The Dragonkin Soldiers are a pair of optional bosses in Elden Ring that players can defeat for unique rewards and runes. The Dragonkin Soldiers are towering human-shaped creatures with golden armor. They can be tricky to locate and take down with the right steps, doing so shouldn’t take you too long. In this guide, we’ll cover the locations of both Dragonkin Soldiers in Elden Ring and discuss the best way to take them down. We’ll also go over a quick and easy cheese strategy should the challenge prove too difficult for you.
You will encounter two Dragonkin Soldiers. They are spread across the Ainsel River and Lake of Rot. Despite being found in different areas, their move sets are mostly identical and exhibit near identical HP.
Dragonkin Solider #1 Location
The first Dragonkin Soldier can be found in the Ainsel River area. The boss will be in the lower portion of the area, in the chamber with the giant chair-crypt. The Site of Grace closest to it is the “Nokstella Waterfall Basin.” This Dragonkin Soldier is also known as the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella.
Dragonkin Soldier #2 Location
The second Dragonkin Soldier can be found in the Lake of Rot, near the Siofra River and the previous Dragonkin Soldier. The Site of Grace closest to this is “Lake of Rot Shoreside.” As the name suggests, the Lake of Rot will cause Scarlet Rot buildup if you stay exposed for too long.
How to Defeat Dragonkin Soldiers in Elden Ring?
Dragonkin Soldiers have two phases. The first involves using simple, telegraphed attacks that can be easily detected and avoided. In the first phase, you can simply get on Torrent, run around Dragonkin Soldiers, and pulverize them. Their main attacks are where they swipe at you with either of their arms or do a slam with both of them.
If you are behind them, they will perform a large sweep and turn around to face you. All these attacks can be easily dodged by simply dodging to any side. If you are on Torrent, you can even double-jump above the attacks to avoid getting hit.
After you deplete around 60% of a Dragonkin Soldier’s health, their second phase begins. During the second phase, the Dragonkin Soldiers also expose their wings, signaling that you are in for some ariel attacks. In this phase, almost all of their attacks deal both Lightning and Frost damage, and they gain a significant speed boost.
The Dragonkin Soldier’s medium and closed-range attacks are relatively easier to escape if you are riding on Torrent. So, rush towards them and stay on their right side.
Dodge their medium and long-ranged attacks and land a few strikes during the Dragonkin Soldier’s recovery animation. After that, depart the area and repeat until the combat is done.
For defeating the Dragonkin Soldier at the Siofra River, you will get 16,000 Runes and the Dragon Halberd weapon. Successfully taking down the Dragonkin Soldier in the Lake of Rot will net you 58,000 Runes and the Dragonscale Blade weapon.
How to Cheese Dragonkin Soldier?
To cheese either of the Dragonkin Soldiers, you must stay behind them to avoid all his attacks and stay close enough to keep attacking him. What you want to do is, as soon as the fight starts, immediately run behind the boss and get right next to Dragonkin Soldier’s right knee.
Here, none of Dragonkin Soldier’s attacks will reach you and whenever he moves, you will be pushed with him, ensuring you stay close to him at all times while staying as safe as possible.
