How to Beat Messmer the Impaler in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree poster-child Messmer The Impaler is no pushover. Here’s how to beat Messmer in Elden Ring.

How to Beat Messmer in Elden Ring

Fighting Messmer in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree will require some preparation, and while you can do the old-fashioned method of learning the fight to dodge every move and slowly wear down his health, we’d suggest entering the battle primed for victory.

The Best Weapons to Counter Messmer in Elden Ring

Messmer is vulnerable to magic attacks so using them will allow you to break his stance and deal critical blows much easier. I like to play melee builds, so for me, magic wasn’t going to be as easy as using a staff. However, using Ashes of War worked perfectly for me. The best one I found was Glintblade Phalanx and Carian Sovereignty, but any magic attack is going to be helpful, so go with what you’ve got.

Another weapon type that will demolish the boss is bleed, like Bloodhound’s Fang or Beast Claw. Weapons with high amounts of bleed melt Messmer’s health, so these can be the best option for players who prefer melee over ranged. A great setup can be a weapon that uses bleed alongside the Lord of Blood’s Exultation talisman.

Most of Messmer’s damage comes from fire attacks so it is preferable to choose armor that has good resistance to this type. How heavy this armor is will depend on your build, but medium is optimal to ensure you still can roll out of Messmer’s attacks. Firedrake Talisman +3, found in Fort Retaliation, can also help you negate fire damage.

What Moves Does Messmer Use in Phase One?

• Jumping Fireball
• Floating Fireball
• Fireball Grab (Lethal)
• Close Range Spear Swipes and Pokes

During phase one, Messmer has a handful of attacks. He will usually open by launching himself into the air and charging a ball of fire before crashing to the ground at your location. This can be easily avoided by rolling through the moment he is about to make an impact, but be sure to roll away from his location a second time, as he will detonate his flame shortly after he lands.

Messmer can sometimes lift his hand in the air and create a ball of fire. If this ball of fire floats off on its own, be ready to roll as it will be shortly firing in your direction. But if Messmer starts to run towards you with the fireball in his hand, you must sprint away from him or get ready to time a roll just as he goes to grab you. This grab move is an instant kill, even with quite a bit of health so you must avoid it at all costs.

Outside of these abilities, Messmer’s phase one kit is generally simple. You’ll want to roll through his swiping combinations, and to the side of his spear jabs. If he crashes to the ground at the end of a combination, you must be prepared to roll away, as the ground can be detonated after impact.

Use the openings after his combinations to charge in and deal damage or activate your magic from a distance.

What Moves Does Messmer Use in Phase Two

• Snake Smash
• Dark Pool
• Snake Strikes
• Snake Dash
• Close-range Spear Swipes and Pokes

Once you reach phase two, the Messmer fight gets a little easier. Opening this phase will be his giant snake smash. This move is almost the same as his initial opening attack, but thanks to the giant snake, it is easier to time. Roll away from his impact, and then again before it detonates. There is a small window after this to deal damage so be prepared to rush in and land a few blows.

From here, Messmer has a few new attacks, which include a dark pool that can be created on the ground. This deals big damage so you escape the zone before it is detonated. He can also use giant snakes to strike you from a distance or become one himself to dash in and quickly close the distance, dealing big damage. All of these snake attacks can be timed and rolled through.

Outside of these new moves, the kit stays mostly the same so you can stick to the same method as phase one and easily claim your Embers of Messmer.

How to Beat Messmer Easily

If you’re truly stuck against Messmer in Elden Ring, then you can always use the help of the Mimic Tear ashes. This spirit is perfect to take aggro from Messmer, allowing you to use magical attacks from a distance. Unlike NPC summons, Mimic Tear won’t buff Messmer,’s health so you’ll be able to take him out at the same pace as you would without the ashes.

Of course, there is always the option to summon other players (and even the Hornsent if you’re doing his quest) but just be warned. Fighting Messmer with additional health can be more trouble than it’s worth, so we’d suggest sticking to Mimic Tear if you can.

Messmer’s Drop Rewards in Elden Ring

• Messmer The Impaler Remembrance
• Messmer’s Kindling
• 400,000 Runes
• Armor Set (Available at Roundtable Hold)

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is available now.