Elden Ring is the latest popular action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware. One of the most notorious bosses players will encounter is Deathbird. Found in multiple locations throughout the Lands Between, Deathbird provides a challenging fight that requires focus and perseverance to overcome.
Understanding Deathbird
Deathbird is a large, bird-like enemy with black feathers and glowing red eyes. It utilizes a mix of melee attacks with its claws and beak as well as ranged magical attacks. Deathbird has two phases during the fight. In the first phase, it fights while grounded. Once it loses about 35-40% of its health, it will take flight and remain airborne for the second phase.
Some key things to know about Deathbird:
- Vulnerable to slash and strike weapons
- Resistant to holy damage
- Susceptible to frost and blood loss build up
- Employs hard-hitting melee combos
- Uses ranged magic attacks in both phases
- More aggressive moveset in phase two
Going into the fight with this knowledge already puts you at an advantage. Understanding an enemy’s strengths, weaknesses, and attack patterns is key to success in Elden Ring boss battles.
Strategy for Phase One
The first phase of the Deathbird fight has it remaining on the ground, though still able to utilize some dangerous attacks. Here are some tips for this initial phase:
- Stay at mid range to bait out its lunging claw attacks and combos
- Dodge towards Deathbird at an angle during combos to get behind it
- Watch for the telegraphed downward claw slam that can one-shot summons
- Keep moving to avoid its projectile magic attacks
- Attack its legs and feet during openings
- Save stamina for dodging over attacking
Remaining at a medium distance will prompt Deathbird to use its melee attacks which are easier to dodge than its ranged magic. Dodging into and around the boss makes it simpler to get behind or beside it to safely attack. Targeting the legs allows you to avoid the dangerous claw swipes and head strikes.
Strategy for Phase Two
After taking enough damage, Deathbird will screech and take to the air. This begins phase two which is more challenging. Here are some tips for the flying phase:
- Ranged attacks are essential when it’s airborne
- Magic is effective when it hovers in place to cast spells
- Melee is only possible when it lands for slam attacks
- Dodge the diving bomb attack by sprinting away
- Take cover behind pillars when it prepares massive AoE magic
With Deathbird flying around, melee combat is much more limited. Ranged options like spells, incantations, bows, and thrown items can consistently chip away at its health from a safer distance. When it lands to attack up close, quickly move in to deal some melee damage before dodging away.
Useful Equipment and Items
Certain equipment choices and consumable items can make defeating Deathbird easier. Here are some recommendations:
- Bloodhound’s Fang – Curved greatsword that causes blood loss
- Rivers of Blood – Katana also excellent at inflicting blood loss
- Ice Spear or Adula’s Moonblade – Frost magic to damage and freeze Deathbird
- Shield with 100% physical damage negation – For blocking claw swipes
- Purifying Crystal Tear – Protect against its magic attacks
- Exalted Flesh – Raises robustness and damage negation
- Freezing Pot – Throwable that inflicts frost buildup
Weapons and spells that cause blood loss or frost will shred through Deathbird’s health bar rapidly. The constructive crystal tear will prevent its magic attacks from utterly demolishing you. Exalted flesh is a helpful buff, while freezing pots can help trigger frost accumulation.
Cooperation and Summons
If you are really struggling against Deathbird, don’t be afraid to use the cooperative options Elden Ring provides. Here are some tips:
- Summon spirit ashes to distract it and draw aggro
- Use multiplayer to summon another player for co-op
- Try ranged spirit ashes like skeletal archers to chip away at it
- Mimic Tear spirit summon can solo Deathbird with the right build
- Frost and blood loss spirit ashes work well
Spirit ashes provide allies that can take the heat off you, letting you heal, reposition, and take openings to attack. Other players you summon into your world provide similar value. The mimic tear spirit even copies your exact build, providing massive damage assistance.
The Best Tactics and Approaches
By combining the strategies and tools listed above, here are the most effective approaches to defeating Deathbird:
- Bleed build using Rivers of Blood or similar weapons
- Frost mage build wielding cold sorceries
- Summon spirit ashes and/or cooperative players
- Guard counter melee tactics with a 100% physical block shield
- Staying at mid-range baiting out punishable attacks
- Remaining patient and not getting greedy when attacking
A bleed focused build allows you to shred through Deathbird’s health bar quickly. Similarly, frost magic builds can destroy it with cold damage. Summons are extremely useful for distractions and extra damage. Guard countering with a greatshield mitigates its dangerous melee strikes. No matter what strategy you use, patience and playing it safe is key.
Most Important Tips for Defeating Deathbird
To summarize, here are the most important tips to keep in mind when confronting Deathbird:
- Bring bleed and frost options to quickly lower its health
- Only attack one or two times before dodging to safety
- Stay at mid-range in phase one to bait out punishing moves
- Use pillars as cover during its phase two magical attacks
- Save stamina for well-timed dodges over greedily attacking
- Spirit summons and co-op help manage its aggressive moveset
- Remain calm and don’t get frustrated. Deathbird punishes impatience and panic.
Preparation and patience are vital when challenging this deadly bird. Exploiting its weaknesses to frost and bleed while avoiding greed will lead you to victory. Stay calm, time your dodges, and whittle down its health. Soon you’ll be victorious over Deathbird.
Conclusion
Deathbird can be a punishing foe, especially for players early in Elden Ring. But by utilizing the right strategies, builds, spirit summons, and co-op assistance, you can persevere and take down this monstrous creature. Focus on dealing rapid frost and bleed damage while remaining patient and evasive. Before long, the deadly Deathbird will fall.