what poise should i have for radahn

2 min read 15-04-2025

Meta Description: Conquering Radahn in Elden Ring requires a strategic approach, and poise is key! This guide dives deep into the optimal poise levels and builds to survive his devastating attacks. Discover the best armor, weapons, and tactics to triumph. Learn about poise breakpoints, managing stamina, and maximizing your survivability against this formidable boss. Prepare for victory!

Understanding Poise in Elden Ring

Before we dive into Radahn-specific strategies, let's clarify what poise means in Elden Ring. Poise is a hidden stat that determines your resistance to interruption during attacks. Higher poise means you're less likely to be staggered or knocked down by enemy hits. This is crucial for trading blows effectively with Radahn.

Why Poise Matters Against Radahn

Radahn's attacks are incredibly powerful and have significant stagger potential. Without sufficient poise, you'll spend more time recovering from stumbles than actually fighting. This makes consistently damaging him incredibly difficult, and you'll likely be overwhelmed quickly. Therefore, optimizing your poise is essential for survival and victory.

Determining the Ideal Poise for Radahn

There isn't one magic number for poise against Radahn. The optimal level depends on your build and playstyle. However, aiming for a range that allows you to withstand at least one of his heavier attacks without staggering is a good target.

Low-Poise Strategies (Under 45):

Emphasis on Evasion: If you opt for a lower poise build, focus on mastering precise dodges and timing.
Fast Attacks: Use weapons with fast attack speeds to land multiple hits before being interrupted.
Hit-and-Run Tactics: Prioritize quick attacks followed by immediate distance creation.

High-Poise Strategies (45+):

Aggresive Trading: Higher poise allows you to trade blows more effectively, punishing Radahn's attacks with your own.
Heavier Weapons: Utilize weapons with higher damage output and longer animations. You'll withstand interruptions more effectively.
Persistent Pressure: Maintain pressure to reduce his ability to unleash full combos.

Best Armor and Weapon Choices for Poise

Your choice of armor and weapons significantly impacts your poise. Here are some recommendations:

Armor:

Bull-Goat Set: Provides excellent poise and defense.
Lionel Set: A great balance between defense, poise, and weight.
Sets with high poise: Prioritize armor pieces explicitly boosting poise, even if it means sacrificing some other defensive stats.

Weapons:

Greatswords and Colossal Weapons: These typically inflict high damage but have slow attacks. Higher poise is crucial when using these.
Weapons with inherent poise damage: Certain weapons have special abilities that increase poise damage.

Optimizing Your Build for Radahn

While specific numbers depend on your chosen armor and weapons, prioritize poise and stamina. Here’s a breakdown:

Stamina Management:

Radahn's attacks can drain your stamina rapidly. Consider these tactics:

Roll Carefully: Don't waste stamina on unnecessary rolls.
Use your environment: Radahn's arena offers plenty of opportunities to reposition and recover.
Poise as a defense: Using poise to trade blows reduces the need for excessive dodging.

Poise Breakpoints:

Research poise breakpoints for Radahn's attacks. Knowing which attacks stagger you and which don't is invaluable. Many online resources detail these breakpoints.

Conclusion: Mastering Radahn Through Poise

Conquering Radahn requires a careful balance of aggression and defense. Understanding and maximizing your poise is crucial for surviving his brutal attacks. By choosing the right armor, weapons, and tactics, you can significantly increase your chances of victory. Remember, experimenting with different builds and playstyles is essential to finding what works best for you. Good luck, Tarnished!