How to Defeat Messmer the Impaler in Elden Ring
Unlike many other bosses in Elden Ring, Messmer is not optional. Players must face and defeat him to advance in the DLC storyline. In this guide, we'll break down the best strategies, spells, weapons, and Elden Ring Items to help you overcome this formidable foe, and earn a hefty bounty of Elden Ring Runes in the process.
Where to Find Messmer the Impaler
Messmer awaits deep within the Shadow Keep. The fight begins after a long trek through scorched battlefields and crumbled ruins. Players will encounter him in a dramatic setting that reflects his fiery, merciless power. Be prepared, this boss fight is not only mechanically challenging but emotionally climactic for those invested in Elden Ring lore.
Combat Overview
Messmer wields a Greatspear infused with flame and has access to devastating Fire-based sorceries. His aggressive melee combos and long-range magical assaults make him a versatile and relentless opponent. Timing and adaptability are key.
What makes Messmer especially deadly is his unpredictability. He seamlessly alternates between charging forward with his spear and erupting in massive fire-based AoE attacks, which can punish greedy or overly aggressive players.
Best Builds and Equipment for the Fight
Recommended Spirit Summon:
Mimic Tear – Your best ally in this fight, the Mimic Tear duplicates your build, ensuring both offense and survivability. With proper gear, it can dish out incredible damage or take pressure off you.
Recommended Weapons:
Rivers of Blood – Builds Bleed and offers fast, wide slashes that can punish Messmer between his combos.
Reduvia – Quick Blood Loss buildup from a distance; a solid pick for Dexterity builds.
Great Stars – Excellent for Strength builds, especially with passive healing on hit.
Bloodfiend's Arm – High raw power with Bleed potential.
Staff of the Guilty – For spellcasters using Thorns incantations.
If you're going shield-heavy, opt for:
Heater Shield or Fingerprint Stone Shield (Fire affinity) to absorb or deflect Messmer's fiery strikes.
Top Ashes of War to Use:
Lion's Claw – Great for Strength builds looking to trade blows.
Giant Hunt – Deals heavy burst damage and can interrupt Messmer's combos.
Cragblade – Adds poise damage and helps stagger him.
Golden Vow – Offers both offensive and defensive buffs for you and your summon.
Any Ash of War that lowers your profile or moves you downward (like Flame Fall Upon Them or certain acrobatic strikes) is helpful, since Messmer's spear typically targets upper-body or forward positions.
Essential Spells and Incantations:
Flame, Protect Me – Reduces fire damage, making it easier to survive his AoEs.
Impenetrable Thorns – Good ranged spell from the Guilty spell tree.
Swarm of Flies – Excellent for building Bleed passively while evading attacks.
Golden Vow – Boosts attack and defense for you and allies.
Borealis's Mist – Applies Frostbite to reduce his resistances and HP regeneration.
Talismans to Equip:
Flamedrake Talisman +3 – A near-necessity, given Messmer's reliance on fire damage.
Great-Jar's Arsenal – Allows heavier gear, crucial for tank builds or those using high-poise armor sets.
Lord of Blood's Exultation – Boosts attack power when Bleed is triggered; pairs perfectly with Reduvia or Rivers of Blood.
Helpful Elden Ring Items and Gear
Greenspill Crystal Tear – Increases stamina recovery, vital for dodging and countering.
Stonebarb Cracked Tear – Boosts poise damage, making it easier to stagger him mid-combo.
Albinauric Set or Briar Set – Both are good lightweight sets with decent resistances, allowing agility without sacrificing too much defense.
And, of course, remember to stock up on Flask of Crimson Tears charges before the fight. If you're farming, use Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot to increase the Elden Ring Runes earned from defeating Messmer.
Boss Fight Strategy
Phase One: Spear and Flame
At the beginning of the fight, Messmer attacks with a mix of spear thrusts and fireball spells. Dodge to the side rather than back, and punish his recovery frames. When you see him charge flame into his spear, be ready for a wide-range slam or explosive thrust.
Let your Mimic Tear draw attention while you approach from the flanks with Swarm of Flies or a quick-strike weapon.
Phase Two: Phoenix Form
At around 50% HP, Messmer transforms, becoming more erratic and unleashing flame shockwaves across the battlefield. His fire-based AoEs become larger, and he'll dive at you like a burning meteor.
Stay mobile, and don't overcommit. This phase rewards patience and well-timed dodges more than raw aggression.
Use Flame, Protect Me right before this phase starts, and refill your FP with a Cerulean Flask or Cerulean Hidden Tear if you rely on casting.
Rewards for Defeating Messmer the Impaler
Once you've taken him down, you'll be richly rewarded with a trove of Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items, including:
A unique Remembrance, which can be exchanged for a powerful weapon or spell.
Rare crafting materials found only in the Land of Shadow.
A deeper understanding of Elden Ring's complex lore.
Messmer is one of the most cinematic and rewarding fights in the entire expansion, both narratively and in terms of loot.
Conclusion
Messmer the Impaler is a test of timing, preparation, and adaptability. But with the right strategy, gear, and use of Elden Ring Items, you can overcome his fiery wrath and walk away stronger, and richer in Elden Ring Runes.
Victory not only marks major progress in Shadow of the Erdtree, but also reaffirms your place among the true Tarnished legends.