Elden Ring Messmer the Impaler Boss Guide
Defeating Messmer isn't just a test of endurance and precision, it's a necessary step in advancing the story. Conquering him rewards not only powerful Elden Ring Items and a wealth of Elden Ring Runes, but also a deeper understanding of the grim history that shaped the Land of Shadow.
Where to Find Messmer the Impaler
Messmer the Impaler awaits you deep within the Shadow Keep, one of the key strongholds in Shadow of the Erdtree. To reach his lair, make your way to the Specimen Storehouse, and continue until you arrive at the Dark Chamber Entrance Site of Grace. Beyond this point lies Messmer's throne room, an arena bathed in firelight, decorated with the twisted remains of those who defied him.
Once you enter, a cinematic introduces Messmer in his full, terrifying glory. He wields a massive Greatspear wreathed in fire and commands devastating pyromantic incantations. The battle that follows is intense, blending relentless aggression with grand spectacle.
Understanding Messmer's Combat Style
Messmer's fighting style is a fusion of physical might and pyromancy. His Greatspear gives him remarkable reach, allowing him to punish reckless approaches, while his flame-based spells can ignite the entire arena. Players who underestimate his speed or range will quickly find themselves engulfed in fire.
He alternates between aggressive melee combos and mid-range spell attacks. His flame burst incantations, such as fiery spears or exploding whips, can deal heavy area damage and apply burn buildup. In the second phase of the fight, Messmer undergoes a transformation, his body channels even greater flame, and his attacks become faster and more unpredictable.
Timing, spacing, and the right Elden Ring Items are the keys to survival.
Recommended Strategy and Setup
Messmer's damage output is staggering, so your preparation and build will make or break this battle. Here's how to prepare your character for the best chance at victory:
Recommended Spirit Summons
Mimic Tear: Still the most dependable ally in Elden Ring. Your mimic will divide Messmer's attention and mirror your strategy, giving you vital breathing room during his fiery barrages.
Recommended Armaments
Staff of the Guilty: Perfect for faith/strength builds that rely on fire and bleed synergy.
Bloodfiend's Arm or Great Stars: Both weapons deliver powerful stagger potential and health recovery on hit.
Reduvia or Rivers of Blood: Ideal for dexterity/arcane builds that focus on bleed procs, especially effective against humanoid bosses like Messmer.
Heater Shield or Fingerprint Stone Shield (Fire Affinity): Both provide solid defense against his flame-infused spear strikes.
Ashes of War
Lion's Claw or Savage Lion's Claw: Quick, leaping strikes that let you deal damage while dodging Messmer's forward thrusts.
Giant Hunt: A great choice to stagger Messmer after his longer wind-ups.
Golden Vow: Boosts both attack and defense, vital for long battles like this one.
Recommended Spells
Flame Protect Me: Reduces fire damage significantly and should be active at all times during the fight.
Impenetrable Thorns or Swarm of Flies: These deal constant chip damage, forcing Messmer into a defensive rhythm.
Golden Vow: Another excellent buff that can be stacked for additional damage and resistance.
Borealis's Mist: Deals frost buildup, allowing you to counterbalance Messmer's fire with frostbite damage.
Recommended Talismans
Flamedrake Talisman +3: Nearly essential, it cuts down fire damage dramatically.
Great-Jar's Arsenal: Increases equip load, letting you wear heavier armor or shields without fat-rolling.
Lord of Blood's Exultation: Boosts attack power when blood loss occurs, synergizes perfectly with bleed weapons.
Other Useful Elden Ring Items
Albinauric Set or Briar Set: Both provide strong resistances without sacrificing too much mobility.
Greenspill Crystal Tear: Enhances stamina recovery in your Flask of Wondrous Physick, crucial for constant dodging.
Stonebarb Cracked Tear: Increases poise damage, helping you stagger Messmer more easily during his casting animations.
Combat Tips
Watch for Fire Combos: When Messmer's spear ignites, he often chains thrusts into explosive AoE attacks. Dodge diagonally toward him to avoid getting caught in lingering flames.
Capitalize on Recovery Windows: After major flame spells, Messmer pauses briefly, these are your safest moments to attack or heal.
Maintain Medium Range: Staying too close triggers his devastating close-range combos, while staying too far invites long-range flame barrages. A medium distance gives you more control.
Use Frost or Bleed: Fire enemies are often weak to bleed and frost buildup, making these two status effects your best allies.
Collect Elden Ring Runes: Messmer drops a massive amount of Elden Ring Runes upon defeat. Use them wisely to strengthen your build before facing the challenges that follow.
Rewards
Once you vanquish this fiery demigod, you'll receive several powerful Elden Ring Items that reinforce the thematic duality of flame and blood. Chief among these is Messmer's Greatspear, a weapon capable of unleashing the same destructive flame attacks that defined the fight. You'll also gain access to unique spell ashes tied to his incantations and a large number of Elden Ring Runes, a worthy prize for surviving one of the DLC's toughest battles.
Defeating Messmer also opens the path deeper into the Shadow Realm, pushing you further toward the mysteries of Queen Marika and the fate of her forsaken offspring.
Final Thoughts
The battle against Messmer the Impaler stands as one of Elden Ring's most cinematic and demanding encounters. Every swing, every burst of fire, and every dodge feels like part of an intricate dance of destruction. But with patience, preparation, and smart use of your Elden Ring Items, victory is within reach.
Beyond the flood of Elden Ring Runes and loot, what makes this fight unforgettable is its symbolism, facing the rage of a son abandoned by the divine. In conquering Messmer, you don't just triumph over a boss, you master one of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree's defining trials.