I'm completely stuck on the Starscourge Radahn boss fight in Elden Ring, and I've attempted it over twenty times with my strength-focused build using a Greatsword. I can consistently get through the first phase, but his meteor attack in the second phase one-shots me every single time. For players who have beaten him, what was your specific strategy for surviving that attack? Is it better to stay mounted on Torrent for mobility or fight on foot for better dodges, and are there any specific talismans or consumables that are absolutely essential for this fight? I've summoned all the NPCs, but they tend to die quickly. Should I be re-speccing or upgrading a different weapon type entirely?
Reply 1 (longer, strategy-focused): In my runs I treat phase 2 meteor as a timed telegraph more than a random AoE. Radahn winds up a cast, then the meteor storm fans out in a loose arc. The key is staying light on your feet and using the arena edges and pillars for cover. I favor staying on foot for the precision dodges because mounting makes you commit to a path and you can underestimate the wind-up. When you see the glow/charge, sprint sideways (not straight back) and roll twice in quick succession to avoid the first cluster, then immediately sidestep to the opposite side as the next batch lands. Keep your shield down; you don’t want to block meteors, you want to avoid them. After the storm ends, punish with quick hits and back off.
Reply 2 (short, practical): Torrent is great for repositioning, but for the meteor strike you’ll usually want to dismount. Use Torrent to reset spacing, but finish the dodge pattern on foot and try to stay near the arena edge so you’re not forced into the hot center.
Reply 3 (gear and talismans): In terms of rings/talismans, you’re looking for steady HP and the ability to survive a misstep. Consider a modest HP boost talisman, protection against common damage types you take in phase 2 (fire/holy or physical), and a small stamina/poise boost to maintain dodges. If you have a heavy poise shield, you can weather a stray hit and keep pressing, but don’t rely on blocking the meteor swarm. Also bring crimson flasks and a quick FP restore if you’re weaving in a lot of attacks between meteors.
Reply 4 (NPCs and strategy): NPC summons tend to die quickly in this phase because the arena is tight and the meteors punish clumped targets. Try to stagger their placement—tell them to stay toward the sides so you can kite the meteors and then pull Radahn away for your attacks. If your build isn’t forgiving, you may want to lean into a more defensive, hit-and-run style rather than waiting for big combos.
Reply 5 (re-speccing or weapon choice): You don’t necessarily need to re-spec, but you might benefit from trying a lighter, longer-hitting weapon that allows faster post-attack recovery and safer pokes between meteor storms. Some players switch to a weapon with better horizontal reach or a weapon with a more forgiving moveset for this arena. If you’re committed to the Greatsword, consider upgrading it and practicing the step-dodges to maximize your windows after the meteor event. If you’re stuck, a quick switch to a bow or sorcery to chip away while avoiding the center can help while you master the timing.
Reply 6 (offer to tailor): If you want, tell me your current level, upgraded weapon, and whether you’re using summons, and I’ll tailor a precise, step-by-step plan with timing windows you can practice in a mock run.