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

Boss Overview

Location: Shadow Keep, Scadu Altus

Recommended Level: 158+

Runes Reward: 400,000

Drops: Remembrance of the Impaler, Messmer’s Kindling 

Preparation: Gear and Resistances

Messmer employs a combination of fire-based attacks and rapid spear strikes. To mitigate damage:

Fire Resistance: Equip the Flamedrake Talisman +3 and consume Fireproof Dried Liver. The Flame, Protect Me incantation further bolsters fire defense. 

Physical Damage Boost: Use Golden Vow and Flame, Grant Me Strength incantations to enhance physical attack power.

Status Effects: Messmer is susceptible to bleed, frostbite, and scarlet rot. Weapons or spells inflicting these statuses can expedite the battle. 

Spirit Ashes: Summon the Mimic Tear Ashes at +10 and Hornsent (if available) to divert Messmer's attention and provide openings for attacks. 

Phase One: Human Form

Upon entering the arena, Messmer initiates combat with a fiery orb explosion.

Opening Attack: Messmer ascends, forming a flaming orb, then crashes down, causing an explosion. Dodge the initial impact, pause briefly, then dodge again to avoid the delayed blast. 

Spear Combos: He employs swift spear slashes and thrusts. Dodge timing is crucial; often, dodging into the attack can be more effective than away.

Fire Attacks: Messmer integrates fire into his spear strikes, expanding their range and damage. Maintain mid-range distance to anticipate and react to these attacks.

Grab Move: When his hand glows with flame, he's preparing a deadly grab that inflicts massive damage. The wind-up is delayed; time your dodge carefully to evade. 

Phase Two: Serpent Form

At half health, Messmer transforms, gaining new abilities.

Snake Dive: He morphs into a serpent and dives at you up to three times. Dodge forward or sideways to avoid. After the sequence, he is vulnerable—capitalize on this window to deal damage. 

Snake Summons: Messmer summons giant snakes that attack sequentially. When this begins, retreat and roll to the right to evade. 

Enhanced Fire Attacks: His fire-based abilities become more aggressive. Continue to monitor his patterns and maintain pressure during openings.

Combat Tips

Aggression: Maintain offensive pressure, especially during his recovery phases. Hesitation can lead to missed opportunities.

Summons: Utilize Spirit Ashes to distract Messmer, allowing you to heal or prepare powerful attacks.

Status Effects: Incorporate weapons or spells that inflict bleed, frostbite, or scarlet rot to exploit his weaknesses.

Dodging: Learn the timing of his delayed attacks. Patience and precise dodging are key to survival.

Post-Battle Rewards

Defeating Messmer grants the Remembrance of the Impaler, which can be exchanged for unique weapons or spells, and Messmer’s Kindling, essential for progressing in the DLC storyline. 

By understanding Messmer's attack patterns, preparing appropriately, and cheap Elden Ring Runes maintaining strategic aggression, you can overcome one of Elden Ring's most challenging foes.