Mad Pumpkin Head is one of the more memorable Field Bosses in Elden Ring, instantly recognizable by its massive pumpkin-shaped helmet and towering humanoid frame. Armed with oversized weapons and fueled by relentless aggression, this enemy can be surprisingly dangerous, especially for players encountering it early in the game. While intimidating, Mad Pumpkin Head is entirely optional, meaning players are not required to defeat it in order to progress through the main story of Elden Ring. Still, those who take on the challenge can earn valuable Elden Ring Runes and obtain useful Elden Ring Items that make the fight worthwhile.

 

Who Is Mad Pumpkin Head

 

Mad Pumpkin Heads are brutal warriors driven into madness, their faces hidden behind thick, hollowed pumpkin helms. These helmets are not just for show, as they provide significant protection against frontal attacks. The boss version is stronger and more aggressive, but a lesser variant known as the Lesser Mad Pumpkin Head appears as a normal enemy in several areas.

 

What makes this boss particularly interesting is that players can eventually summon a Mad Pumpkin Head as an ally using Mad Pumpkin Head Ashes. This reinforces the idea that these enemies, while terrifying, can be turned into powerful tools once defeated and mastered.

 

Mad Pumpkin Head Locations

 

You can encounter Mad Pumpkin Head in a couple of notable locations, both of which are accessible relatively early in the game.

 

Waypoint Ruins

This is often the first place players meet Mad Pumpkin Head. Found underground within the ruins, the confined space makes the fight more intense. Limited room to maneuver means players must pay close attention to positioning and stamina management.

 

Caelem Ruins

Another Mad Pumpkin Head can be found roaming the Caelem Ruins. This open area gives players more freedom to move, but additional enemies nearby can complicate the encounter if they are not dealt with beforehand.

 

Combat Style and Attack Patterns

 

Mad Pumpkin Head relies on overwhelming force rather than speed or finesse. Its attacks are heavy, wide, and punishing, capable of dealing massive damage if they connect. Common attacks include sweeping weapon swings, overhead slams, and short charging attacks designed to close distance quickly.

 

One of the most important aspects of this fight is the boss's helmet. The pumpkin head is heavily armored, significantly reducing damage taken from frontal attacks. Striking the helmet repeatedly is inefficient and often leads to drawn-out fights or unnecessary risk.

 

Despite its size, Mad Pumpkin Head can be staggered. Proper use of Spirit Ashes, jumping attacks, and consistent pressure can create openings for critical damage.

 

Best Tips for Defeating Mad Pumpkin Head

 

Summon Lone Wolf Ashes

One of the most effective strategies for this boss is summoning the Lone Wolf Ashes. These Spirit Ashes are excellent at applying constant pressure and can help stagger Mad Pumpkin Head. While the boss focuses on the wolves, players gain valuable opportunities to attack safely or heal.

 

Attack From Behind

Avoid attacking the head whenever possible. Instead, circle around the boss and strike from behind. This bypasses the helmet's heavy defense and allows you to deal far more damage with each hit.

 

Stay Mobile

Mad Pumpkin Head's attacks are slow but powerful. Rolling at the right moment rather than blocking is often safer, as many attacks can quickly drain stamina or break guards.

 

Punish Recovery Windows

After heavy swings or overhead slams, the boss has noticeable recovery time. These moments are ideal for landing charged attacks or jump attacks before repositioning.

 

Watch for Rage Attacks

As the fight progresses, Mad Pumpkin Head may become more aggressive, chaining attacks together. Do not get greedy during these phases. Focus on survival and wait for clear openings.

 

Using Magic and Ranged Attacks

 

Magic users can handle Mad Pumpkin Head effectively by maintaining distance and attacking from angles that avoid the helmet. Spells aimed at the boss's back or sides deal consistent damage, especially when Spirit Ashes are distracting it. However, standing directly in front of the boss while casting is risky due to its forward-charging attacks.

 

Ranged builds should also be cautious of the environment, particularly in Waypoint Ruins, where walls and tight corners can limit escape routes.

 

Rewards and Why the Fight Is Worth It

 

Defeating Mad Pumpkin Head rewards players with a healthy amount of Elden Ring Runes, making it a valuable target for early-game leveling. These runes can be invested into survivability stats like Vigor or used to strengthen damage output before tackling tougher areas.

 

In addition to runes, players may obtain Elden Ring Items tied to the encounter, such as equipment or progression-related rewards depending on the location. Perhaps most importantly, defeating Mad Pumpkin Head unlocks the ability to use Mad Pumpkin Head Ashes, allowing players to summon this powerful warrior as a Spirit ally in future battles.

 

What This Fight Teaches Players

 

The Mad Pumpkin Head encounter emphasizes several core Elden Ring lessons: understanding enemy weak points, using Spirit Ashes effectively, and recognizing when positioning matters more than raw damage. Players who learn to avoid the armored head and focus on back attacks will find the fight far more manageable.

 

These lessons carry forward into later boss encounters that rely on similar mechanics, making Mad Pumpkin Head an excellent optional challenge for skill development.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Mad Pumpkin Head is a classic Elden Ring Field Boss: intimidating, optional, and deeply rewarding for those who take the time to learn its patterns. With the right strategy, summoning Lone Wolf Ashes, attacking from behind, and staying patient, this seemingly unstoppable foe becomes a manageable and satisfying victory.

 

For players seeking extra Elden Ring Runes, powerful Elden Ring Items, and a deeper understanding of combat fundamentals, Mad Pumpkin Head is well worth facing in the Lands Between.