Mad Pumpkin Head in Elden Ring
Who Is the Mad Pumpkin Head
The Mad Pumpkin Head is more than just a quirky design. Lore-wise, these creatures appear to be deranged warriors whose heads are encased in giant iron pumpkins. Their bizarre helmets not only protect them but also symbolize their madness, a condition that drives them into relentless combat.
Although terrifying in stature, they are considered Field Bosses, meaning they roam outside traditional boss arenas and can be fought early in the game. Their accessibility makes them one of the first true challenges for new players, offering both danger and opportunity in equal measure.
In addition to the boss version, players may also encounter the Lesser Mad Pumpkin Head, a normal enemy variant that wanders in certain locations. For those who wish to harness their strength, the Mad Pumpkin Head Ashes allow the summoning of this foe as a Spirit Ally, giving the Tarnished a hulking warrior to turn the tide in tough battles.
Locations of the Mad Pumpkin Head
Players can encounter Mad Pumpkin Head in two key locations within Elden Ring:
Waypoint Ruins: Located in Limgrave, this is often the first place players meet the Mad Pumpkin Head. He serves as a guardian at the ruins, and defeating him unlocks access to the sorceress Sellen, who becomes a vital NPC for magic users.
Caelem Ruins: Situated in the harsh and rot-filled region of Caelid, this version of the Mad Pumpkin Head is more dangerous due to the area's difficulty. Players venturing here will likely face him later in their journey, equipped with stronger gear and abilities.
Each encounter emphasizes the role of Mad Pumpkin Head as both an obstacle and a gatekeeper to greater knowledge and rewards.
Combat Information
To defeat the Mad Pumpkin Head, understanding his combat traits is essential:
Stance: 65: With enough heavy attacks, his stance can be broken, leaving him vulnerable to critical hits.
Parriable?: No: His weapon swings cannot be parried, making shield play less effective. However, if facing the flail variant, note that while the flail attacks cannot be parried, some of his punch attacks can be.
Critical Hits: After breaking his stance, players can land a devastating critical strike to deal massive damage.
Head Armor: His pumpkin-shaped helmet is not just for show. It acts as a shield, reducing damage from head strikes to only 20% of the base value. Targeting his head directly is inefficient and wastes stamina.
These mechanics highlight the importance of strategy and positioning. Brute force alone rarely secures victory.
Strategies and Tips for Defeating Mad Pumpkin Head
Despite his intimidating size, the Mad Pumpkin Head can be defeated with careful tactics and patience. Here are the best strategies:
Target the Body, Not the Head: The most important rule is to avoid hitting his armored pumpkin helmet. Attacking his body deals full damage and is the fastest way to wear him down.
Summon Allies: Using Spirit Ashes is highly effective. The Lone Wolf Ashes, for example, can stagger him repeatedly, giving players opportunities to land free hits. This tactic is especially useful for new Tarnished still learning dodge timing.
Attack from Behind: Positioning is everything. Striking from behind minimizes the risk of hitting his helmet and also avoids many of his sweeping attacks.
Patience with Dodges: His attacks are slow but powerful. Rolling too early often results in getting clipped by his flail or fists. Learn his timing and dodge at the last moment to avoid damage.
Stagger and Critical Hits: Building up poise damage through heavy attacks or jump attacks can stagger the Mad Pumpkin Head, opening him up for a critical strike. This is one of the fastest ways to end the fight.
With practice, players can turn this once-daunting opponent into a manageable challenge.
Rewards
Defeating a Mad Pumpkin Head always feels rewarding, both in terms of gameplay and loot. Players receive a significant amount of Elden Ring Runes, which can be invested into leveling attributes such as Vigor, Strength, or Intelligence. This immediate growth makes the fight well worth the effort, especially early in the game.
In addition, defeating the Waypoint Ruins version grants access to Sorceress Sellen, effectively unlocking new spells and magical upgrades, key Elden Ring Items for sorcery-focused builds. Other variants may drop consumables or crafting materials, further aiding progression. While not every encounter yields unique items, the rune rewards and access to new NPCs make Mad Pumpkin Head battles valuable milestones.
Final Thoughts
The Mad Pumpkin Head may not be the most powerful boss in Elden Ring, but his presence leaves a lasting impression. With his massive weapons, iron-clad pumpkin helm, and unyielding aggression, he represents the madness and mystery that permeates the world.
Whether encountered in the quiet ruins of Limgrave or the corrupted lands of Caelid, defeating him grants players not just Elden Ring Runes and valuable Elden Ring Items, but also confidence and momentum for the challenges ahead.
For Tarnished just beginning their journey, the Mad Pumpkin Head is both a lesson and a test: patience, strategy, and perseverance are the keys to survival in the Lands Between.