Defeating Messmer the Impaler: A Guide for Elden Ring Players

Messmer, the Impaler, is a demigod boss featured in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring. To advance in the main storyline, you must confront and defeat him.

As the firstborn of Marika, Messmer was cursed with the primordial serpent. He played a pivotal role in conquering Hornsent and avenging his mother’s people. A fierce general with a ruthless streak, he annihilated the Shadow Lands before claiming them as his domain.

Widely regarded as one of the toughest challenges in Elden Ring, Messmer marks the first significant hurdle for players. In this guide, we’ll provide details on his location and tips on how to prepare for the battle against this formidable adversary.

Location of Messmer the Impaler

You can find Messmer the Impaler at the end of the Shadow Keep Dungeon, located in the northern region of Scadu Altus—it’s hard to miss.

Right next to Messmer is a site of grace known as the Dark Chamber Entrance, which can be accessed by navigating the rooftops of the Shadow Keep.

Stats and Weaknesses of Messmer the Impaler

Messmer boasts 39,981 HP, along with a Defense of 124 and a Stance of 129. His attacks can be parried, but be prepared to parry at least three times to break his stance for a critical hit.

He is particularly vulnerable to Slash attacks and Frostbite in both phases, and his susceptibility to Holy damage increases during the second phase. While he has strong resistance against Fire, he is immune to Sleep and Madness. Given his weaknesses, using a Backhand Blade can be particularly effective.

Messmer also resists poison and hemorrhage, making it impossible to afflict him with scarlet rot. Familiarizing yourself with these attributes can help you devise a strategy for the encounter.

Optimal Stats and Build for Confronting Messmer the Impaler

Due to Messmer’s imposing nature, it’s advisable to have at least 12 levels of Scadutree Blessing. Note that this is distinct from the number of Scadutree Fragments you may possess. Aim for a level of 180+ with a minimum of 50 Vigor for this battle.

A fully upgraded Backhand Blade with Keen affinity is the ideal weapon choice, allowing you to simultaneously add frost and holy effects. A shield may not be beneficial for this fight.

Make sure to wear gear that offers fire protection and equip talismans that boost your Dexterity to enhance your weapon’s damage output. You might also consider a fully upgraded Erdtree Seal to cast incantations before the fight begins.

If you’re struggling, visit Renalla at the Academy of Raya Lucaria and use Larval Tears to test new builds—just be cautious, as these tears are limited in number. Save a few for the Promised Consort Radahn fight.

Utilizing the Mimic Tear summon can significantly help distract Messmer during the fight, as it can continuously apply grease to its weapon, making the battle easier.

You can also summon either Hornsent (to the right) or Jolan (to the left) during the battle. Their summon signs are located within the arena, so they won’t bolster Messmer’s strength or defenses.

With your preparations complete, all that’s left is to face the colossal challenge ahead.

Phase 1 – The Flaming Fury

Messmer, the Impaler, embodies the essence of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, justifying his status as a highly formidable opponent. Upon entering the arena, he greets you with a bomb-like explosion attack.

Messmer leaps into the air and crashes down at your location surrounded by a flame orb, igniting upon impact. You’ll need to dodge twice—once for the landing and a second time to avoid the ensuing explosion.

This initial attack can instantly eliminate any unprepared players. Surviving it leaves Messmer temporarily vulnerable to your retaliation, but don’t get greedy; he will strike back after your third hit.

He also executes a grabbing attack, lunging at you with his hand raised. The wind-up for this attack is considerable, so hold off on dodging until he actually moves.

If caught, Messmer will impale you with his spear, followed by additional fire damage. He moves rapidly and will deal a thrust attack if you get too close.

Following these attacks, he often follows up with spear swipes and fire magic. His most dangerous combo is the Spear of the Impaler weapon art, which begins with a spear swipe followed by multiple airborne thrust attacks.

During this attack, his spear remains engulfed in flames as he lunges forward with sweeping and thrusting movements before jumping and slamming his spear into the ground, summoning spears from around him.

Do not attempt to block these attacks, as you risk being left vulnerable. Instead, dodge to the sides during sweeps and forward during thrusts. When the spears erupt from the ground, dodge towards Messmer for a brief opening to inflict damage.

Messmer’s attacks also include a double swing where he swings his spear twice. This can result in further thrusts. It’s safer to evade this attack rather than risk getting hit.

During his sweeping combos, Messmer sometimes leaps into the air, hurling his spear at your feet, causing an explosion on contact. Another variation involves him executing a downward thrust instead of throwing his spear.

Expect random fire magic attacks from Messmer, which can pop up unexpectedly. Watch for subtle hand gestures as he conjures flames before attacking.

If you notice Messmer Spinning, clear the area immediately as he summons columns of fire. This dual damage from physical and fire hits offers a window for you to strike back. Surviving this phase will trigger a cutscene once his health drops below 50%, revealing the Primordial Serpent.

Phase 2 – The Primordial Serpent Emerges

During this phase, Messmer unveils his true form as a massive serpent imbued with fire magic.

This formidable snake strikes at your location and unleashes a fireball. While the initial attack mirrors the first phase’s assault, it’s vastly more lethal. The timing for dodging differs, so stay on your toes!

In this phase, Messmer accelerates his attack patterns, teleporting rapidly. While his sweeping and thrusting moves largely remain unchanged, he now occasionally performs a backflip, complicating engagements.

A new addition to his repertoire is the Spinning Thrust. He crouches, then spins toward you, capable of inflicting substantial damage. A well-timed dodge to the right can position you on his back for extra hits.

Messmer starts to summon serpent attacks from hidden dimensions, often indicated by a raised hand. He can also merge into the ground, with serpents materializing underfoot to attack.

The most dangerous attack in this phase is the Base Serpent’s Fury, where Messmer summons multiple serpents in quick succession, launching coordinated attacks. After these waves, he throws his spear, creating explosions that can be devastating if you’re not careful.

To evade these simultaneous serpent attacks, you’ll need to dodge astutely, preferably towards Messmer to close the distance. Afterward, you’ll have a chance to land crucial hits on him, leading towards victory.

Mastering the timing of Messmer’s attacks will simplify this intense battle. Stick to the plan and utilize your summons for distractions as you chip away at his health.

Rewards for Defeating Messmer the Impaler

Upon his defeat, Messmer the Impaler drops 400,000 Runes, Remembrance of the Impaler, and Messmer’s Kindling.

You can exchange his remembrance with Enia at the Roundtable Hold to obtain either the Spear of the Impaler (weapon) or Messmer’s Orb (spell).

Messmer’s Kindling is a crucial item required to ignite the sealing tree, which obstructs the entrance to Enir-Ilim, the game’s final dungeon.