Royal Knight Loretta guide: How to beat Royal Knight Loretta in Elden Ring

Facing Royal Knight Loretta in Elden Ring is no small feat, as players must navigate a gauntlet of magical assaults and swift melee strikes from this formidable opponent. Located in the treacherous Caria Manor, Loretta combines her prowess on horseback with devastating glintstone sorceries, making her one of the game’s more challenging bosses. Whether you’re a seasoned warrior or a newcomer to the Lands Between, mastering the tactics to overcome her will not only grant you valuable rewards like Loretta’s Greatbow and 10,000 Runes, but also unlock new areas for exploration. Prepare to dodge her spectral blades and unleash your most powerful attacks—victory awaits those who dare to challenge this royal knight.

Reward for defeating

Defeating Royal Knight Loretta in Elden Ring yields significant rewards that enhance your gameplay experience. Upon her defeat, players receive 10,000 Runes, which can be crucial for leveling up or purchasing items. Additionally, you will obtain Loretta’s Greatbow, a powerful long-range sorcery that allows you to unleash devastating arrow attacks, and the Ash of War: Loretta’s Slash, which can be equipped to weapons for a powerful upward strike. These rewards not only provide immediate benefits but also open up new strategic options for future encounters in the game.

For defeating Royal Knight Loretta, you will receive 10,000 Runes, Loretta’s Greatbow , which is a long-range spell, and Ash of War: Loretta’s Slash.

General tips

To effectively tackle Royal Knight Loretta in Elden Ring, consider these general tips. First, equip armor that offers strong protection against magic damage, as Loretta frequently employs magical attacks. Summoning spirit ashes, such as the Banished Knight Oleg, can provide valuable support by distracting her and absorbing damage. During the fight, maintain a safe distance when she casts spells, particularly when her weapon glows blue, signaling an incoming attack. Use dodging techniques to evade her projectiles and take advantage of openings to strike back. Additionally, employing jump attacks can deal significant damage, especially if aimed at her steed. Always be cautious of her horse’s kick when positioning yourself behind her.

1. Loretta deals magic damage most of the time. Make sure you equip gear that will protect you from this type of damage.
2. Try summoning the ashes of someone who can withstand the boss’s attacks for a long time. These can be e.g. the improved ashes of Medusa or Banished Knight Oleg.
3. The boss often creates swords above her that will follow you if the distance between you and Loretta is small.
4. Loretta is fighting on horseback, which makes her quite fast. You, however, can’t summon a mount to this fight.
5. If the end of Loretta’s weapon turns blue, she will start casting a spell. She can either cast a fast magic projectile or create a few magic swords over her head.
6. Royal Knight Loretta is vulnerable to lightning magic. Use this type of attack to your advantage – in melee combat, it will most likely be a Lightning Grease.

Mage build – how to fight?

To effectively fight Royal Knight Loretta as a mage in Elden Ring, preparation is crucial. Equip the Spelldrake Talisman to reduce incoming magic damage, and wear armor that offers protection against both magical and physical attacks. Utilize quick spells like Magic Glintblade or Starlight Shards to maintain pressure while dodging her powerful glintstone sorceries. When she casts spells, especially the slower ones, time your dodges carefully—sprinting sideways can help evade her magic blades. If you’re skilled with it, consider using Carian Retaliation to parry her spells, allowing you to counterattack effectively. Always keep your distance when possible, but be ready to close in for damage when she is vulnerable after an attack.

Before the fight, it is a good idea to put on the Spelldrake Talisman. This amulet will decrease the magic damage you take from Loretta’s attacks. Of course, clothing that protects against this type of damage will also be useful.

However, don’t forget that Loretta also deals physical damage. If you are close to the boss (often in front of her), Loretta will start attacking with her weapon. Usually these are single attacks that are easy to avoid.

Try to use fast spells in this fight, such as Magic Glintblade or all kinds of Starlight Shards. If you have spells that require a lot of intelligence when approaching this fight, try to use spells such as Stars of Ruin or Ancient Death Rancor.

You can also parry the boss’s spells with Carian Retaliation. You can take advantage of it, if you know how to use it skillfully. If not, and you have trouble avoiding Loretta’s spells, use Thops’s Barrier.

Loretta uses all kinds of spells. These are usually Glimstone spells. When Loretta casts this type of spell, make sure you dodge as quickly as possible. If she uses slower spells, you have to wait until the projectile starts flying towards you. These spells are Loretta’s Greatbow and Glintblade Phalanx.

As the blades fly towards you, sprint sideways to dodge all of them. However, if you’re very close to Loretta when she’s casting this spell, running may not save you. In such case try to dodge. Use spells that deal damage in the meantime. Ash of War should distract the boss enough for you to use spells or restore HP/mana in peace.

Melee build – how to fight?

To effectively engage Royal Knight Loretta in Elden Ring as a melee build, players should focus on agility and timing. Since Loretta rides a spectral steed, she can quickly alter distances and unleash both melee and magic attacks. To counter this, maintain mobility by circling around her to avoid her spear strikes while positioning yourself for counterattacks. Utilize jump attacks to target her head or the horse, as these deal increased damage and can lead to stagger opportunities. It’s crucial to dodge her magic projectiles and spectral swords by rolling through them rather than away, allowing you to close the gap for a follow-up strike. Always be mindful of the horse’s kicks when attacking from behind, and capitalize on openings after dodging her slower attacks to maximize your damage output.

Royal Knight Loretta rides a mount – this makes her much faster than you. Thus, she can easily shorten and increase the distance. When you are far away from her, she will use magic attacks – blades that are relatively easy to avoid by dodging sideways.

The boss uses these spells even in close combat. Therefore, go around her as often as possible to finally stand on two different sides of his mount. Do it alternately – this way when the boss attacks on one side, you will already be on the other. You can stand behind her, but her horse will then kick you.

Keep doing that during the whole first half of the fight – circle the enemy, attack as often as possible and avoid the magic blades. If you need healing, you can move away (although then you have to watch out for possible projectiles), or do it after dodging some hits.

If you don’t want the enemy to shorten the distance so often, you can go to the left side of the arena, where there is a building behind the stairs that will also help you take cover when healing. This can be very useful in the second half of the fight, when the enemy starts using a huge bow, which deals a lot of damage. When dodging, you must also watch out for the explosion that happens upon impact.

The enemy strongest attack by hovering in the air and drawing a huge bow. Sometimes she will add a few smaller projectiles – in such a situation you will have to perform at least two dodges, one after the other.

What are the best strategies for dodging Royal Knight Loretta’s spectral swords

Dodging Royal Knight Loretta’s spectral swords in Elden Ring requires a combination of timing, positioning, and awareness of her attack patterns. Here are some effective strategies to help you avoid her magical onslaught:

Key Strategies for Dodging Spectral Swords

1. Strafe Sprinting: When Loretta summons her spectral swords, they will hover momentarily before launching at you. Use strafe sprinting to move around them. This method allows you to maintain mobility while avoiding the incoming projectiles.
2. Timing Your Rolls: Instead of simply running away from the swords, focus on timed dodges. Rolling through the swords just as they approach can often be more effective than trying to sidestep them, especially if you’re close to Loretta.
3. Utilize I-frames: Equip the Crucible Feather Talisman, which increases your invincibility frames (i-frames) when dodging. This enhancement can make it significantly easier to evade her magic attacks.
4. Maintain Distance: Keep your distance when Loretta begins to cast her spells. This will give you more time to react and dodge effectively. If you’re too close, the swords may overwhelm you before you can escape.
5. Watch for Attack Patterns: Loretta’s attacks often come in sequences. Be prepared for multiple magic strikes in quick succession, and stay vigilant after dodging one attack, as she may follow up with another spell or melee strike.
6. Avoiding Back Attacks: While it might be tempting to attack from behind Loretta, be cautious as her spectral steed can deliver powerful kicks that deal significant damage. Stay at the front or sides of her horse for safer engagement.
7. Jump Attacks for Staggering: After successfully dodging her spells, use jump attacks to stagger Loretta and create openings for further damage. Attacking her horse’s head can yield higher damage and increase your chances of knocking her down for a critical hit.

By employing these strategies, players can improve their chances of successfully dodging Royal Knight Loretta’s spectral swords and ultimately defeating this challenging boss in Elden Ring.

What are the best armor sets to wear against Royal Knight Loretta

To effectively combat Royal Knight Loretta in Elden Ring, it’s crucial to equip armor sets that enhance your resistance to magic damage, as she primarily utilizes glintstone sorceries. Here are some of the best armor sets to consider:

Best Armor Sets Against Royal Knight Loretta

1. Rennala’s Queen of the Full Moon Set
   • Description: This set offers excellent magical defense, making it ideal for mitigating Loretta’s powerful magic attacks.
   • Benefits: Increases your overall magic resistance significantly, allowing you to absorb more damage during the fight.
2. Spellblade Set
   • Description: Tailored for hybrid builds that combine magic and melee, this armor set provides a good balance of physical and magical defenses.
   • Benefits: Boosts magic protection while still allowing for effective melee combat, making it versatile for dodging and attacking.
3. Carian Knight Set
   • Description: Designed for spellblades, this set offers solid defenses while maintaining a stylish appearance.
   • Benefits: Provides decent protection against both physical and magical damage, suitable for players who engage in close combat.
4. Royal Knight Set
   • Description: This ornate armor not only looks impressive but also offers high poise and physical defense.
   • Benefits: While it has moderate magical resistance, its high poise allows players to withstand lighter attacks without staggering.
5. Banished Knight Set
   • Description: Known for its robust physical defense, this set can be a good choice if you prioritize survivability over magic resistance.
   • Benefits: Offers strong protection against physical damage, which is useful when Loretta attacks with her weapon.

Talismans to Enhance Magic Resistance

• Spelldrake Talisman: This talisman significantly boosts magic damage negation, making it invaluable against Loretta’s spells. It can be found in Earthbore Cave in the Weeping Peninsula.
• Crucible Feather Talisman: Increases i-frames during dodging, helping you avoid her magical attacks more effectively. Located in Auriza Hero’s Grave.

Equipping a combination of these armor sets and talismans will enhance your survivability against Royal Knight Loretta’s formidable magical onslaught, allowing you to focus on dodging her attacks and countering effectively.