Conquering Bayle, The Dread: Your Elden Ring Guide

Bayle, the Dread is a legendary boss in Elden Ring, featured in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. This optional boss resides at the Summit of Jagged Peak.

Once a formidable dragon and the arch-nemesis of Dragonlord Placidusax, Bayle stands as a fierce adversary to ancient dragons. Regarded as the most potent dragon in the Elden universe, Bayle’s ferocity matches its legendary background.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to locate Bayle the Dread in Elden Ring and strategies to defeat it with ease by following our detailed instructions.

Locating Bayle the Dread in Elden Ring

To encounter Bayle, the Dread, head to the peak of Jagged Peak. This location lies southeast of Castle Ensis and can be accessed by navigating through a hidden area in the Dragon’s Pit.

To enter Dragon’s Pit, travel southeast from the Castle Front Site of Grace and follow the river downstream until you find the entrance. Navigate deep within until you confront the Ancient Dragon Man boss. Defeating him grants you the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana.

Afterward, exit the area to access the Grand Cathedral of Dragon Communion, which leads you toward the summit of Jagged Peak. From the first Site of Grace, head south and stick to the path.

Along your journey, you’ll encounter various Drakes, making the trek more challenging. Continue until you face Ancient Dragon Sennessax. Overcome this boss to collect the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone and the Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.

Next, head northeast until you find a jagged path. Turn southwest and utilize spirit spring jumps with the aid of Torrent to reach the entrance of Bayle’s arena. Rest at the Jagged Peak Summit Site of Grace, and prepare for a formidable battle.

Stats and Weaknesses of Bayle the Dread

Bayle, the Dread has an impressive 41,612 HP and is immune to all elemental attacks. However, he is vulnerable to Pierce damage.

With a defense of 125 and a stance of 120, you cannot parry any of Bayle’s attacks, but you can land a critical strike on its head when its stance is broken. Strike the stump near its broken leg for a massive 50% damage bonus against this boss.

Optimal Stats for Facing Bayle the Dread

As Bayle is the most challenging dragon-type boss in any FromSoftware game, it’s wise to take him on later in your journey, ideally just before the DLC’s final boss. Your character level should be at least 200, equipped with 15 Scadutree Blessings.

For weapons, utilize the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana with a Strength/Dexterity build. Equip talismans like Godfrey’s Icon and Shard of Alexander to boost your weapon skill’s power.

Since this build is designed for two-handed use, prioritize dodging instead of blocking. Summon Igor inside the arena using his Festering Finger, and don’t forget to call on the Mimic Tear to make the fight easier.

Once you’re prepared, familiarize yourself with Bayle’s attacks to dodge effectively. Below, we outline Bayle’s various attack phases.

Phase 1 – The Subdued Dragon

The first phase against Bayle is surprisingly subdued, especially compared to what lies ahead. During this phase, Bayle employs a mix of Physical and Flame Lightning attacks. Although they appear intimidating, many can be dodged quite easily.

You’ll have opportunities to strike back after dodging Bayle’s attacks. One of its most punishing moves is the grab attack, where Bayle lunges forward, its head glowing, and attempts to bite the player.

If this connects, it slams the player down three times. To avoid it, dodge forward, then land two hits on Bayle’s head. Another notable attack occurs when Bayle launches into the air, enveloped in Flame Lightning, and crashes down at the player’s location. Dodge twice and hit Bayle’s injured leg while it recovers.

Bayle also unleashes lightning beam attacks from both the ground and air. Watch closely as the Lightning sweeps across the arena. When this happens, run forward. If Bayle’s lightning attack comes from above, retreat, as the area below will ignite.

Bayle can summon lightning strikes to the player’s exact position. When you see Bayle raise its claw and begin to glow, start running in circles, dodging at the right moment to evade the lightning’s impact.

Another variation of this attack consists of Bayle roaring while summoning columns of lightning strikes. These will not follow the player, so simply dodge them.

Bayle also engages in several physical attacks, the most common being the claw lunge. Two notable versions of this attack exist. In one, Bayle swings its wings side to side and lunges forward to strike with its claws.

The second variant features Bayle summoning a Flame Lightning bolt while lunging, generating an explosion you must avoid by dodging twice.

Lastly, Bayle employs a tail swipe attack where it passes the player and quickly swings its tail around, making it one of the fastest physical attacks with minimal margin for error.

Phase 2 – Total Assault

The second phase against Bayle, the Dread, is as terrifying as it is lethal. Bayle begins with a magic attack known as Bayle’s Tyranny, channeling energy and conjuring dark symbols on the ground.

These symbols and Bayle will explode upon contact, causing massive damage. At this juncture, Bayle unfurls its wings, signaling the start of its second phase.

Once it accumulates enough energy, Bayle will take to the skies, flying around the arena. This is your cue to unleash the weapon art of the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana. Hold the R2/RT button to charge the attack and strike from a distance.

Beware, Bayle will hurl flaming projectiles at your position. After completing its arc, it will crash down directly onto you. This window is prime for dodging and countering.

Next, an even more daunting attack begins. Bayle will hover mid-air, moving across the arena while unleashing a wide spread of flame lightning. After a brief pause, it will return with a concentrated beam, causing massive explosions in its wake.

Evading this move can be quite tough, so stay as far back as possible and hold off on attacking.

Finally, Bayle performs an attack known as Bayle’s Flame Lightning, raising a claw to gather power. As wings sprout from its back, Bayle will slam its claw down, resulting in a massive explosion.

Keep your distance during this attack; numerous cracks will form on the ground and detonate, dealing catastrophic damage to players.

These are all of Bayle, the Dread’s attacks and how to evade them in both phases. With an understanding of its attack patterns, you can defeat Bayle by dodging effectively and striking when the time is right.

Rely on Igor during the fight, as he will play a crucial role in bringing down Bayle, the Dread.

Rewards from Bayle, the Dread

Upon triumphing over Bayle, the Dread, you’ll be rewarded with 490,000 Runes and the Heart of Bayle. Notably, this legendary boss is unique in that it does not drop any remembrance.

The Heart of Bayle can be utilized at the Grand Altar of Dragon Communion to acquire either the Bayle’s Flame Lightning or Bayle’s Tyranny incantations.