Elden Ring: How to Smoothly Defeat Sir Gideon Ofnir

Nov-19-2024

 

Sir Gideon Ofnir, The All-Knowing, is an unavoidable boss fight in Elden Ring that comes after the events of the Erdtree burning and the appearance of the Ashen Capital. Though he's been a guide and a scholar throughout your journey, don't let his former role fool you—he's a formidable opponent in the late stages of the game. This guide will show you how to defeat him efficiently, whether you're a melee fighter or a magic user.

 

 

Where to Find Sir Gideon Ofnir

To face Sir Gideon, you'll need to progress through the story to the Ashen Capital. Once you've completed the Crumbling Farum Azula area, you'll unlock this new location. Gideon is waiting for you in one of the first rooms you come across in the Ashen Capital. The boss fight won't trigger until you've gotten this far in the game, so make sure you're ready when the time comes!

 

When Should You Fight Sir Gideon Ofnir?

Sir Gideon Ofnir is not an optional boss; he's a necessary step in progressing through Elden Ring's main storyline. Once you've burned down the Erdtree and watched as Leyndell is covered in a blanket of ash, Ofnir will make his move. No longer just an NPC offering cryptic dialogue, he takes up the mantle of an enemy and will challenge you in the room where you previously faced Godfrey's Golden Shade.

 

At this stage, your character should be around level 130-140 with a fully-upgraded weapon, ideally at +22 to +25. Don't expect to walk away with a Great Rune from Ofnir—his loot is more modest, offering his armor set and weapon as rewards for your triumph.

 

Sir Gideon's Weaknesses & How to Prepare

Despite the high stakes of this encounter, Sir Gideon Ofnir isn't as menacing as some of the other endgame bosses. His frailty is his downfall: with no poise or super armor, Ofnir is vulnerable to melee pressure. He's primarily a magic user, so he relies on ranged sorceries and incantations to deal damage. However, this reliance on magic means that he's easily interrupted when you get close.

 

One of the simplest ways to make this fight a breeze is by summoning a Spirit Ash. Anything from a basic summon to something more advanced like the Black Knife Tiche can help overwhelm Ofnir, distracting him long enough for you to close the distance and land hits. If you're a magic user yourself, opt for fast spells that are difficult for him to dodge, and keep in mind that Lightning and Madness damage are particularly effective against him due to his weaknesses.

 

 

Boss Fight Strategy

 

Melee Strategy

As a melee fighter, your goal is to quickly close the gap between you and Sir Gideon. His attacks are most dangerous at range, so avoid staying in his spellcasting zone. Use pillars for cover to dodge his projectiles, especially his homing light discs.

 

Once you’re in close range, his lack of poise means you can stagger him with quick, heavy attacks—particularly jump attacks. Ofnir also has a potent Black Flame AoE attack, which creates a damaging well around him. When you see the circle form, don't hesitate to back off. As with most magic users in Elden Ring, once you're out of range, Ofnir will look for opportunities to heal using a Crimson Flask, though he will only use it once during the fight.

 

Magic Strategy

If you’re playing a magic build, your best approach is to keep Sir Gideon at a distance. Use fast, hard-to-dodge spells to pressure him. Lightning and Madness-based spells are particularly effective, given his vulnerabilities. Keep your distance when he starts his AoE Black Flame attack and stay agile to avoid his own spells. With careful dodging and smart spellcasting, you can wear him down while minimizing risk.

 

With careful preparation, solid strategies, and the right mindset, Sir Gideon Ofnir doesn’t have to be a roadblock on your path. Remember to take advantage of Spirit Ashes and exploit his vulnerabilities to make the battle smoother. Good luck!