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Elden Ring is a vast and punishing world filled with secrets, deadly enemies, and powerful loot. While many players charge through the main story, some of the best Elden Ring items weapons are hidden behind optional bosses—challenging foes that test your skills and reward you with game-changing gear. If you want to wield the strongest weapons and dominate your enemies, learning how to hunt down these bosses is essential.

With thousands of hours of community experience and extensive exploration of the Lands Between, we’ve gathered seven essential tips to help you collect the most powerful weapons from Elden Ring’s optional bosses.

1. Know Which Optional Bosses Are Worth Hunting

Not all optional bosses drop legendary gear, but a few are known for their iconic Elden Ring items weapons. Bosses like the Dragonlord Placidusax, Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, and Lichdragon Fortissax offer some of the most unique and potent armaments in the game. Do your research or use reliable guides to find out which encounters are worth your time—and which ones might only drop crafting materials or runes.

2. Prepare for the Fight Before You Arrive

Optional bosses are often harder than mandatory ones, especially those guarding powerful weapons. These fights demand strong builds, leveled-up gear, and strategic planning. Make sure you bring upgraded weapons, have plenty of Flask uses, and summon Spirit Ashes or co-op allies if needed. Remember, many of these bosses are located in hidden or late-game areas, so don’t rush in unprepared.

3. Upgrade Your Weapons and Ashes Early

To defeat optional bosses and claim their weapons, you'll need to upgrade your own. Spend Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones on the Elden Ring items weapons you rely on most. Also, invest in Spirit Ashes like Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche—they can carry you through tough encounters when timed right.

4. Explore Every Corner of the Map

The world of Elden Ring rewards exploration. Many of the game’s strongest weapons are tucked away in remote regions like Nokron, Deeproot Depths, or the Consecrated Snowfield. Optional bosses often guard doorways, hidden elevators, or teleporters that lead to new zones rich with legendary Elden Ring items. Take time to revisit old areas—you never know what you missed on your first pass.

5. Use Elemental and Status Builds Strategically

Some optional bosses are resistant to standard physical damage but vulnerable to specific elements or statuses. Use bleed, frost, rot, or magic builds to exploit their weaknesses. This is especially useful when fighting enemies like Astel or Dragon bosses, who often resist traditional melee attacks. Adjusting your build can be the difference between defeat and victory.

6. Study Boss Mechanics and Patterns

Optional bosses in Elden Ring often have complex move sets and one-shot abilities. Don’t rush in blind. Watch their attack patterns, learn their weaknesses, and practice dodging or blocking their most dangerous moves. YouTube videos or fight breakdowns can be incredibly helpful for understanding how to beat them efficiently.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away and Come Back Later

Some optional bosses are designed to be tackled at higher levels. If you find yourself hitting a wall, it’s okay to leave and return after leveling up or improving your gear. You’ll often find that what once felt impossible becomes manageable with just a few more upgrades or a new strategy.

Mastering Elden Ring’s optional content is key to unlocking its most powerful gear. The Elden Ring items weapons dropped by hidden bosses can redefine your entire playstyle and give you an edge in PvE and PvP. Use these tips to track down elusive foes, prepare for grueling battles, and walk away with legendary loot that sets you apart from other Tarnished. The Lands Between is full of secrets—go claim what’s yours.

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