The world of Elden Ring is filled with formidable foes, and few exemplify the game's intensity like Rakshasa, a powerful humanoid boss hidden within the Eastern Nameless Mausoleum. This guide will walk you through where to find Rakshasa, how to prepare for the fight, and the best strategies to claim victory.

 

Who Is Rakshasa

 

Rakshasa is a unique, katana-wielding boss known for his ferocity, aggressive movement, and punishing melee combos. Like many humanoid bosses in Elden Ring, Rakshasa mirrors the player's own fighting style, making the duel feel personal and intense. He combines fast slashes, unpredictable dashes, and devastating follow-ups that can easily catch even experienced Tarnished off guard.

 

While Rakshasa is classified as an optional boss, many players seek him out for the thrill of battle and the exclusive rewards he drops. His aggressive combat patterns and the haunting setting of the mausoleum make this encounter one of the more memorable fights in the game's eastern regions.

 

How to Find Him

 

To locate Rakshasa, start from the Recluses' River Downstream Site of Grace. From there, follow the river in a clockwise direction around the large plateau. Continue along this path until you reach the eastern waterfall. Hidden behind the cascading water, underneath an overhanging cliff, lies the Eastern Nameless Mausoleum, Rakshasa's lair.

 

The entrance is somewhat obscured, making it easy to miss. Watch for the faint torchlight near the waterfall and the ominous stone gate marking the mausoleum. As you approach, the ambient music fades into eerie silence, a sure sign that a tough battle awaits inside.

 

Preparing for the Battle

 

Preparation is key when facing Rakshasa. This boss is fast, unpredictable, and deals primarily physical and fire-infused damage. To counter his strengths, bring gear and Elden Ring Items that enhance survivability and fire resistance.

 

Here are some recommended preparations:

 

Ashes of War

 

Flame of the Redmanes: Ideal for breaking Rakshasa's poise. A few well-placed strikes can open him up for a critical hit.

 

Recommended Skills

 

Golden Crux: A defensive ability that provides holy protection, useful against his fire-based attacks.

 

Taker's Flames: Excellent for punishing Rakshasa's slower recovery frames, while also healing you slightly on hit.

 

Wave of Gold: A wide-range skill that can interrupt his approach if you prefer a more defensive playstyle.

 

Dragonmaw: A powerful close-range skill that can trade blows favorably thanks to its hyper armor.

 

Talismans

 

Fire Scorpion Charm: Boosts fire damage output, great if your build focuses on pyromancy or flame weapons.

 

Ritual Sword Talisman: Increases attack power when your HP is full, rewarding careful dodging and timing.

 

Shard of Alexander: Enhances the damage of weapon skills, making abilities like Flame of the Redmanes even deadlier.

 

Other Key Items

 

Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear: Temporarily enhances fire attack power when mixed in your Flask of Wondrous Physick.

 

Opaline Hardtear: Boosts all damage negation for a short time, helping you survive Rakshasa's combos.

 

Opaline Bubbletear: Creates a protective bubble that absorbs one strong hit, a literal lifesaver against his opening slash.

 

Rakshasa Boss Fight Strategy

 

Rakshasa's fighting style is defined by speed, aggression, and unpredictability. He favors quick katana strikes with deceptive delays, often mixing single slashes with wide, sweeping attacks.

 

Here are some strategies to help you win:

 

Watch His Katana Wind-ups:

Rakshasa's moves often begin with a quick draw motion. Dodge sideways rather than backward, his range can easily catch you if you retreat.

 

Stay Mid-Range:

Fighting too close risks getting locked into his combo chains. Mid-range spacing allows you to bait attacks and punish after he recovers.

 

Use Parry Opportunities:

While risky, well-timed parries can break his posture and open him for a critical hit, earning you a large number of Elden Ring Runes.

 

Manage Stamina Carefully:

Rakshasa rarely gives long openings, so stamina management is essential. Always keep enough stamina to roll twice in succession, one for dodging, and one for repositioning.

 

Punish His Recovery Windows:

After his heavy overhead slash or fiery spin attack, Rakshasa pauses briefly. Use that moment to counterattack with weapon skills like Taker's Flames or Wave of Gold.

 

Summon Ashes of War Wisely:

If you struggle solo, summon spirit ashes like the Banished Knight Oleg or Mimic Tear. These companions can distract Rakshasa and create windows for safe damage.

 

Rewards and Loot

 

Defeating Rakshasa rewards you with a significant amount of Elden Ring Runes, helping you level up your attributes and strengthen your build. In addition, he drops a set of unique Elden Ring Items that reflect his fiery, warrior-like nature. These often include materials for crafting high-tier weapons or talismans that enhance flame-based attacks.

 

The runes earned here can also be a major boon if you're aiming to upgrade weapons or purchase rare goods from merchants. As an optional boss, Rakshasa provides one of the more efficient rune farming opportunities in this part of the game.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The Rakshasa encounter is not just a test of reflexes, it's a duel of endurance and precision. His fast, relentless assault challenges players to stay calm under pressure and time their counterattacks perfectly. The fight rewards adaptability, patience, and mastery of your chosen build.

 

Whether you're hunting for Elden Ring Runes to boost your strength or rare Elden Ring Items to complete your collection, defeating Rakshasa is a rewarding and memorable experience. It stands as a reminder of Elden Ring's masterful balance of beauty, brutality, and triumph, the essence of what makes FromSoftware's world so endlessly captivating.