How to Beat Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy in Elden Ring
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Elden Ring
How to Beat Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy in Elden Ring
Phase 2 — Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy
Tips
Rykard is one of Elden Ring’s most spectacularly designed boss fights — a towering two-phase encounter that deliberately rewards players who pay attention to their environment. Like Yhorm in Dark Souls 3, the gimmick weapon completely trivialises the fight, which is intentional. After defeating Rykard, you receive the Remembrance of the Blasphemous for his unique weapons and his Great Rune activates at the Divine Tower of West Altus.
Frequently Asked Questions
⚡ Quick Answer
Phase 1 — God-Devouring Serpent
Pick up the Serpent-Hunter great spear from the ground near the fog gate — it deals massively increased damage specifically against Rykard and is the intended weapon for this fight. You don’t need to meet any stat requirements to wield it. Two-hand it, stay at mid-range, and poke repeatedly. The entire fight takes under 3 minutes using the Serpent-Hunter. Recommended level: 70–80.
1As soon as you enter the arena, run to the left and pick up the Serpent-Hunter — it’s on the ground near the entrance. Equip it in your main hand and two-hand it for maximum damage output. You can use it regardless of your Strength or Dexterity stats.
2Phase 1 is a giant serpent head emerging from lava. Stay at mid-range and use the Serpent-Hunter’s thrust attacks (R1/RB and R2/RT) to hit the glowing weak point on the serpent’s neck/chest area. Each hit deals enormous damage — you need roughly 8–12 hits to end Phase 1.
3Dodge the serpent’s lunge bite by rolling sideways. Its lava vomit covers the ground ahead — back away quickly when it rears its head back. The lava pools persist for several seconds so avoid stepping in them after the attack.
1Rykard emerges from the serpent wielding a massive flaming sword. Keep using the Serpent-Hunter — it remains highly effective in Phase 2. His new sword attacks have wide arcs, so dodge toward him and to the side rather than straight back.
2The most dangerous Phase 2 attack is the skull rain — he raises his sword and dozens of flaming skulls rain down from above. Run in a wide circle away from the impact zone until the skulls stop falling, then close in to resume attacking.
3Continue hitting him with the Serpent-Hunter’s thrust and skill attacks. His weapon skill (L2/LT) sends out a massive wind projectile that deals incredible damage — use it whenever your FP allows during the brief pauses between his attack patterns.
→Don’t use your regular weapon — the Serpent-Hunter has a hidden damage multiplier exclusive to this fight. Your normal build’s best weapon will deal a fraction of the damage compared to the Serpent-Hunter, even if it’s heavily upgraded.
→Physick Flask with Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear boosts fire damage, which synergises with the Serpent-Hunter’s skill attacks. Mix it before entering if you want to speed up the fight.
→Rykard is reached via Volcano Manor — either by completing the manor’s assassination quest chain, or by fighting through Mt. Gelmir to the boss fog directly without the questline.
→Summoning Millicent or Patches (available via their questlines) significantly reduces pressure in both phases — Rykard turns to focus on the summon frequently, giving you free attack windows with the Serpent-Hunter.
Is Rykard optional?Yes — Rykard is one of the optional Shardbearers. You don’t need his Great Rune or Remembrance to complete the main story. However, completing him is required for certain NPC questlines and he drops one of the game’s most unique rewards.
What does Rykard drop?Rykard drops the Remembrance of the Blasphemous — exchange it at Enia in Roundtable Hold for either the Blasphemous Blade (one of the best Faith weapons in the game, restores HP on kills) or the Rykard’s Rancor sorcery. His Great Rune, when activated and equipped, restores HP whenever you kill enemies.
Can I keep the Serpent-Hunter after the fight?Yes — the Serpent-Hunter becomes a normal (if weaker) great spear after the Rykard fight ends. It loses its special damage multiplier but remains a usable weapon with decent reach. Most players display it as a trophy rather than using it in regular combat.
Where do I go after beating Rykard?After Rykard, activate his Great Rune at the Divine Tower of West Altus (accessible from the Altus Plateau). Then continue the main story toward Leyndell and Morgott. If you came through Volcano Manor’s quest chain, speak to Tanith for additional lore and rewards.