Battlemage Hugues, a formidable optional boss in Elden Ring, awaits players in the treacherous confines of Sellia Evergaol. Known for his devastating spellcasting and slow, deliberate movements, Hugues presents a unique challenge that tests both strategy and skill. To conquer this magical adversary, players must master the art of dodging his powerful Glintstone attacks while using the environment—namely the large branches scattered throughout the arena—to shield themselves from harm. Whether you prefer a brute-force melee approach or a more cautious ranged strategy, understanding Hugues’ attack patterns is key to emerging victorious and claiming the valuable rewards he guards.
To get to the boss, you need to travel to Sellia Evergaol . Start by teleporting to Dragonbarrow West site of grace. It is marked with 24 on our map. From this site, proceed south, but you’ll have to circle the area to reach a platform below. Stick to the edge and head south until you reach the protruding cliff.
Battlemage Hueges is an optional boss – defeating him isn’t required to complete the game.
Reward for defeating
Defeating Battlemage Hugues in Elden Ring yields significant rewards that enhance your gameplay experience. Upon his defeat, players are awarded 7,800 Runes, which can be used to level up and improve character stats, making future encounters easier. Additionally, you will receive the Battlemage Hugues Spirit Ashes, allowing you to summon his spirit in battles, providing a strategic advantage against tougher foes. This dual reward system encourages players to take on this optional boss, enriching their journey through the Lands Between.
For defeating a Battlemage you will receive Runes (7,800) and Battlemage Hugues Spirit Ashes.
General advice:
General advice: Battlemage Hugues is a challenging optional boss in Elden Ring, located in Sellia Evergaol. To effectively combat him, players should focus on utilizing physical damage builds, as Hugues has high resistance to most magical attacks, with the exception of holy magic. It is advisable to equip heavy weapons to stagger him easily and to utilize poison or scarlet rot for additional damage over time. Players must also be prepared to dodge his ranged spells and melee attacks; using the environment for cover can be beneficial. Remember that spirit summons are not allowed in this fight, so rely on your own skills and strategies to emerge victorious.
- Battlemage Hugues is vulnerable to poisoning and scarlet rot . Frostbite and bleed effect can also be applied.
- The battle is best approached by choosing a physical damage build, as the boss is highly resistant to the magic of all schools. The only exception is the holy school, to which the boss has virtually no resistance.
- Equip a heavy weapon before the fight, as it will allow you to throw the opponent off-balance easily.
- When it comes to equipment, consider equipping magic resistance items.
- You are prohibited from using allies or ashes during this fight– you have to defeat the opponent on your own.
Melee build – how to fight?
In the melee build for Elden Ring, players should focus on maximizing their close-combat effectiveness while utilizing spells for added versatility. Key strategies include using the Carian Slicer as a primary attack, which is both efficient in FP cost and effective in damage output. Players can enhance their melee capabilities by equipping a shield, such as the Jellyfish Shield, to block incoming attacks while moving in for strikes. It’s crucial to balance your stats, prioritizing Intelligence for spell damage while ensuring adequate Vigor and Mind to sustain health and FP during fights. Utilizing talismans like the Graven-School Talisman can further boost sorcery damage, making this build highly adaptable against various enemies, including formidable bosses like Battlemage Hugues.
Once you enter Sellia Evergaol, you need to approach a hole in the ground to begin the fight. The breach is at the edge of the prison, to the south. Once you approach it, the enemy will appear on the arena and the fight begins. You can critically backstab the opponent before the battle starts for good.
While at medium distance from the enemy, at least one projectile will be fired at you. A well-timed dodge (preferably towards the opponent to close the distance) will allow you to avoid it.
The enemy has a magic hammer at his disposal that he will use when you get closer. Watch out, as the hammer can perform a combination of pounding strikes. To mitigate the attack, make a well-timed dodge (right before the hammer strikes the ground). The attack is telegraphed quite clearly, but if it lands, it can be devastating for your HP.
Hugues will also attack with his club from time to time. . If you see him lifting his club, best get behind the boss and land a few hits of your own. A stronger weapon can even interrupt this attack. Heavy weapons will quickly throw him off-balance.
Another attack involves magic energy gathering around the enemy’s wand. If successfully charged, Hugues will fire several projectiles that will explode on impact. Dodging may not be enough to completely avoid this attack if you’re too close. However, the projectiles are fired at relatively large intervals, so you have time to prepare for another dodge.
What are the best weapons to use against Battlemage Hugues
To effectively take down Battlemage Hugues in Elden Ring, choosing the right weapons is crucial due to his unique vulnerabilities and combat style. Here are the best weapon options to consider:
Best Weapons Against Battlemage Hugues
| Weapon Type | Recommended Weapons | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Colossal | Great Club, Colossal Sword | These weapons can stagger Hugues easily, allowing for critical hits. |
| Slashing | Uchigatana, Bloodhound’s Fang | Inflicts bleed damage, which is effective against Hugues’ health pool. |
| Thrusting | Estoc, Rapier | Excellent for quick strikes and exploiting openings after dodging. |
| Magic | Rock Sling | Ideal for magic users; it can deal significant damage from a distance. |
| Holy Damage | Claymore (with Holy Affinity) | Effective against Hugues due to his vulnerability to Holy damage. |
Additional Strategies
- Use Shields: Equip the Carian Knight’s Shield to block many of Hugues’ magical attacks effectively.
- Ranged Tactics: If you prefer a ranged approach, utilize cover provided by the arena’s branches to avoid his spells while dealing damage from a distance.
- Attack Patterns: Familiarize yourself with Hugues’ attack patterns, such as the Gavel of Haima and Glintstone Shard, to time your dodges and counterattacks more effectively.
By leveraging these weapon choices and strategies, players can enhance their chances of defeating Battlemage Hugues and claiming valuable rewards.
What are the best spells to use against Battlemage Hugues
To effectively combat Battlemage Hugues in Elden Ring, utilizing the right spells can significantly enhance your chances of victory. Here are the best spells to consider:
Best Spells Against Battlemage Hugues
| Spell | Type | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Sling | Sorcery | Deals high damage and can stagger Hugues; ideal for ranged attacks while keeping distance. |
| Night Comet | Sorcery | A stealthy spell that can deal damage while remaining hidden, making it harder for Hugues to retaliate. |
| Carian Retaliation | Sorcery | Effective for countering his magical attacks; can deal significant damage if timed correctly. |
| Night’s Sacred Ground | Incantation | Provides healing over time while dealing damage, useful for sustaining yourself during the fight. |
| Eternal Darkness | Sorcery | Absorbs some of Hugues’ spells, allowing you to counterattack or heal during the battle. |
Strategy Tips
- Utilize Cover: Use the branches in the arena to shield yourself from Hugues’ powerful Glintstone attacks while casting spells.
- Maintain Distance: Keep moving and avoid getting too close to Hugues to prevent his melee attacks, such as the Gavel of Haima.
- Timing is Key: Learn Hugues’ attack patterns; dodging his spells and countering with your own can turn the tide of battle.
By selecting these spells and employing effective strategies, players can outmaneuver Battlemage Hugues and secure a hard-fought victory.
