Taking on Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, is a thrilling experience in Elden Ring, but preparation is key to coming out victorious. To help you succeed, this guide will walk you through the recommended level for the Rykard fight, stat suggestions, weapon recommendations, and strategies for surviving the unique challenges this boss presents.
Recommended Level for the Rykard Fight
Based on the game’s difficulty scaling and community feedback, the recommended level to fight Rykard is around 60–80. This range takes into account the challenges presented by both phases of the boss fight and allows you to effectively utilize the Serpent-Hunter weapon (essential for the encounter).
While it’s possible to enter the fight slightly under-leveled, struggling players may benefit from leveling up to the higher end of this range.
Stat Recommendations
Your stat allocation plays a huge role in this fight. Here’s what we suggest for optimal performance:
- Vigor: Aim for at least 25–30 to ensure you can absorb a few hits, especially during Rykard’s explosive attacks in phase two.
- Endurance: Around 15–20 is plenty to manage stamina consumption for dodging and using the Serpent-Hunter.
- Strength/Dexterity: Place enough points to handle other weapons you’re using. The Serpent-Hunter scales independently in this fight, so minimal Strength/Dexterity investment is fine.
Essential Weapons and Tools for Rykard
Serpent-Hunter Weapon
The Serpent-Hunter weapon, found near the boss arena, is the definitive tool for this fight. It gains unique properties against Rykard and his God-Devouring Serpent form, allowing you to deal significant damage regardless of its upgrade level.
Ashes of War
Pairing the right Ashes of War with a good shield will make all the difference:
- Barricade Shield Ash of War: Great for blocking Rykard’s melee strikes and reducing stamina damage when you block.
- Quickstep or Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War (if on another weapon): Helps you reposition quickly, particularly during Rykard’s dangerous area-of-effect attacks in phase two.
Spirit Ash Summons
Summons can provide crucial support by distracting Rykard and dealing damage. Consider the following Spirit Ashes for this fight:
- Mimic Tear: An exceptional summon that mirrors your character and can help deal consistent damage.
- Banished Knight Oleg: Durable and aggressive, great for drawing Rykard’s attention.
Dodging and Strategy Tips for Rykard’s Fight
Phase One: The God-Devouring Serpent
The first phase involves the God-Devouring Serpent. Here’s what you need to know:
- Stay at Medium Range: The Serpent-Hunter has good reach, so don’t stay too close. Avoid stepping into the magma pools scattered across the battlefield.
- Watch for the Grab Attack: The serpent telegraphs this move by roaring and opening its mouth wide. Back away immediately.
- Poison Breath: When you see poison smoke beginning to form around the serpent’s mouth, reposition to avoid the area.
Spam light attacks with the Serpent-Hunter from a safe range until you deplete the serpent’s health bar and move to phase two.
Phase Two: Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy
This phase reveals Rykard’s true form and ups the difficulty. Here’s how to stay alive:
- Look for Attack Cues: Rykard’s sword slam and sweep attacks are slow but wide. Time your rolls carefully, as there’s often a slight delay before the attack lands.
- Deal with Spells: His explosive spells are predictable but deadly. Watch for fire formation around him, and dodge outward when tracking magic orbs appear.
- Avoid the Red Magic Cloud: The worst-case scenario is the cloud of homing spells that Rykard summons. If these appear, run or dodge continuously to avoid being hit. Rest between dodging bursts to prevent stamina depletion.
Stick to the same medium-range strategy from phase one, dealing consistent damage with the Serpent-Hunter and avoiding unnecessary risks.
The Risks of Being Under-Leveled
Facing Rykard at a significantly lower level than recommended is technically possible but comes with challenges:
- Low Vigor: You’ll likely be one-shotted by some of his bigger attacks.
- Lower Stamina: You’ll struggle to dodge consecutively, especially during phase two.
- Longer Fight Duration: Dealing reduced damage extends the fight, leaving more room for error.
If you’re struggling due to low stats, consider farming runes in areas like Altus Plateau or the Volcano Manor region to level up before reattempting the fight.
Alternative Strategies if You’re Struggling
If you’re finding the fight too difficult, here are a few things to try:
- Upgrade the Serpent-Hunter: While not essential at lower levels, upgrading the Serpent-Hunter with Somber Smithing Stones boosts its damage significantly.
- Use Buffs: Items like Golden Vow (incantation) and Flame, Grant Me Strength can temporarily enhance your damage output.
- Summon a Cooperator: Elden Ring’s multiplayer lets you summon other Tarnished who’ve mastered the fight to assist you.
- Experiment with Spirit Summons: Try different Spirit Ash summons like Latenna the Albinauric, who can deal damage from a safe distance.
Wrapping Up
Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, is a boss battle that combines spectacle with strategy, offering one of Elden Ring’s most memorable encounters. At the recommended level of 60–80, with the right preparation, gear, and strategy, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.
Still struggling? Don’t hesitate to take a break and experiment with your loadout or summons. Defeating Rykard is incredibly rewarding, and the Remembrance of the Blasphemous and Rykard’s Great Rune are worth the effort.
Good luck, Tarnished. May your blade strike true.
Interested in learning more about Elden Ring bosses and strategies? Check out our guide to Volcano Manor and conquer the Lands Between (link)
