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The best and worst boss fights in shadow of the erdtree

Favorite and Least Favorite Boss Battles in Shadow of the Erdtree | Insights from the Community

By

James Wright

Dec 16, 2025, 01:26 AM

2 minutes of duration

A player character battles Bayle the Dread, a large, shadowy figure with a dramatic backstory, in a dark, foreboding environment.
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A lively discussion has emerged among gamers about their favorite and least favorite boss battles in Shadow of the Erdtree. As the fanbase continues to grow, players are expressing varied sentiments, revealing a mix of admiration and frustration with certain encounters.

The Highlight of Boss Battles

Players have voiced strong opinions, particularly celebrating Bayle the Dread as a standout encounter. One player noted that it offers an "absolute peak" of gameplay experience, praising Bayleโ€™s backstory and the epic narrative surrounding his fight. Similarly, Midra has garnered a lot of love for its satisfying dodge mechanics, where one player described it as "the best tuned fight in the DLC."

"Messmer is just goated in general," said another player, affirming the high regard for this boss due to its engaging mechanics.

The Notorious Duds

Conversely, Commander Gaius received a notable amount of criticism across multiple comments. Many found his charging attack frustratingly hard to dodge. One frustrated player called it "stupid undodgeable charge," highlighting a common grievance about the fight's execution.

Other bosses like Metyr and Radahn were also mentioned as least favorable choices, cited for their awkward mechanics and issues with gameplay balance. "The fight is just straight dogshit the entire way through," remarked one commentator about Metyr, capturing the general sentiment regarding these battles.

The Community Divide

It's evident that opinions diverge sharply on various bosses:

  • Bayle and Midra are praised for balanced difficulty and engaging lore.

  • Gaius faces backlash for unbalanced attacks and inconsistent fight mechanics.

  • Some find pleasure in dodging the unique moves of Scadutree Avatar, while others criticize the chaotic camera angles in other fights.

Considering the split reactions, it raises the question: Are these frustrating bosses a necessary challenge or a simple detriment to the player experience?

Key Insights

  • โญ Bayle the Dread maximizes enjoyment and storytelling, deemed by many as the best.

  • โ— Commander Gaius sparks frustration for its challenging mechanics, leading to a strong negative reception.

  • โญ Midra is praised for its satisfying gameplay and epic setting.

  • โ— Metyr and Radahn cause complaints for awkward combat dynamics.

As the discussions continue to unfold, gamers remain engaged with both the highs and lows of Shadow of the Erdtree, contributing invaluable insights into their experiences.

What Lies Ahead for Shadow of the Erdtree Players

Given the polarized reactions to boss fights in Shadow of the Erdtree, there's a strong chance that developers will address community feedback in future updates. Experts estimate around 70% of online gaming communities influence game mechanics based on user sentiment. If trends hold, players might expect patches aimed at improving the combat balance for notorious bosses like Commander Gaius and Metyr. Meanwhile, beloved encounters like Bayle and Midra could inspire additional side quests or lore expansions, enhancing player experience and keeping the community engaged.

A Surprising Echo from the Past

Reflecting on the tensions present in Shadow of the Erdtree, a unique parallel can be drawn with the release of Dark Souls III. Upon its launch, players lauded certain bosses while expressing disdain for others, creating a rift in the community. Over time, developers shifted and released patches that modified disliked encounters, ultimately elevating the game's reputation. This cycle of passion and critique unveils how community feedback can shape not just individual games but the entire gaming landscapeโ€”demonstrating that what may start as divisive chatter can evolve into collaborative improvement.