Elden Ring boasts a variety of formidable bosses meant to test the skill and resolve of players. While many of these impressive adversaries are unavoidable, others are. However, that is not to say that these optional bosses are of no challenge. In truth, battles against these fearsome foes prove to be among the most arduous encounters in Elden Ring. Such is especially true with the fight against the savage, hulking giant that is the Stonedigger Troll. Despite being one of the first optional bosses, this harrowing enemy poses a significant threat.

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Players can discover and face the Stonedigger Troll within hours of starting Elden Ring and once again later in the game. This monstrous opponent skulks in the depths of the Limgrave Tunnels and the Old Altus Tunnels, waiting for worthy prey. Despite bearing many similarities to the troll encountered at Stormgate, the Stonedigger Troll is a much more challenging opponent. Those that have underestimated or belittled this imposing optional boss met a swift demise. Knowing how to beat the Stonedigger Troll in Elden Ring​​​​​ would benefit players immensely.

Use Effective Weaponry And Spirits

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The Stonedigger Troll is a hefty enemy with outstanding defenses against cutting weapons. As such, swords and the like are ineffective against this lumbering giant. Cutting weapon attacks deflect off the Stonedigger Troll's body, dealing negligible damage to the humongous monstrosity. Fortunately, this optional boss is susceptible to blunt weapons, ranged weapons, and even spells should players know them. Utilizing such weaponry will improve a player's chances against the Stonedigger Troll, although additional aid would prove beneficial.

Facing the Stonedigger Troll alone is an unfavorable endeavor, as the circumstances and environment favor it. This optional boss boasts far-reaching and calamitous attacks that work with the tight space of its surroundings. Therefore, making players more vulnerable to attack while limiting their ability to move and recoup. To avoid such dangers, players must summon Spirits to aid them in their plight against the Stonedigger Troll. They will damage and distract the imposing beast, allowing players to attack from behind or from a distance.

Be Patient And Calculating

Elden Ring Stonedigger Troll

The painfully clumsy and slow movements of the Stonedigger Troll belie the full extent of its power. While awkward sluggish, a single hit from this towering foe can debilitate players and leave them vulnerable. In this helpless state, players can only hope to survive the impending onslaught of attacks. So, they must exercise patience and remain vigilant for openings to attack the Stonedigger Troll. Doing so will allow players to avoid otherwise devastating blows while dealing adequate damage.

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The Stonedigger Troll leaves many opportunities for players to evade and effectively counterattack their attacker. Many of its slow yet powerful attacks can be easily anticipated and rebuked. Chiefly, the Stonedigger Troll's Massive Hit attack, in which it raises its club overhead before slamming it into the ground. It takes a couple of moments to lift its weapon, providing players with ample warning of its attack. Afterward, the Stonedigger Troll remains unmoving for a period, granting players an opportunity to attack.

The Best Strategy

Elden Ring Split Image The Best Strategy

While players can utilize various strategies, this one is the most effective. Using ranged attacks and Spirits, players can defeat the Stonedigger Troll from afar without taking damage. Upon entering the lair of this optional boss, players should immediately summon Spirits, preferably those of great numbers or defenses. They must then position themselves on the opposite side of the Stonedigger Troll, distancing themselves from it. Players can attack using a ranged weapon or magic while their Spirits distract the boss.

This strategy mitigates the danger and effort of slaying the Stonedigger Troll, making victory much more feasible. However, players must still exercise caution, as every battle can have unfavorable instances. The Stonedigger Troll may dispatch Spirits quickly, leaving players to face its unbridled ferocity. Should this happen, they must distance themselves far away and attack only when this optional boss is vulnerable. With that, defeating the Stonedigger Troll will be a much more attainable and less demanding encounter.

Reap The Rewards

Elden Ring Split Image Reap The Rewards

Defeating the Stonedigger Troll in the Limgrave Tunnels will grant players 1800 Runes and the Roar Medallion. Players can use these Runes to obtain gear, upgrade weaponry, purchase items, or level up should they desire. However, the Roar Medallion is a much more worthwhile reward. This Talisman improves the damage of roar and breath attacks. These types of attacks alone can inflict impressive damage alongside detrimental effects. Thus, making the Roar Medallion a remarkable tool for builds utilizing these attacks.

Defeating the Stonedigger Troll in the Old Altus Tunnels — which is more powerful — will grant players 9800 Runes and the Great Club. This surplus of Runes can afford players nearly anything they desire. Even so, the Great Club proves to be a more practical boon to players. This colossal weapon scales well with Strength and boasts the Golden Land Skill, which unleashes damage-dealing golden darts upon enemies. The Great Club is a perfect weapon for Strength-based characters looking to deal more devastating blows.

Elden Ring is now available for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S.

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