutt can be safely absorbed without depleting your health, as long as you have enough stamina.
Phase 1
The most secure way to attack Bayle is from behind. This is particularly effective if you have a summon on the field to divert its attention. Make an effort to position yourself behind Bayle and begin attacking it with Frost attacks. Hitting from this angle will also provide ample space to avoid the downward fire breath attack.
To evade all other attacks, simply dodge at the last moment. When the red lightning is fired, repeatedly rolling in any direction will prevent harm.
Summoning does not immediately activate. If you attempt to use a summon immediately upon entering Bayle’s boss chamber, your character will display a perplexed expression. A few moments must pass before the game can catch up and allow you to successfully summon. This delay gives Bayle an opportunity to attack you with its fiery breath.
Although Bayle’s tail is not accurately modeled, it still allows you to walk through it. Surprisingly, this can be advantageous as it allows for quicker access to Bayle’s back, which is the ideal spot for stabbing.
The visuals for Bayle’s fire attacks have inconsistent AoE, which is especially apparent in its breath attack that travels in a straight line. This requires you to dodge at the very last moment and rely on luck for a successful evasion.
As soon as you spot Bayle’s downward fire breath, make sure to swiftly run or dodge roll in a direction that leads away from the center of the blast. With some luck, you’ll manage to evade any potential damage.
If you initiate an attack, you will inevitably get struck. If your stamina is low, you will also get hit. Even if there is an obstacle in the way, you will still get hit. And even if you execute everything flawlessly, there may still be times when you get hit.
Bayle summons fire and lightning during its second phase
Phase Two
Once you have successfully worn Bayle down, it will enter its second phase and come to a stop. This is when lava and lightning will start to build up around it. To avoid taking damage, quickly move away from Bayle as soon as it enters this phase. However, if you have enough health and potions to spare, you can take advantage of this moment to attack Bayle while it is frozen and inflict additional damage.
Bayle will perform a jump and unleash a series of fireballs that will be aimed at you. You quickly react by rolling out of harm’s way. However, be prepared to dodge once more when Bayle lands, and be prepared to dodge again if you are in close proximity, as molten lava may erupt from the ground. (Note that there may be occasional glitches where the fireballs do not appear.)
As the second phase begins, the creature will continue to unleash a barrage of magma and fire with each attack, causing its attack chains to last longer. Therefore, it is crucial to be prepared to perform a double-dodge following each attack.
Similar to the first phase, it is important to focus on getting behind Bayle and avoiding attacks as much as possible. This boss is known to be one of the toughest in Shadow of the Erdtree and may have some glitches, but with perseverance, you will eventually emerge victorious, like Gandalf triumphing over the Balrog on the mountainside.
NPC allies
During the Bayle battle, you have the option to enlist the help of an NPC summon for basic assistance. As you make your way to the Jagged Peaks and defeat the two battling dragons, you will come across a wounded NPC named Igon who will call out to you after the dragons have been slain. Speak to him and he will offer you his aid and suggest summoning him during the Bayle battle. For more information on Igon and Bayle, you can speak to the Dragon Priestess at the Grand Alter of Dragon Communion located at the NPC.
Once you have defeated Ancient Dragon Sesserax, your next task will be ascending the Jagged Peaks in order to meet Bayle. As you make your way, you may come across two Jagged Peak Drakes engaged in a fierce battle. It would be wise to wait for them to weaken each other before intervening and defeating them.
To unlock Igon’s help, you simply need to defeat one Jagged Peak Drake. Once you have defeated it, Igon will appear on the path leading further up. Speak to him and he will give you his finger, which will allow you to summon him near the entrance of Bayle’s arena. Unfortunately, Peter, Ray, and Winston are not currently available to assist you.
Igon will spawn after a Jagged Peak Drake is slain
Bayle the Dread rewards
Upon defeating Bayle the Dread, you will receive:
- 490,000 Runes
- Heart of Bayle
The Grand Altar of Dragon Communion allows for the exchange of The Heart of Bayle for either Bayle’s Flame Lightning or Bayle’s Tyranny.
Are you about to start playing Shadow of the Erdtree? Read our thoughts on the expansion after dedicating countless hours to exploring the Shadow Lands.
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