How to Slay a Dragon – Guide for Defeating the Ghostflame Dragon in Elden Ring

The Ghostflame Dragon is a difficult enemy to face. There are three locations with the draconian, and all of them require an expected level of 160. This fearsome opponent was introduced in the Shadow of Erdtree DLC.

As a Tarnished exploring the Shadow Realm, you might encounter the Ghostflame very early on in the DLC. The fight with the Ghostflame Dragon will be difficult unless you follow the maxim- ‘Preparation is half a victory’.

1. How to beat the Ghostflame Dragon in Elden Ring?

To defeat the Ghostflame Dragon, the essentials and tips are as follows-

1. Essential Preparation – Equip Holy items and Spirit Ashes. Equip the Dragon-Hunter Katana to deal more damage and have a ranged weapon at the ready.
2. Attack Patterns – The Ghostflame Dragon has a lot of repetitive patterns; dodging and reaching its underbelly should be a constant goal.

The Ghostflame Dragon is located in three regions; the Moorth Ruins location in Scadu Atlas is the easiest to reach. Located just South of the Moorth Highway. The required level is 160.

Dragon slaying is a mighty endeavor, only undertaken by the bravest and strongest of Tarnished. The task may seem daunting, but with effort and preparation, it can be accomplished. The plentiful rewards include the rare Sombre Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone, 120,000 runes, and- wait for it- a dragon heart.

2. Preparation Before the Battle

There are many things to keep at the ready before going ahead to tackle the mighty dragon-

2.1 Deal with FrostBite

The Flame Breath attacks of the Ghostflame Dragon cause FrostBite to build up (very fast). To mitigate this, you can either go for a long-ranged fight or carry consumables like Thawfrost Boluses. Invigorating Cured Meat and the Bestial Constitution incantation also help.

2.2 Aim for Holy Damage

The Ghostflame Dragon has a magic resistance of a whopping 60%, which means you will barely graze it with your magic. It will be dealing less than half of the usual damage. But worry not; the heavens are fair (the creators are, at least).

The Ghostflame Dragon has a Holy Damage resistance of -10%. Carry weapons that deal Holy damage or with the Ash of War- Sacred Blade. If nothing else, apply Holy Grease to your weapons and use Holy Water Pots. It goes a long way.

2.3 Necessary Equipment

To deal with the dragon efficiently, it is a must to have good equipment and items-

1. Spirit Ashes: Having Spirit Ashes summons with you will help in distracting the dragon. This gives you more opportunity to attack from a distance or heal yourself. Using the Lone Wolf Ashes is recommended.
2. Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana: This powerful weapon is the direct answer to ‘How to slay a Dragon?’. It can be obtained in the Dragon’s Pit dungeon. The Ancient Dragon-Man mini-boss drops it. Deals massive damage to Dragon-type monsters.
3. Long-Range Weapon: The patterns of the dragon are such that you will have to distance yourself from the enemy quite often. Having a ranged weapon lets you deal damage from a safe distance.

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3. Understanding the Ghostflame Dragon’s Attack Patterns

To defeat the Ghostflame Dragon, it is pertinent that the attack patterns are understood-

1. Ghostflame Breath: The Ghostflame dragon breathes out flames that deal frostbite damage. The frostbite accumulates quickly. Mount Torrent to run away or dodge precisely.
2. Rumble: When the HP of the Ghostflame dragon reaches 60% HP, it unleashes a massive AOE attack I call the Rumble. The Rumble can be avoided with ease, the precursor is a loud roar and flames rising.
3. Mighty Stomp: Ghostflame performs stomps multiple times. It deals with physical and FrostBite damage. The trick to dodge it is to wait for it to lift its legs and then roll over to dodge.
4. Dragon Slam: The Ghostflame will fly up into the sky and nose dive into the ground, causing a lot of damage (it’s aiming for you). Wait for the last moments and then dodge, it can’t change its direction. Gives the opportunity to strike after the Slam.
5. Slash Attacks: The Ghostflame slashes its wings and tail which have a lot of reach. If you are engaged in melee combat, beware and dodge toward its legs, which will lead to the attacks missing you.

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4. About Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a major title released by FromSoftware in 2022, the developers of Demon’s Souls, Bloodborne, and the Dark Souls franchise. Set in the ‘Lands Between’,  players are on a quest to repair the Elden Ring and become the new Elden Lord.

Shadow of the Erdtree is a full-fledged expansion for Elden Ring added in June 2024. It is a whole new map with new Weapons, Sorceries, Ashes, and Craftables. It is a challenging DLC and as players continue to explore the map, they find surprises and easter eggs left by the developers every day.