As I prepare for Elden Ring: Nightreign's upcoming release in 2025, I've been revisiting the punishing landscapes of the original game. Three years after its groundbreaking release, Elden Ring still stands as the game that revolutionized Soulsborne by introducing open-world freedom to a genre previously defined by linear brutality. Remember those days when you'd get stuck on a boss for hours? In Elden Ring, you can just... walk away. Explore. Level up. Come back stronger. What a concept!

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But before we dive into Nightreign's new horrors, I thought it would be fun (read: masochistic) to revisit the most difficult bosses in Limgrave that made me question my gaming skills and life choices. I mean, what better way to prepare for new trauma than by reliving the old ones, right?

The Deceptively Difficult: Erdtree Avatar

Located in the Weeping Peninsula Minor Erdtree, this hulking tree guardian was my first real "what have I gotten myself into" moment in Elden Ring. With its massive health pool and devastating staff attacks that could two-shot my pathetic early-game character, this fight was a rude awakening.

The worst part? Those irritating little minions that surround the tree. I can't count how many times I'd be perfectly dodging the Avatar's attacks only to get caught on a pot or staggered by some random enemy I didn't see.

Despite yielding 4,500 runes (which seemed like a fortune back then), this boss taught me the first rule of Elden Ring: just because you can fight something doesn't mean you should. At least not yet.

The Intimidating Dragon: Flying Terror Agheel

When I first wandered into Dragon-Burnt Ruins and triggered this encounter, I nearly dropped my controller. A DRAGON? THIS EARLY?

Flying Agheel is a massive beast with an equally massive health bar, and those fire breath attacks still haunt my dreams. The 5,000 runes reward felt like a distant fantasy as I died repeatedly, sometimes before even getting a single hit in.

The game designers must have had a good laugh placing this monster so close to the starting area. It's like they're saying, "Welcome to Elden Ring! Here's a dragon. Good luck!"

But here's a pro tip I wish I'd known earlier: Torrent is essential for this fight. Trying to battle Agheel on foot is like trying to swat a fly with a sledgehammer while wearing roller skates.

The Annoying Duo: Demi-Human Chiefs

Oh, how I hate gank fights. The Coastal Cave's Demi-Human Chiefs aren't particularly impressive on their own, but throw in a horde of minions constantly interrupting your attacks, and you've got a recipe for controller-throwing frustration.

What makes this fight particularly annoying is the resource management. Do I waste my limited flask charges on these minions? Do I try to isolate one chief? Do I just run around screaming (both in-game and in real life)?

For only 1,200 runes, this fight feels like highway robbery. But the satisfaction of finally taking down both chiefs? chef's kiss Worth it.

The Speed Demon: Leonine Misbegotten

Located in Castle Morne, this fast and furious beast gave me serious whiplash. The Leonine Misbegotten isn't the largest boss, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with SPEED and AGGRESSION.

With its rapid slashes and minimal recovery windows, this fight feels like trying to read a book while someone repeatedly slaps it out of your hands. Just when you think you have an opening to heal or attack, NOPE! Here comes another combo.

The 3,800 runes reward feels meager compared to the emotional damage this boss inflicts. But I will say, mastering this fight made me a better player overall. Sometimes the smallest bosses teach the biggest lessons.

The Contortionist Nightmare: Ulcerated Tree Spirit

Hidden in the Fringefolk Hero's Grave, this twisted abomination is the stuff of nightmares. With its erratic movements and distorted shape, reading its attacks is like trying to predict where a drunk octopus will swing next.

What makes this fight particularly brutal is how relentless it is. There's barely any downtime to catch your breath or heal, and its arena isn't exactly spacious. Plus, its fire attacks can melt through your health bar faster than ice cream on a summer day.

But the 15,000 runes? Now we're talking! Though I still question if any amount of runes is worth the psychological trauma this boss inflicts.

The Gatekeeper: Margit the Fell Omen

Ah, Margit. The first major roadblock for many players, myself included. Found in Stormveil Castle, this boss is a masterclass in "git gud or go home."

With his varied attack patterns, delayed swings, and surprising agility for his size, Margit feels like the game's way of saying, "The tutorial's over, kid." His ability to switch between close-range hammer smashes and long-range magical daggers keeps you constantly on edge.

The 12,000 runes reward is nice, but the real prize is the satisfaction of finally overcoming this hurdle. And let's be honest, how many of us summoned Rogier or used the Margit's Shackle item? No judgment here!

The Early Game Wall: Tree Sentinel

Found right on the road to the Church of Elleh, the Tree Sentinel is Elden Ring's way of teaching you its most important lesson: sometimes, retreat is the better part of valor.

This golden-armored horseman patrols innocently enough, but engage him at your own peril. His massive health pool, hard-hitting attacks, and annoying mobility make him an absolute nightmare for fresh characters.

For a measly 3,200 runes, this fight feels like a trap designed specifically to humble overconfident players (like myself). I must have died to this guy twenty times before I finally admitted defeat and came back 10 levels later.

The Ultimate Challenge: Godrick the Grafted

The big boss of Limgrave, Godrick the Grafted is a true test of everything you've learned so far. Found at the end of Stormveil Castle, this multi-limbed monstrosity is as grotesque as he is difficult.

His first phase is challenging enough, but when he grafts that dragon head onto his arm in phase two? That's when the real fun begins! His fire breath can cover half the arena, and his grab attacks are basically one-hit kills for under-leveled players.

The 20,000 rune reward feels appropriate given the challenge, and defeating a shardbearer is always a significant milestone. But more than the runes, beating Godrick gives you that "I can actually do this" confidence that carries you into the next region.

Final Thoughts: Why Do We Do This To Ourselves?

Looking back at these bosses, I have to wonder: why do we willingly subject ourselves to this punishment? Is there something wrong with us Soulsborne players? Do we enjoy pain? Or is it the sweet, sweet dopamine rush of finally overcoming these seemingly impossible challenges?

As I prepare for Elden Ring: Nightreign, I find myself oddly nostalgic for these brutal encounters. They shaped me as a player, taught me patience, and gave me some of my most memorable gaming moments.

What about you? Which Limgrave boss gave you the most trouble? And more importantly, are we all ready for whatever new nightmares FromSoftware has in store for us in Nightreign?

Because let's be honest – no matter how brutal it is, we'll be there on day one, ready to get our butts kicked all over again. Isn't that the beauty of these games? 🤔