In Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, players face off against a host of fearsome bosses, each offering their own unique challenges. Among the most memorable is Commander Gaius, a mounted warrior who rides into battle atop a massive boar. Found at the back of the Shadow Keep Legacy Dungeon, this intimidating Legend Boss tests players' ability to manage both mobility and magical pressure.

 

While Commander Gaius is technically optional, you don't need to defeat him to progress through the DLC, doing so provides a wealth of Elden Ring Runes and unique Elden Ring Items that make the effort well worthwhile. This guide covers strategies, recommended builds, and useful tips to help you overcome this formidable foe.

 

Who is Commander Gaius

 

Commander Gaius is unlike most humanoid bosses in Elden Ring. Instead of fighting on foot, he fights mounted on a boar that charges, tramples, and wreaks havoc across the battlefield. His design blends brutal melee power with magical abilities, forcing players to juggle aggressive close-range combat with the unpredictability of ranged spell attacks.

 

The setting of the battle, deep within the Shadow Keep, adds to its intensity. Players often face Gaius after navigating difficult dungeon encounters, making preparation essential for success.

 

Preparing for the Fight

 

The Commander's mix of mobility, magical pressure, and heavy melee strikes means players must approach the fight strategically. Here are the best tools and setups for the encounter.

 

Spirit Ash Summons

 

Black Knife Tiche: The best summon for this fight. Tiche is highly mobile, deals consistent damage over time, and can effectively distract Gaius. Her ability to apply pressure while you regroup or heal is invaluable.

 

Weapons

 

Great Hammers: Large, heavy weapons like the Heavy Curved Great Club shine here. Their massive poise damage can stagger both Gaius and his mount, creating crucial openings.

 

Players who prefer faster weapons should focus on bleed or frost buildup, but nothing matches the raw impact of a heavy hammer in this battle.

 

Flask of Wondrous Physick

 

The right combination of Crystal Tears can shift the balance of the fight:

 

Greenburst Crystal Tear: Boosts stamina recovery, critical for dodging frequent charges.

Opaline Hardtear: Provides excellent defense against his magical attacks.

Windy Crystal Tear: Another strong defensive option, reducing the damage from charge-based attacks.

 

Talismans

 

Crucible Feather Talisman: Makes dodging his mounted charges significantly easier, giving you more survivability against one of his most dangerous moves.

 

Combat Strategy

 

Phase 1: Controlling the Arena

 

Commander Gaius opens the fight with his boar's relentless charges. These are fast and difficult to punish if you panic. The trick is to keep your distance early, watch the charge telegraphs carefully, and dodge sideways at the last possible moment. Using the Crucible Feather Talisman here gives you more room for error.

 

When he misses a charge, the recovery animation leaves him vulnerable to heavy attacks. If you're wielding a Great Hammer, this is the perfect opportunity to land a charged strike. With enough poise damage, you may even stagger him.

 

Phase 2: Magic Infusion

 

At around half health, Gaius incorporates more magic attacks into his rotation. These can include AoE blasts or magical projectiles that cover large portions of the arena. This is where your Opaline Hardtear proves its worth, dramatically reducing the incoming damage from these spells.

 

During this phase, summons like Black Knife Tiche shine even more, as they force Gaius to split his focus. While Tiche chips away at his health, you can reposition safely and capitalize on openings.

 

Phase 3: Mounted Chaos

 

As the fight drags on, Gaius becomes increasingly aggressive, chaining melee swings with boar charges and magic bursts. Stamina management is key here, you'll need enough to dodge consistently while still attacking during his recovery frames.

 

Continue punishing charge whiffs and using your heavy weapon to apply poise damage. Summons, consumables, and well-timed dodges will see you through the final stretch.

 

Rewards for Defeating Commander Gaius

 

Taking down Commander Gaius rewards players with a substantial amount of Elden Ring Runes, making it an excellent opportunity to level up or purchase upgrades. The rune payout reflects the difficulty of the fight and is well worth the challenge, even if Gaius is an optional encounter.

 

In addition, you'll receive unique Elden Ring Items tied to the boss. These may include weapons or talismans that synergize with mounted or magic-based builds. While not mandatory for progression, these items expand your build variety and can serve as powerful tools for the rest of the DLC.

 

Tips for Success

 

Patience is Key: Don't chase him after charges. Wait for clear openings to avoid being trampled.

 

Upgrade Summons: Investing in Black Knife Tiche or other powerful spirit ashes before the fight makes a huge difference.

 

Farm Runes First: If you're underleveled, farming Elden Ring Runes in nearby zones ensures you can afford weapon upgrades, spirit ash enhancements, and consumables.

 

Adapt Tactics: If heavy weapons feel too slow, consider faster bleed weapons to pressure him over time.

 

Use Terrain: In some areas of the arena, pillars or walls can help block line of sight against his magic attacks, giving you breathing room.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The Commander Gaius fight is one of Shadow of the Erdtree's most unique battles, blending mounted combat with magical chaos in a confined arena. While not required to finish the expansion, defeating him offers both practical rewards, like valuable Elden Ring Runes and rare Elden Ring Items, and the personal satisfaction of overcoming one of the game's most challenging Legend Bosses.

 

With the right preparation, careful stamina management, and smart use of summons, you'll turn this daunting foe into a hard-earned triumph. For players seeking a true test of their skill, Commander Gaius stands as one of the DLC's most rewarding encounters.