Strategies for Defeating Commander Gaius in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Commander Gaius is one of the mounted bosses in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree. Here’s a guide on how to defeat the rider and their armored companion.

Because Elden Ring is an open world game, players are able to utilize a horse called Torrent to traverse the vast world map, according to FromSoftware. This trusty companion can also prove useful in boss fights, such as when facing the formidable Ancient Dragon Senessax, as it allows for swift movement to close the distance and defeat your foe.

Fortunately, there are bosses who have their own mounts, like Commander Gauius who rides a massive boar into battle. The mount also brings some vulnerabilities that you can take advantage of, giving you an advantage in the fight.

Encountering Commander Gaius is a choice in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree. However, he cannot be accessed until later in the game, so there is no need to worry about facing him too early.

Commander Gaius boss fight Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree — FromSoftware/dexerto

Commander Gaius mixes physical attacks with gravity magic

Commander Gaius location

The back of the Shadow Keep dungeon is where Commander Gaius can be found. The map below indicates the precise location. The closest Site of Grace, Shadow Keep Back Gate, requires several steps to reach.

First, make your way to the Moorth Ruins, located southeast of the Shadow Keep.
In the Moorth Ruins, there is a hole in the ground that leads to an underground area. There are three Perfumers guarding this region, which you can fight or avoid at your leisure.
Continue along the path until you come across a ladder. Scale it to reach Bonny Village and gain access to its Site of Grace.
Use Torrent to jump over the nearby gap where the bridge has been cut, then cross the next bridge and unlock the Bridge Leading to the Village Site of Grace.
Ride north until you reach the Highroad Site of Grace in the Church District.
Ride even further north until you see a gap in the cliff face. Enter and you’ll eventually reach the Church District Entrance Site of Grace.
As you navigate through the flooded area, jump from house to house while evading enemies. Follow the path that leads you deeper into the Shadow Keep. Eventually, you will arrive at the Specimen Storehouse area, where you can access the Storehouse, Back Section Site of Grace.
Begin at the Site of Grace and continue west until you come across a ladder.
Stay on this path and be attentive for a hole in the wall.
Navigate through the hole and continue on the path until you arrive at the Storehouse, Loft Site of Grace.
Carefully traverse the beams and continue following the path. In the event that you come across a lift that leads to a dead end, return to the previous level, as it is necessary to keep following the path.
After a while, you will come across a wooden lift that will bring you to the base of the castle. There, you will discover the Shadow Keep, known as the Back Gate Site of Grace.
Commander Gaius can be located in the area beyond.

Commander Gaius map Shadow of the Erdtree — FromSoftware/dexerto

Commander Gaius is found behind the Shadow Keep

Tips for Defeating Commander Gaius

Phase 1

The Commander Gaius battle occurs in a vast boss arena, allowing for freedom of movement and the use of Torrent. However, it is important to note that the enemy is mounted and capable of performing powerful charge attacks, covering a significant amount of ground.

As Commander Gaius begins his approach from a distance, make sure to take advantage of the time and summon a Spirit Ash or use an item. However, be prepared to dodge as he will quickly charge towards you.

Commander Gaius is equipped with a mount that allows him to move at high speeds in a linear direction. However, he is not as agile when it comes to changing direction, unlike other bosses featured in the DLC. Additionally, his mount also makes him a prime target for attacks.

Commander Gaius utilizes a combination of sword strikes and attacks from his boar in close quarters combat. While these moves pack a powerful punch, they are also slow and obvious, making them easily avoidable for his opponents.

The issue lies in the fact that he combines certain attacks with gravity magic. This becomes apparent when his body is surrounded by crackling purple energy. Not only does gravity magic leave a painful area of effect that must be dodged, it also includes damaging ranged attacks.

To exploit Commander Gaius’ weakness, use a summon to divert his attention and then attack him from behind before defending yourself with a shield or quickly moving out of the reach of the boar’s counter attack. This initial stage is straightforward, but be prepared to dodge twice when his attacks turn purple.

Commander Gauis phase 2 Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree — FromSoftware/dexerto

Commander Gaius ramps up the gravity magic use in Phase 2

Phase Two

Once the boss’s health reaches 50%, he will transform into a Super Saiyan and cover himself in purple energy. Commander Gaius will then use a meteor attack similar to Radahn’s, leaping into the air and crashing down. This move can be difficult to anticipate, as he disappears from view. It is important to not only dodge immediately when he lands, but also to continue dodging, as the attack unleashes a series of gravity shockwaves.

During Phase 2, Commander Gaius will unleash multi-part gravity blasts that can be avoided with proper maneuvering. It is important to be mindful of the number of attacks you engage in. Additionally, he may use a powerful single ball of gravity magic, but this move is clearly signaled beforehand.

Your strategy should stay consistent – stay close to his boar’s hindquarters, land a few strikes, and retreat. His level of aggression is not as overwhelming as that of someone like Messmer the Impaler, making it relatively easy to handle. The fact that you have plenty of space and access to Torrent also allows for a safe retreat to use healing potions if necessary.

NPC Allies

The Commander Gaius boss battle does not offer any NPC ally summons, but you can still summon Spirit Ashes during the battle.

Commander Gaius Rewards

Victory over Commander Gaius will result in the following rewards:

230,000 Runes
Remembrance of the Wild Boar Rider

The Sword Lance weapon or the Blades of Stone Sorcery can be obtained at the Roundtable Hold in exchange for the Remembrance of the Wild Boar Rider.

Commander Gaius weaknesses

Commander Gaius is particularly vulnerable to fire and frost damage. In comparison to other bosses in Elden Ring, he has a larger hitbox and slower response time.

Therefore, he is highly vulnerable to frost, poison, and scarlet rot, providing you with numerous chances to attack before he retaliates. This approach is especially effective when using the Mimic Tear summon.

Are you planning on diving into Shadow of the Erdtree? Read on to discover our thoughts on the expansion after extensively exploring the Shadow Lands. And if you’re having trouble locating a particular enemy, we have compiled a convenient list of all the boss locations in Shadow of the Erdtree.