Tips for Defeating Ancient Dragon Senessax in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

The DLC of Elden Ring features the Shadow Realm, where many menacing wyrms reside, including the powerful Ancient Dragon Senessax. This guide will help you defeat this malicious creature in its own domain.

The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring is designed for advanced players. Therefore, one should prepare for encountering the most formidable and vicious creatures ever created by FromSoftware. Among them, the Ancient Dragon Senessax stands out as one of the most colossal enemies in the game, posing numerous challenges for the player.

While defeating the Ancient Dragon Senessax is not necessary to finish the DLC, it is an optional boss. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth confronting this dragon as it yields numerous Runes and valuable items.

Elden Ring Ancient Dragon Senessax Shadow of the Erdtree Far
FromSoftware

Ancient Dragon Senessax is helped by the awful camera

Ancient Dragon Senessax Location

To locate Ancient Dragon Senessax, you will need to journey to the Site of Grace Waypoint on Pillar Path. As you make your way, you will hear distressed cries. Continue along this route until you reach the Dragon’s Pit, and then venture through the dungeon until you reach the final destination: Dragon’s Pit Terminus.

If you continue along the path through the mountains, you will eventually come upon a sleeping white dragon in the distance. This dragon is none other than Ancient Dragon Senessax, and once you approach it, the fight will commence.

Elden Ring Ancient Dragon Senessax Shadow of the Erdtree Map
FromSoftware

Ancient Dragon Senessax is found in the Jagged Peak.

Guide to Defeating the Ancient Dragon Senessax

Upon sighting the Ancient Dragon Senessax, it is possible to summon a spirit. As long as you do not approach the wyrm, it will remain asleep during the summoning process. This allows for the opportunity to summon a mimic, heal, and apply any buffs you may have.

During the Ancient Dragon Senessax fight, you have the option to utilize Torrent. This ability can assist in covering the initial distance, however, due to Ancient Dragon Senessax’s agility, Torrent’s effects may not last for long on the horse.

The key aspect to keep in mind about Ancient Dragon Senessax is its high mobility as a boss. Due to its large size, it is crucial to remember that the camera can be a hindrance in this battle. It is recommended to unlock when approaching for an attack to avoid missing your strikes.

It should be noted that, in contrast to other DLC bosses such as Messmer the Impaler, this particular boss does not have a second phase. The battle remains consistent throughout, so there is no need to be concerned about any unexpected power boosts when it reaches 50% health.

Ancient Dragon Senessax Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Spear
FromSoftware

Ancient Dragon Senessax mixes melee with energy attacks.

The powerful Ancient Dragon Senessax utilizes its claws to attack, and what makes it even more dangerous is that its strikes have an area of effect that encompasses the entire surrounding area after the initial hit. Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to dodge both the initial attack and the ensuing shockwave. With practice, this can be easily accomplished, as long as you do not panic and roll away. Keep in mind that the dragon typically performs 2-4 consecutive strikes.

As part of its moves, Ancient Dragon Senessax will repeatedly strike the ground. Simply avoid the first strike by watching carefully and prepare to dodge the second strike based on its sound.

As a typical dragon, Senessax is capable of breathing fire. This greatly benefits you. When the boss utilizes this ability, quickly move towards its tail and begin attacking. Not only will you be able to land numerous hits, but you will also be safe from the flames while the boss is performing the move.

Ancient Dragon Senessax possesses two different aerial attacks: a dive and a fire breath. In both cases, it is recommended to charge towards the boss! If it performs the dive attack, you will be able to avoid it by running past the boss. And if it uses the fire breath, you will be out of the attack’s area of effect and in position to attack when it lands.

Additionally, it possesses the ability to perform a tail swipe and generate a spear of energy which it hurls towards the ground. While these attacks are powerful, they are clearly indicated and simple to evade.

When targeting an opponent, it is most effective to aim for the hind legs and the base of the tail. The head is often out of reach and the front legs are frequently used for attacking. However, the hind legs are usually more stationary, allowing for multiple strikes before the opponent can counter.

The powerful Ancient Dragon Senessax is capable of generating a gust of wind by flapping its wings. Fortunately, this will simply cause you to fall and not cause any harm. In fact, if you time your jump correctly during the initial impact, you can successfully avoid the final blast and use the opportunity to attack or heal yourself.

Like all Shadow of the Erdtree DLC bosses, this boss is known for its aggressive nature, constant movement, and tendency to punish players for attempting to heal at a risky moment. However, due to its larger size, it may actually be one of the more manageable bosses, providing ample opportunities to strike.

Once you have learned how to dodge its punch>AoE attack, you will have figured out 90% of Ancient Dragon Senessax’s abilities. The remaining skills will come naturally.

Ancient Dragon Sennesax Rewards

After successfully defeating Ancient Dragon Senessax, you will receive:

  • 200,000 Runes
  • Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone
  • Somber Dragon Smithing Stone

Regrettably, the magnificent dragon is not the sole adversary you will encounter in Jagged Peaks. As you continue on your journey, you will encounter Bayle the Dread.

If you’re about to delve into Shadow of the Erdtree, take a look at our opinions on the expansion. We spent countless hours exploring the Shadow Lands and have some thoughts to share.

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