Elden Ring Dryleaf Dane Boss Guide
Though defeating him is not required to progress in the DLC storyline, doing so offers valuable rewards, a memorable challenge, and a deeper understanding of the Dryleaf Monks' lore. This guide explains where to find Dryleaf Dane, how to trigger the boss encounter, and the best strategies, Elden Ring Items, and tactics to bring him down.
Where to Find Dryleaf Dane
You can encounter Dryleaf Dane in Moorth Ruins, a location rich in both mystery and history within the Shadow Realm. As you approach the Moorth Ruins Site of Grace, you'll find him standing quietly, unarmed, in a meditative stance. At first, he poses no threat and won't attack the player under any circumstances.
To initiate the fight, you'll need to acquire the Monk's Missive, a cryptic note that teaches you the gesture “May the Best Win.” Once you perform this gesture in front of Dryleaf Dane, he'll acknowledge your challenge and prepare to duel. The sudden shift from peace to violence feels perfectly in line with Elden Ring's themes of devotion, discipline, and inevitable conflict.
Be sure to activate the nearby Site of Grace before beginning the battle, Dryleaf Dane is fast, ruthless, and can easily overwhelm unprepared players.
Understanding the Battle
Dryleaf Dane's fighting style is based on pure martial arts. He doesn't rely on weapons or sorceries but instead uses deadly kicks, parries, and spinning strikes. His agility is on par with some of the game's toughest humanoid bosses, demanding quick reflexes and precise dodging.
His attacks often come in rapid flurries, making stamina management crucial. You'll need to dodge or block effectively while maintaining enough stamina to retaliate. Unlike many bosses in Elden Ring, Dane doesn't telegraph his moves dramatically, his punches and kicks flow seamlessly from one to the next.
Recommended Setup and Strategy
Because Dryleaf Dane's offense is both fast and relentless, your build should emphasize mobility, defense, and sustained stamina recovery. Here are some top recommendations for gear, Elden Ring Items, and strategies:
Ashes of War
Flame of the Redmanes: A powerful choice that can stagger humanoid enemies like Dane quickly. Its fiery burst can interrupt his combos and open him up for critical hits.
Recommended Spells
Dragonice: Dane's mobility makes it tricky to land larger spells, but Dragonice's wide area of effect and frost buildup can slow him down and create moments of advantage.
Talismans
Two-Headed Turtle Talisman: This talisman accelerates stamina recovery, allowing you to dodge or block more often. It's nearly essential for this fight, as running out of stamina can mean instant death.
Viridian Amber Medallion (Optional): For players who need even more stamina, this medallion pairs well with the Turtle Talisman.
Consumable and Crystal Tear Recommendations
Opaline Hardtear: Provides improved damage negation in your Flask of Wondrous Physick, helping you survive Dane's combos.
Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear: Boosts fire damage, synergizing perfectly with Flame of the Redmanes or any fire-based weapon.
Combat Tips
Watch for Openings: Dane tends to finish his combos with a brief pause, these are your best windows to counterattack.
Don't Greed for Hits: One or two strikes after a dodge are usually safe, but overcommitting will get you punished.
Use Fire Damage: Fire works particularly well against him, both for breaking posture and dealing consistent damage.
Summons and Spirit Ashes: While many players prefer to duel him honorably, Spirit Ashes like Banished Knight Oleg or Black Knife Tiche can provide a distraction if you're struggling.
Collect Elden Ring Runes: Defeating Dane rewards a generous amount of Elden Ring Runes, which can be used to level up your stats or reinforce your favorite weapons. Since he's an optional boss, this makes him a great target for rune farming if you're looking to strengthen your build before tackling harder DLC challenges.
Rewards and Loot
Upon defeating Dryleaf Dane, players can expect to earn:
A solid sum of Elden Ring Runes (amount scales with difficulty and New Game+ progression).
His signature Elden Ring Items, often tied to monk techniques or thematic lore rewards.
The satisfaction of conquering one of Shadow of the Erdtree's most stylish duels.
While the fight doesn't unlock new areas, it does deepen the story of the Dryleaf Monks, a sect obsessed with physical perfection and balance between mind and body. The Monk's Missive and Dane's disciplined combat style reflect this philosophy perfectly.
Final Thoughts
The Dryleaf Dane boss fight stands out as one of Elden Ring's most elegant and skill-based encounters. There are no gimmicks, no environmental tricks, just two warriors testing their limits. With careful preparation, smart use of Elden Ring Items, and an understanding of his patterns, even Tarnished unfamiliar with pure melee duels can claim victory.
Beyond the battle's reward in Elden Ring Runes, it's the sheer artistry of the duel that makes this encounter unforgettable. For many players, defeating Dryleaf Dane isn't just another triumph, it's a moment that captures the spirit of Elden Ring: mastery, challenge, and respect earned through combat.