Summary
Elden Ringis well known for its tough boss challenges. From General Radahn to Melania, these boss fights have become some of the most renowned in Fromsoftware’s history. And while they certainly deserve notoriety, boss battles are not the only challenge in the game. Throughout the different regions,Elden Ringis filled with tough enemies that can quickly overwhelm players.
While they may not have the difficulty of a boss fight, some of thecommon enemy encounters inElden Ringfill even seasoned players with dread. Though many players will want to take on the challenge these enemies present, often the best course of action is to avoid them completely. These enemies are unique, strange, and always dangerous, and they contribute toElden Ringbeing one of the toughest games available today.
Updated on July 01, 2025, by Andy Chapman:Elden Ring’s DLC,Shadow of the Erdtree, has introduced a variety of new challenges to the game. Players have been eagerly exploring the Land of Shadow, finding numerous tough boss fights that test players’ skills to new levels. While the bosses represent the highest level of challenge, the game’s many non-boss enemies can be equally dangerous. Shadow of the Erdtree has pushed the difficulty of Elden Ring higher, making enemies aggressive, relentless, and very fast. Some DLC enemies are the equal of base game boss fights that pose a real danger to the player. As such, this article has been updated to include even more ofElden Ring’s hardest non-boss enemies, with some only being available in the DLC.
14Imps
Uses Fast Moving, Quick Attacks That Cause Bleeding
These enemies aren’t dangerous because ofa large health pool, as killing Imps will only take a few well-timed attacks. The trouble with these enemies are the numbers that they can attack with and the speed they can move. Players will soon find themselves in trouble if surrounded by more than one Imp.
With a tendency for surprise attacks, which also inflict blood loss, players will soon discover their health has quickly disappeared. Dealing with these annoying enemies requires good timing and awareness. A good strategy is to use Crystal Darts, which, after a couple of hits, will make the Imps attack whoever is closest, including other Imps.
13Lesser Wormface
Causes Rapid Death-Blight Buildup
TheseLovecraftian-looking monstrositiesare first found wandering the woods in the Altus Plateau region. They may not be the fastest or most aggressive enemy on this list, but players who are not careful will find they can be deadly if not dealt with properly.
Lesser Wormfaces appear as tall, thin-limbed beings, with large heads featuring many writhing tentacles. Their most dangerous feature is their ability to breathe death blight directly at players in an AOE attack. Like many enemies inElden Ring, taking on one of these creatures is not much of a problem, but players will soon find their death-blight build-up increasing when attacked by many, which when full means instant death.
12Monstrous Dogs
Fast And Aggressive Enemies With Access To High Damage Attacks
First found wandering Caelid, these oversized canines are fast and aggressive and have givenmany new playersquite a scare when first entering the region. While one can be manageable, players will soon find themselves in deep trouble if too many turn hostile at once.
With their huge jaws and sharp teeth, the Monstrous Dogs can deal great amounts of damage, even to higher-level players. While their speed and size make them a danger, they are alsoeasily poise-broken. A few accurate hits to the large head will soon open them up to a critical attack.
11Fingercreepers
Can Ensnare Players With Magic And Have Access To Fast, Aggressive Attacks
Players will first encounter these Fingercreepers roaming the grounds of Caria Manor in the Liurnia of the Lakes region. These large creepy hands pose a real threat with their fast and aggressive attacks. Players will need tohave quick reactionsto defeat them and be careful not to take on more than one at a time. One should be especially careful of their magic ring attacks, which will ensnare players temporarily, leaving them open to attack.
They have also been known to bury themselves in the ground, waiting to grab any unsuspecting victims. The origin of the Fingercreepers is unknown, but they come in various sizes, from the easier-to-handle Lesser Fingercreepers to the rare Colossal Fingercreeper.Using fire is recommendedon these enemies, as it will temporarily stun them when hit.
10Abductor Virgins
Tough To Dodge And High Amounts Of Health
These disturbing enemies resemble saintly women, wrapped in snakes and cradling a baby. They are found patrolling all over the Lands Between and always pose a significant challenge. For lower-level players, the Iron Virgins have a large health pool, with only their special attacks leaving them open to more damage.
These large enemiescan be tough to defeat, with ranged and spinning blade attacks that can kill players if timed poorly. Getting in too close will often trigger their grab attack, which pulls players into their bodies, dealing more damage. Some Abductor Virgins will teleport players to a different location with this move as well.
9Banished Knights
Can Disrupt Player Attacks And Leave Them Vulnerable
These powerful armored foes can be found quite early in the game in the first Legacy Dungeon, Stormveil Castle. For lower level players, they pose a significant threat, as their attacks can be fast, heavy, and relentless. With their storm abilities, players' own attacks can be disrupted, leaving them vulnerable to aBanished Knight’s attack.
The most dangerous of these enemies can be found in Castle Sol, later in the game, in the Mountaintop of the Giants region. Here, players will find spectral versions of the Banished Knights that can teleport, which will break the player’s lock-on. The red-eyed, duel-wielding Banished Knight, also found in Castle Sol, is by far the toughest of these enemies in the game.
8Curseblades
Agile And Deadly Enemies Waiting To Ambush Players
For many players enteringShadow of the Erdtree, the first enemy they encounter will be a Curseblade. This Curseblade, found in Gravesite Plains, patiently watches the player until they are close. It will then silently leap from its perch and attack. To make matters worse, the Curseblades can be found in every area of the DLC, waiting to ambush unwary players.
Their attacks are fast and agile and can seem relentless. Curseblades use backhand blades, one of thenew weapon types inElden Ring. They can quickly melt a player’s health with a series of spinning slashes and knife throws from range. Curseblades are found scattered throughout the game and always pose a significant threat whenever they appear.
7Monstrous Crows
Quick And Deals Fast, High Damage Attacks
Much like the Monstrous Dogs, these large and aggressive creatures are first encountered by players stalking the lands of Caelid. With their huge beaks and long legs, these birds move fast and attack even faster. Their short wings only allow for minimal flight, but players will find even outrunning them can sometimes be a challenge.
There are two kinds of Crow inElden Ring, the more common Monstrous Crow and the more dangerous Blistered Crow. This deformed version can be found solely in the Mohgwyn Palace area and is best avoided completely. They hit even harder, with numerous beak attacks, and will chase players down relentlessly.
6Fire Knights
Have Access To Fast And Relentless Attacks
One of the central locations ofElden Ring’s massive DLC,Shadow of the Erdtree,is the Shadow Keep. This location is a labyrinthine large-scale legacy dungeon, filled with tough enemies andchallenging boss fights. The Fire Knights found in this location are some of the hardest non-boss enemies in all ofElden Ring.
Fire Knights are fast and aggressive. They can overwhelm players with their ranged flame attacks and then quickly move in, inflicting high amounts of damage up close. Their agile movement means they can also avoid many attacks, which are often countered with fire magic. These enemies are found all over the Shadow Keep and are the most dangerous of Messmer’s warriors.
5Giant Crayfish
Have Access To A Near-Unavoidable Water Attack
One of the many enemies found inElden Ringthat is best given a wide birth. The Giant Crayfish are often found hiding in shallow watery areas, ready to emerge and ruin a player’s day. With their heavy claw attacks, aggressive nature, and surprising speed, the Giant Crayfish are incredibly dangerous, especially in numbers.
The most damaging attack these monstrous crustaceans possess is by farthe sniper shot. The Crayfish rears up and shoots a jet of water at the player, which may not sound deadly but is one of the toughest attacks to avoid inElden Ring. This attack does high amounts of damage, has a surprising range, and is incredibly accurate. Running from these enemies can often be the worst decision a player makes.
