How to beat Borealis the Freezing Fog in Elden Ring

Facing Borealis, the Frozen Fog in Elden Ring is a daunting challenge that tests both strategy and skill. Nestled in the treacherous Mountaintops of the Giants, this dragon emerges from a blizzard on a frozen lake, ready to unleash devastating frost attacks. Players must navigate not only Borealis’s powerful ice breath and stomps but also the thick fog that obscures visibility, making every move critical. Mastering the art of dodging while targeting its vulnerable hind legs is key to victory, as is utilizing the right equipment to mitigate frostbite damage. With a hefty reward of runes and unique incantations at stake, conquering this icy foe is a thrilling endeavor for any aspiring Elden Lord.

Location

To locate Borealis, the Frozen Fog, players should head to the Freezing Lake site of grace in the Mountaintops of the Giants region. This area is marked as Site of Grace number 14 on the map. Upon arriving at the Freezing Lake, players need to travel southeast across the frozen surface. As they reach the center of the lake, a snowstorm will commence, signaling the start of the battle against Borealis. This unique setting not only enhances the challenge but also adds an atmospheric layer to the encounter, as visibility decreases significantly due to the fog that envelops the area during the fight.

To find Borealis, you must go to Freezing Lake site of grace, located in the Mountaintops of the Giants region. On this map, it will be the Site of Grace number 14. Once you find yourself at the site of grace, travel south-east to the frozen lake. When you find yourself in the center of it, a snowstorm will start. The battle against Borealis starts then.

Reward for defeating:

For defeating Borealis, the Frozen Fog, players are rewarded with 100,000 runes and a Dragon Heart, which can be exchanged for powerful incantations at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion in Caelid. Additionally, the victory unlocks the unique Borealis’s Mist incantation, enhancing the player’s magical arsenal. This optional boss encounter not only provides substantial rewards but also offers a thrilling challenge that tests players’ combat skills and strategy in the icy realms of Elden Ring.

For defeating the boss named Borealis, the Frozen Fog you will receive Runes (100,000) and Dragon Heart . This will also unlock the Borealis’s Mist incantation, which will be available at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion in Caelid.

General advice:

To successfully defeat Borealis, the Frozen Fog in Elden Ring, players should adopt a strategic approach that emphasizes mobility and positioning. Stay close to Borealis’s hind legs to minimize exposure to its powerful breath attacks and stomps, which generate damaging frost clouds. Utilizing Torrent, your mount, can enhance your ability to dodge and reposition effectively during the fight. It’s advisable to engage during the day for better visibility amidst the thick fog. Additionally, focus on dealing damage to the legs or wings, as these areas are less risky than targeting the head. Be sure to equip gear that mitigates frostbite and consider using Ashes or summoning allies for assistance in this challenging encounter.

1. Borealis is sensitive to all statuses except death blight and frostbite .
2. When it comes to equipment, use items that protect against frostbite
3. This fight is best handled on horseback . Being mounted makes it easier to dodge some of the attacks, especially the breath from above.
4. Moreover, it is better to fight this battle during the day , as thanks to the snowstorm, the visibility is poor.
5. As with most dragons, it is best to target sides or hind legs. Sticking to these body parts will help you avoid, e..g frozenfire breath, leaving you worrying about leg attacks only. Until the dragon goes airborne, of course.
6. Each major attack of the enemy also creates small snowstorms . To avoid them, you need to get out from their range.
7. A safe method is to deal 2-3 strikes and retreat to a safe distance .
8. You can make the battle easier by using Ashes or by summoning an ally.

How to defeat?

To defeat Borealis, the Frozen Fog in Elden Ring, players should adopt a strategic approach that emphasizes mobility and positioning. Begin by summoning spirits or using items like Thawfrost Boluses to mitigate frostbite effects. Staying close to Borealis’s hind legs is crucial; this allows for safe attack opportunities while avoiding its more dangerous moves, such as tail swipes and ice breath attacks. When Borealis takes to the air, be prepared to dodge its icy breath by moving perpendicular to its path. Focus on dealing damage to its legs and wings, as these areas are less risky than targeting its head, which can expose you to powerful bites. Maintaining distance during its airborne attacks is essential, as these can deal significant damage. Overall, patience and careful observation of Borealis’s attack patterns will lead to victory.

As soon as a snowstorm appears, followed by your opponent’s HP bar, you can summon a spirit to help, or equip items that will make the battle easier. These can be, e.g. Thawfrost Boluses.

It’s best to stay close to its hind legs, attack several times and run away. This is because when you are behind the opponent, Borealis will make a quick spin where it attacks with its tail and then tries to bite you.

Borealis will also try to crush you with his legs . Each such stomp will make small snowstorm appear. Being in their range quickly builds up frostbite. In such case, move to the other leg, or retreat.

When you circle around Borealis, it will go airborne. This attack is poorly telegraphed, but it will go like this – the dragon will jump backwards, while flapping his wings, and once in the air, it will begin to breathe ice . It’s good to be far away from it then, because the attack deals a lot of damage. Moreover, Borealis will stay airborne after this attack,

and perform another strike. This time, however, instead of hovering, it will soar in a straight line while breathing ice. After this move, he will most likely be far away from you, so it is worth closing the distance fast so the soar won’t happen again.

Also remember that if you aren’t fast enough to target his hindlegs, you can attack his wings as well. However, attacking wings deals less damage than attacking the legs. You can also attack in such a way once you avoid the ice cloud caused by stomps.

The most sensitive part of a dragon’s body is its head . In melee range, it doesn’t make much sense to focus on it, as it is out of the range most of the time. However, whenever you have the opportunity,, attack the head.

What are the best weapons to use against Borealis

To effectively combat Borealis, the Frozen Fog in Elden Ring, players should focus on using Strike damage weapons, as Borealis has a significant resistance to Slash and Pierce damage. Here are some of the best weapon options:

1. Greatswords with Strike Damage: Weapons like the Great Club or any upgraded greatsword infused with Strike damage can deal substantial damage. Using skills like Storm Blade can further enhance your attacks.
2. Blunt Weapons: The Starfist or other blunt weapons are effective due to their high Strike damage output. Players have reported significant success with these weapons, especially when upgraded to at least +15 or higher.
3. Lance Talisman + Ultra Greatsword: This combination allows for powerful charged attacks after dodging Borealis’s breath attacks, maximizing damage potential while maintaining mobility.
4. Blood Affinity Weapons: Weapons that inflict bleed damage, such as those with Bloodflame or Occult affinities, can also be beneficial, as they provide additional damage over time.
5. Ranged Options: For those who prefer distance, using bows like the Lion’s Greatbow can be effective, allowing players to attack from afar while avoiding Borealis’s powerful melee and breath attacks.

In addition to weapon choice, utilizing mounted combat on Torrent is crucial for dodging Borealis’s aerial assaults and repositioning quickly during the fight.

What are the best incantations to use against Borealis

When battling Borealis, the Frozen Fog in Elden Ring, utilizing the right incantations can significantly enhance your effectiveness in the fight. Here are some of the best incantations to consider:

1. Borealis’s Mist: This powerful incantation channels the icy breath of Borealis itself, allowing you to unleash a torrent of frost damage. It has a high FP cost but inflicts significant Frostbite damage over time, making it particularly effective against this ice dragon. The spell can be cast while jumping, adding versatility to its use .
2. Flame, Grant Me Strength: This incantation boosts your physical and fire damage, which can be advantageous since Borealis has a weakness to fire despite its ice affinity. It helps increase overall damage output during the fight .
3. Golden Vow: This incantation provides a temporary boost to both attack and defense, making it an excellent choice for survivability and damage enhancement during the battle .
4. Black Flame: This incantation deals damage over time and can help chip away at Borealis’s health while also inflicting a status effect that can be beneficial in prolonged fights .
5. Hoarfrost Stomp: Although not a traditional incantation, this ash of war creates a freezing area on impact, which can help to stagger Borealis and inflict Frostbite quickly, allowing for follow-up attacks .

Using these incantations strategically while maintaining mobility and positioning will greatly increase your chances of defeating Borealis effectively.