In the eerie depths of Elden Ring’s Waypoint Ruins, players encounter one of the game’s most peculiar foes: Mad Pumpkin Head. This towering adversary, adorned with a bizarre metal helmet that resembles a pumpkin, may seem comical at first glance, but its formidable melee attacks and devastating head slams can quickly turn the tide of battle. As an optional boss, defeating Mad Pumpkin Head not only rewards players with valuable runes but also unlocks access to Sorceress Sellen, a key NPC for aspiring magic users. Prepare to strategize and outmaneuver this quirky yet dangerous opponent in your quest through the Lands Between.
You will meet the Mad Pumpkin Head for the first time in Limgrave, and more specifically in Waypoint Ruins.
Mad Pumpkin Heads Duo:
The second version of the boss is in Caelid. The Mad Pumpkin Heads duo are located in the Caelem Ruins.
Reward for defeating
Defeating the Mad Pumpkin Head in Elden Ring yields valuable rewards that enhance your gameplay experience. Upon victory, you will receive 1,100 runes from the encounter at the Waypoint Ruins, which can be used to level up your character or purchase items. Additionally, defeating this boss unlocks access to the Waypoint Ruins Cellar, where you can meet Sorceress Sellen, who offers a variety of sorceries for sale. This not only aids in progressing Sellen’s questline but also expands your magical arsenal, making it a significant milestone in your journey through the Lands Between.
For defeating the boss version in Limgrave in addition to accessing this place, thanks to unlocking a place of grace and 1100 Runes, you will unlock access to wizard services behind the door, thanks to Sorcerer Sellen.
However, for defeating the duo in Caelid you will only receive 6300 Runes.
General tips
To successfully defeat Mad Pumpkin Head in Elden Ring, consider these general tips that can enhance your gameplay experience. Preparation is key: ensure your character is at least level 20 for a smoother encounter. Utilize summons, such as the Lone Wolf Ashes, to distract the boss while you attack from behind, taking advantage of its slow movements. Dodge effectively; rolling into its attacks can provide invincibility frames, allowing you to counterattack safely. Focus on avoiding its head, as attacks to this area deal significantly reduced damage. Finally, stay aware of your surroundings to avoid getting cornered, which can lead to devastating hits from this formidable foe.
- Mad Pumpkin Head inflicts bleeding with his attacks, which is why you should avoid defending yourself with a shield from his attacks for too long.
- His head is resistant to both physical and magical attacks. When fighting the boss, attack all parts of the body except the head – your attacks will either bounce back or deal only a small amount of damage.
- The arena where you face the Mad Pumpkin Head has the option to summon ghosts. It’s best to summon wolves to fight the boss, they will be a perfect distraction.
- By using heavy weapons in close combat and attacking frequently, you’ll throw your opponent off balance relatively quickly. This will allow you to use a critical hit that will take a lot of their HP.
- Mad Pumpkin Head is susceptible to bleeding and frostbite, so you should use attacks that inflict this status.
- Lightning-based attacks work very well on the opponent.
Mage build – how to fight?
To effectively fight the Mad Pumpkin Head as a mage in Elden Ring, utilize strategic spellcasting while leveraging Spirit Ashes for distraction. Begin the encounter by summoning a horde of wolves to divert the boss’s attention, allowing you to maintain a safe distance. Opt for delayed spells like Magic Glintblade, which allows you to cast multiple spells before the first one connects, minimizing the risk of drawing the boss’s focus too soon. Avoid attacking the head, as it is heavily armored and resistant to damage; instead, target other parts of its body. Stay mobile, dodging its attacks rather than blocking them, and create distance to safely unleash your spells. This approach will help you manage the fight while avoiding the bleeding effects from its attacks.
When you enter the boss arena, summon a horde of wolves – they will be very helpful in distracting the boss, giving you time to attack him from a safe distance.
Remember, however, that after hitting the boss with a spell, you will focus his attention on yourself, so a better solution is to use spells that are delayed, such as Magic Glintblade. Thanks to this, you will have enough time to cast 4 spells before the first one hits the boss.
Instead of blocking his attacks with a shield, it’s better to dodge and then run as far away from him as possible and start shooting again. His attacks apply bleeding which, when filled, will deal a lot of damage to your character.
When fighting the Mad Pumpkin Head, you have to be careful not to hit his head with your spells or melee attacks. It is armored, so the damage will be minimal. A much better solution is to attack other parts of the body.
Also, be careful not to stand in front of him when you are up close – the boss will attack with his head, dealing high damage. Fortunately, the attack is signaled, so you can react to it quickly.
Melee build – how to fight?
To effectively engage the Mad Pumpkin Head in Elden Ring using a melee build, focus on maintaining close proximity to the boss while avoiding its powerful head attacks. Upon entering the arena, you have a brief moment to summon Spirit Ashes for assistance, although it may be wise to first observe the boss’s attack patterns. Stick to the left side or behind the Mad Pumpkin Head to evade its attacks and create openings for your own strikes. When it performs its slow, telegraphed attacks, dodge towards it rather than away, allowing you to position yourself behind the boss for counterattacks. After landing a few hits, you can capitalize on its vulnerability when it kneels, setting up for a critical hit that deals significant damage. Remember to stay alert for its bleed-inflicting moves and heal as necessary during brief retreats.
After entering the arena, you will have a brief moment to summon the ashes – although it may turn out that it is better to wait out his attacks. The enemy starts running towards you right away, albeit at a relatively slow pace.
Throughout the fight, try to stick to the opponent’s left hand or be behind his back. This way, you will avoid many of his attacks, and you will be able to damage him even while he keeps attacking.
The Mad Pumpkin Head attacks frequently with his armored head. They are AoE attacks and the best way to avoid them is to dodge towards him. This makes it relatively easy for you to get behind his back. It will also be a good opportunity to perform a heavier attack, because the opponent is quite slow and takes a while to do the next attack.
A few stronger blows and the Mad Pumpkin Head will fall to his knees, opening himself to a critical hit. This type of attack can take a lot of HP, so approach his head and attack.
What are the best strategies for avoiding the Mad Pumpkin Head’s attacks
To effectively avoid the Mad Pumpkin Head’s attacks in Elden Ring, players can employ several strategic tactics:
- Dodge Towards the Boss: When the Mad Pumpkin Head initiates an attack, particularly its AOE moves, dodging towards it rather than away can position you behind the boss, allowing for counterattacks while staying out of harm’s way.
- Utilize Summons: Summoning Spirit Ashes, like the Lone Wolf Ashes, can distract the boss, giving you opportunities to attack from a safer distance. This is particularly useful to draw its attention away from you.
- Attack Vulnerable Areas: The Mad Pumpkin Head’s head is heavily armored, making it resistant to damage. Focus your attacks on its body instead, especially when it is recovering from an attack. This will maximize your damage output and minimize wasted efforts.
- Watch for Attack Patterns: Familiarize yourself with its attack sequences. For instance, after a heavy slam or flail swing, the boss often leaves itself open for a follow-up attack. Rolling into its attacks can also create openings for counterattacks.
- Maintain Distance During Slam Attacks: When the boss performs its head slam or other heavy attacks, create distance to avoid taking significant damage. This will also give you time to heal if necessary.
By combining these strategies—dodge tactics, summons for distraction, targeting weak points, and understanding attack patterns—you can effectively navigate the challenges posed by Mad Pumpkin Head and emerge victorious in this unique boss encounter.
What are the best ways to dodge the Mad Pumpkin Head’s AoE attacks
To effectively dodge the Mad Pumpkin Head’s AoE attacks in Elden Ring, consider the following strategies:
- Dodge Towards the Boss: When the Mad Pumpkin Head prepares for an AoE attack, such as its head slam or flail swings, rolling towards it can help you avoid damage and position yourself behind the boss for a counterattack. This tactic utilizes the game’s invincibility frames to your advantage, allowing you to evade harm while getting in close for damage.
- Observe Attack Patterns: Familiarize yourself with the boss’s attack sequences. For instance, after executing a heavy slam or sweeping flail attack, the Mad Pumpkin Head often leaves itself vulnerable. By recognizing these patterns, you can time your dodges more effectively and exploit openings for attacks.
- Use Summons for Distraction: Summoning Spirit Ashes, like the Lone Wolf Ashes, can divert the Mad Pumpkin Head’s attention away from you. This allows you to focus on dodging its attacks while your summons engage the boss, creating opportunities to strike when it is distracted.
- Maintain Distance During Heavy Attacks: When the boss initiates its head slam or winding flail attack, create space to avoid taking damage. After dodging these powerful moves, you can reposition yourself to prepare for your next attack when it recovers.
- Rolling Techniques: For melee characters, rolling sideways or diagonally during its sweeping flail attacks can help you avoid damage while allowing you to get close enough to retaliate once the attack animation ends.
By combining these strategies—dodge towards the boss, observe patterns, utilize summons, maintain distance during heavy attacks, and practice effective rolling—you can successfully avoid the Mad Pumpkin Head’s AoE attacks and gain an advantage in battle.
