How to Defeat the Divine Beast Dancing Lion in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

“The highly anticipated DLC for Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree, features a number of challenging boss encounters, including the formidable Divine Beast Dancing Lion. Here’s a guide on how to defeat this first major boss in the DLC.”

The first boss we encountered in the Shadow of the Erdtree trailer for Elden Ring was Divine Beast Dancing Lion. It also holds the distinction of being the primary boss in the Legacy Dungeon, making the battle a necessary part of the game’s progression. This means that the Dancing Lion must be defeated before the story can continue.

Despite its ferocity, the fearsome beast refuses to go down easily. Nevertheless, there are effective tactics that can be employed to defeat this formidable opponent. Read on to discover how to emerge victorious against the Divine Beast Dancing Lion in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree.

Redmane Freyja is a useful ally against the Dancing Lion

How to Find Divine Beast Dancing Lion

Locating the Dancing Lion in Shadow of the Erdtree is quite simple, as you only need to advance through the initial Legacy Dungeon, also referred to as Belurat, Tower Settlement, until you reach the ultimate arena.

During your journey through the dungeon, you may encounter a grumpy elderly woman. Upon discovering the Dancing Lion, she will awaken it and incite it to attack you. This event is unalterable and cannot be altered.

The positive aspect is that after speaking with some of the NPCs from the Followers of Miquella and exhausting their dialogue, you will have the ability to call upon two of them for assistance during the boss battle.

Please note, summoning NPC allies will provide a buff to Divine Beast Dancing Lion, making it a formidable force. However, a team consisting of two characters, your Spirit Summons, and yourself will also prove to be a strong combination against a single formidable opponent.

Tips for Defeating Divine Beast Dancing Lion

The Dancing Lion is a skilled master of the elements, moving at incredible speeds. During battle, it unleashes a barrage of attacks including lightning, wind, and frost, making it a formidable opponent. Those who struggle with frostbite may benefit from using a consumable or Talisman to protect against it.

One effective strategy for avoiding the Dancing Lion’s attacks is to have an NPC or a Spirit Summon divert its attention, allowing you to take advantage of openings while its back is turned. Rolling towards the Lion can also help you evade many of its attacks. Additionally, staying close to the beast is a useful tactic for avoiding most of its projectiles. This also gives you time to prepare for a counter while the Lion is busy with its follow-up attacks. Every now and then, the Dancing Lion may rear up and snap at the air before grabbing for a powerful attack. Fortunately, it will clearly signal this move, making it easy to dodge. However, if it does manage to connect, it can be fatal.

The creature also has a second attack where it rises up and releases a shower of debris. While this attack may be annoying, it is not as deadly and can be blocked, rolled through, or avoided. Pay attention to the creature’s mouth movements to distinguish between the two attacks. Keep in mind that the first and most perilous attack has a longer wind-up time.

You’ll get the Dancing Lion’s oversized head as a reward for killing it.

Divine Lion phase 2

When Divine Beast Dancing Lion’s health drops to 50%, it will enter its second phase. During this phase, it will alternate between different elements approximately every minute. Although its attacks will become more hazardous, it will signal these changes by momentarily levitating, allowing you to take advantage and attack.

By observing the Lion’s appearance, you will be able to anticipate its movements and actions. During its lighting phase, evade its attacks by rolling away, and counter its wind attacks by rolling through and seizing the opportunity to strike. If the boss is within range, you can leap over its ice attacks and perform a jumping strike for additional damage.

When the Dancing Lion’s health reaches a critical point, it will become desperate and resort to using its Triple Element Attack in an attempt to defeat you. Simply continue using the same tactics as before and remain composed, as the Lion is close to being defeated at this stage.

The Dancing Lion is vulnerable to both Hemorrhage and Scarlett Rot. Utilizing a build that inflicts bleeding and other status ailments can expedite the battle by dealing additional damage. As a reward for defeating the Dancing Lion, players can obtain the Dancing Lion’s Head helm and its Remembrance, which can be brought back to the Roundtable Hold.

Interested in diving into Shadow of the Erdtree? Read on to discover our thoughts on the expansion after thoroughly exploring the Shadow Lands for countless hours.