Recommended level for Loretta Elden Ring

After navigating the haunting and lengthy Caria Manor, you will come face to face with Royal Knight Loretta, the spirit warrior responsible for the rain of Glintstone Arrows on your initial approach to the manor. Defeating Royal Knight Loretta is necessary to access the Three Sisters sub-region, which is a major requirement in order to achieve one of Elden Ring's best endings.

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But Royal Knight Loretta is no pushover. With a sorcery-heavy move set, plus the mobility that comes with being a mounted combatant, she can be a tough opponent to defeat.

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General Tips For The Fight

Loretta is immune to status effects, so if you’ve been relying on a Bleed, Frost, or Scarlet Rot build, you’ll need to rethink your regular strategy. She also has some hefty magic and fire absorption, so any magic or fire attacks will be reduced in damaging her. Loretta has no Lightning damage absorption to speak of, so if you have any lightning incantations or weapon enchantments, they’ll come in handy during this fight.

If you keep your distance, Loretta defaults to several ranged magic abilities, many of which have delays in their casting. This allows her to cast one spell, then begin casting another before the first spell actually goes off, resulting in several spell projectiles heading your way all at once throughout the fight. This means it becomes incredibly important to learn her attack timing in order to dodge multiple spells and moves happening at the same time.

Due to the nature of her magic attacks seeking you out, it’s almost never a good idea to dodge away from her, as you run the risk of rolling away from the attack and into the same attack, just further away. Instead, prioritize rolling toward her or to the sides to avoid unnecessary damage.

Ranged players can have an easier time punishing Loretta during her casting animations, but you’ll also contend with a higher number of tracking spells being cast in your direction. If you’re relying on ranged attacks, keep your distance from her—this can help limit her move set, even if you’ll be getting a heavier number of spells heading your way. If you’re mixing it up in the melee, expect a mix of magic and melee from Loretta as she leaps around the battlefield.

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Royal Knight Loretta Boss Battle

Carian Phalanx

This is probably Loretta’s favorite attack. She summons a number of magic swords to float around her, and they will shoot toward her when you draw near—or when she rides near. Even though she casts this spell so frequently, you can’t afford to ignore it since they can pile on the damage very quickly. Also, partway into the fight, she will buff herself, resulting in her summoning a larger number of swords with this spell. When she casts this spell, your best bet is to bait the swords to seek you out by getting within range. Make them trigger, allowing you to dodge on your terms and free her up for attack.

Polearm Slash

Loretta will empower her War Sickle with sorcerous blue energy and slash at you (often when her horse is leaping toward you). This move often comes in a two-hit combo, with each slash having a wide range of impact. If you can time your dodges well, you can end up in a great position to punish her after this attack completes. Otherwise, you can play it safe and dodge away until this attack finishes.

Glintstone Stars

Another of Loretta’s favorite moves, she will point the butt of her War Sickle toward you as it’s glowing blue, then send a magical volley of several seeking energy blasts. She can sometimes repeat this attack a surprising number of times in a row, so be ready to dodge repeatedly when you see her begin this attack sequence. If you’re already at range, you can get away with sidestepping these projectiles as they seek you out. Early in the fight, she will cast a version of this attack that only sends out a single magical blast, but she seems keener to use the powered-up version.

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Loretta’s Greatbow

This attack has a great tell, so you’ll always know when it’s happening. She begins casting the spell to the side, then aims it toward you as it reaches maximum charge. Sometimes, she will leap into the air to cast this spell, while other times she’ll simply rear back on her mount during the casting. The projectile is fairly easy to dodge, but it will sometimes impact the ground behind you and damage you with the impact damage. Your best bet is to dodge directly into the attack. This will put you far enough away from the impact zone to avoid any damage. Plus, it can help put you in an advantageous position to attack her.

Leaping Slash Combo

Loretta will leap toward you, slamming her War Sickle down at you, and will quickly follow it up with a stab and another overhead slash. There’s a slight delay between each attack, which can bait you into attacking before it’s safe. She will occasionally switch this from a three-attack combo to a four-attack combo. If her third attack is instead a cross-body stab, she’ll always follow that up with an upward slash. Wait to ensure she has finished her combo before attacking, or you’ll be taking some frustrating hits.

Charged Slash

Loretta will two-hand her War Sickle and draw it back over her left shoulder, charging up a single big attack. She charges it up longer than you’d think, so be careful not to start dodging too early. This attack can do some hefty damage, so when the attack starts, dodge into it to avoid the damage. It’s a single big swing, with a recognizable wind-up, so if you’re able to dodge, she’ll be vulnerable to your follow-up attacks.

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Front Horse Hoof Strike

Occasionally, Loretta’s horse will rear up when you’re directly in front of her. You should recognize this attack from other mounted enemies you’ve faced. The hooves will eventually come down in a stomping attack. You can dodge right before impact, but you can also simply sidestep around her as the attack readies—the horse won’t be able to turn as quickly as you’re circling, so the attack will go wide, allowing you a window for a charged counterattack.

Rear Horse Hoof Strike

An easy attack to avoid but important to keep in mind. If you end up directly behind Loretta and her horse, there’s a chance her horse will kick you right in the teeth with its back legs. As long as you are expecting it, the attack can be easy to dodge, allowing you a solid window during which to attack.

Magical Buff

Partway into the fight, Loretta will raise her shield and summon a blue sigil in the air before her. This marks when she’s powered up. This buff increases the number of swords summoned by Carian Phalanx, empowers her Loretta’s Greatbow spell, and increases the number of projectiles fired by her Glintstone Stars ability.

Victory Will Be Yours

While Loretta’s spell use can be quite aggressive, understanding the moves she’ll use against you can help tremendously in knowing which attacks you can punish and which attacks you need to be wary of. If you’re still struggling, you might consider heading up the stairs in the boss arena, off to the left from where you entered. There’s a large stone structure in the middle that you can use to break the line of sight, blocking spell projectiles. This move can be risky since it can make some of Loretta’s melee attacks slide around the stone unexpectedly, but it can offer a valuable break in the middle of the fight should you require one.

With these tips, you should be able to take her down in no time. Upon defeat, Royal Knight Loretta will drop 10,000 Runes, Loretta’s Greatbow spell, and the Ash of War: Loretta’s Slash. Once defeated, you’ll be able to grab the Royal Moongazing Grounds site of grace. You will also gain access to the Three Sisters sub-region, an important story location for one of Elden Ring’s best endings.

How hard is Royal Knight Loretta?

What is Loretta weak against Elden Ring?

What is Royal Knight Loretta weak against?