How to Defeat Ralva the Great Red Bear in Elden Ring

Among the many terrifying foes lurking in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, few are as physically overwhelming as Ralva the Great Red Bear. A massive Field Boss found roaming the wild terrain of Scadu Altus, Ralva is a savage beast that relies on brute strength and unrelenting aggression. Though optional, defeating this boss can reward players with valuable Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items, making the battle well worth the effort.

Who is Ralva the Great Red Bear

Ralva is a powerful variant of the notorious Runebear, known for its sheer power and berserk combat style. As part of the bear lineage in the game, Ralva shares traits with enemies like Rugalea the Great Red Bear and the Lesser Runebear, though it is more formidable than either. With a larger health pool, more aggressive behavior, and a broader attack range, Ralva is a beast that demands respect and preparation.

Despite its intimidating size and strength, Ralva is an optional encounter. Players do not need to defeat it to progress through the main narrative of Shadow of the Erdtree, but those who do will be richly rewarded, especially with high-value runes and potentially rare items.

Where to Find Ralva

Ralva can be found in Scadu Altus, a region within the Shadow Realm introduced in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. The area is dense with enemies and hidden paths, and players are likely to encounter Ralva while exploring the forested and mountainous portions of the zone.

Because this boss roams a large open area, the fight can be unpredictable. If you're on horseback, you might spot Ralva from afar, but be warned, it can close the distance quickly and unleash devastating combos that can kill unprepared players in moments.

Best Strategy to Defeat Ralva

1. Use the Mimic Tear Ashes

One of the most effective strategies for dealing with Ralva is to summon the Mimic Tear Ashes. This Spirit Ash summons a copy of your character, including your weapons, armor, and equipped Elden Ring Items. The Mimic Tear can serve as a distraction while you recover stamina or cast spells, and it can deal substantial damage, especially if you're well-equipped.

Summoning the Mimic Tear early in the fight allows you to create a dual-pressure situation, forcing Ralva to split its attention. This can open up vital windows for attacking or healing.

2. Fire-Based Damage is Key

Ralva, like many other Runebear-type enemies, has a vulnerability to fire damage. One of the most potent spells to use in this battle is Taker's Flames, which not only deals strong fire damage but also has a life-steal component. This spell can help you maintain your health while dealing consistent damage over time.

If you're not a magic-focused build, consider coating your weapon with fire-based grease or equipping talismans that boost fire damage. Firebombs and similar consumables, some of the best Elden Ring Items for utility, can also help whittle down Ralva's massive health pool from a safer distance.

3. Utilize Sleep Pots

Surprisingly, Ralva can be susceptible to Sleep Pots, making them a useful tool in your arsenal. By throwing a few of these before or during the fight, you can potentially lull the beast into a temporary slumber, granting you time to heal, buff, or unleash a powerful attack.

These items can be crafted using ingredients found throughout the Shadow Realm, so it's wise to prepare a few before confronting Ralva. Sleep Pots are one of the more underrated Elden Ring Items, but in fights like this, they can turn the tide in your favor.

Tips for Surviving the Encounter

    Watch its patterns: Ralva has a variety of lunges, swipes, and roar attacks that can chain together into brutal combos. Spend time observing its patterns before going in aggressively.

    Maintain stamina: It's easy to panic and roll too often. Try to conserve stamina to ensure you always have enough to dodge when needed.

    Target windows after slams: After Ralva performs a massive body slam or two-paw swipe, it has a brief recovery window. These are your best chances to land heavy hits.

    Use Torrent sparingly: While being on horseback provides mobility, Ralva can swipe Torrent out from under you quickly. Use the mount primarily to create space if you need to retreat and heal.

What You Get for Beating Ralva

Victory over Ralva rewards players with a sizable chunk of Elden Ring Runes, which can be used to level up, purchase gear, or upgrade spirits and weapons. In addition, the boss may drop rare Elden Ring Items, potentially including crafting materials, talismans, or even unique gear tied to the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.

These rewards not only enhance your character's strength but also give you a significant edge in tougher fights later in the game. Runes and gear acquired from challenging optional bosses often make the difference in critical battles further down the line.

Final Thoughts

Ralva the Great Red Bear is a brutal yet rewarding fight that highlights the best of Elden Ring's open-world boss design. While it may be tempting to skip optional encounters, defeating Ralva provides players with valuable Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items that enhance both survivability and power. With the right preparation, careful tactics, and use of fire and status effects, even this ferocious beast can be brought down.

If you're exploring Scadu Altus and hear a thunderous roar echoing through the trees, be ready. Ralva is near.