Elden Ring's Bayle the Dread: Boss location and how to beat
Dread the Dread no longer.
Many new and wicked bosses were added in Shadow of the Erdtree and few have caused quite so many game quits as Bayle the Dread.
This giant ancient dragon is a pain in the neck. Literally, if you let him bite you.
If this foul beast has bested you on countless occasions and you need a little help (no shame in that) – you’re in the right place.
It’s worth noting that Bayle the Dread is an optional boss. You do not have to defeat him to complete Shadow of the Erdtree’s story.
Before we dive into the guide, you may want to know how to beat Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame and discover how to parry.
Now then, here’s how to beat Bayle the Dread in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree and where to find the optional boss.
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Where is Bayle the Dread in Elden Ring? Location explained
You’ll find Bayle the Dread within the crater of Jagged Peak. Jagged Peak Summit is the closest nearby Site of Grace.
Jagged Peak is in a secret area of the Shadow of the Erdtree map, however, so getting there might prove a little difficult. Those dragons on the way might prove difficult, too.
Fortunately, Game Guides Channel on YouTube has a super-useful video which shows you how to find the Bayle the Dread boss battle location in Elden Ring. Check it out below:
It’s worth watching the video above to find Bayle the Dread’s location if you’re not sure where to look, as it shows it better than any words of ours could describe. The video also shows one way you can defeat Bayle the Dread, but we’ve got more on that below.
How to beat Bayle the Dread in Elden Ring – boss battle tips
To defeat Bayle the Dread in Elden Ring, you need to be at your best – no matter the method you use. It’s a lot easier if you summon Igon at the beginning of the fight.
In order to summon Igon, you need to get hold of Igon’s Furled Finger.
To pick up Igon’s Furled Finger, you need to defeat the two dragons fighting each other just before the entrance of Jagged Peak. Defeat them and Igon will appear on the floor. Speak to them to be given the Igon’s Furled Finger key item.
Igon will prove a useful distraction and won’t give Bayle the Dread more health. Honestly, it’s so worth going through the effort of defeating those dragons to unlock the Igon summon (you also get some great dialogue to boot!).
Now, in terms of strategies and tips to beat Bayle the Dread, you’re best off following the advice from this helpful YouTube video guide by Soldier_1stClass:
Based on the handy video above, we recommend you stick with what Soldier_1stClass tells you. Defeat the small Ancient Dragon-Man boss in Dragon’s Pit to get hold of the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana.
This weapon should be one of the best you can use against Bayle. Its Dragonwound Slash Ash of War will be your best friend (it’ll also help defeat those dragons to unlock Igon’s Furled Finger).
In terms of other items used in the build above that will prove useful we have the Godfrey Icon to enhance charged attacks, Ritual Sword Talisman to increase your attack power at full health, Shard of Alexander to increase skill damage. A Talisman that reduces fire damage will definitely be useful. One that reduces lightning damage will help, too.
Finally, the Stonebarb Cracked Tear will help you perform more stance breaks on Bayle the Dread – heavy weapons work best to break Bayle’s stance!
Moving onto basic tips for the fight itself, Bayle is not parryable so don’t even try. When Bayle spits fire underneath his body? Run away, don’t dodge. Just run.
Using weapons that inflict big bleed is a good way to deal more damage. That White Mask and Bloodfiend’s Arm combo could be good (if you don’t use the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana).
Jump attacks will help out as timing charged attacks will prove tricky.
Bayle is also weak against Dragonwound Grease-imbued weapons. Bring the consumable item along with you if you decide against using the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana for whatever reason.
With all of these tips in mind (and the videos above) you should defeat Elden Ring’s Bayle the Dread soon enough. It will still be difficult but hopefully, we’ve helped in some way.
Read more on Elden Ring:
- Elden Ring review - our final verdict
- Elden Ring multiplayer - how does it work?
- Elden Ring PC requirements - minimum & recommended specs
- Elden Ring classes - what's the best starter?
- Elden Ring demo - network test recap
- Elden Ring bosses - top tips on facing them
- Elden Ring difficulty - how hard is it?
- Elden Ring length - how many hours do you need?
- Elden Ring trophies & achievements - the full list to unlock
- Elden Ring weapons - best early weapons
- Elden Ring keepsake - which starter gift to pick
- Elden Ring server status - error message explained
- Elden Ring map - everything you need to know
- Elden Ring runes - how to get rich quick
- Elden Ring smithing stones - where to find them
- Elden Ring staff - the best staffs in the game
- Elden Ring armour - where to find the best armour
- Elden Ring Ashes of War - how to get the best upgrades
- Elden Ring Ranni quest - how to find it and finish it
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