Among the many enigmatic and lore-rich encounters in Elden Ring, few are as haunting or symbolic as the battle against Count Ymir, Mother of Fingers. Once a devoted high priest who sought communion with the divine, Count Ymir's ambition ultimately corrupted him, transforming him into a vessel of the Fingers' power. Now seated upon the throne of the Cathedral of Manus Metyr, he stands as both guardian and heretic, a final test for those who dare to seek the truth of the Fingers' mysteries.

This encounter is entirely optional, yet those who challenge Count Ymir will be rewarded with an abundance of Elden Ring Runes and unique Elden Ring Items, making the battle as rewarding as it is lore-significant.

Who Is Count Ymir, Mother of Fingers

Count Ymir, also known as the Mother of Fingers, serves as one of the key figures tied to the mysterious Metyr, Mother of Fingers. He is a Boss in Elden Ring, appearing only after players have defeated Metyr, Mother of Fingers, within the same cathedral. Once Metyr falls, Ymir inherits her divine essence, fusing his mortal form with the overwhelming will of the Fingers themselves.

This transformation grants him immense magical power, capable of summoning spectral forces and conjuring deadly Fingercreeper minions. Symbolically, Ymir's fall mirrors many of the game's recurring themes, ambition, devotion, and the peril of seeking forbidden knowledge.

While defeating him isn't required to advance the main story, completing this encounter offers valuable insight into the Cathedral's secrets and yields some of the most useful loot for players exploring the endgame.

Elden Ring Count Ymir, Mother of Fingers Location

Count Ymir can be found in the Cathedral of Manus Metyr, a grand, ruinous structure hidden deep within the Lands Between. To unlock the fight, players must first defeat Metyr, Mother of Fingers, a formidable Great Enemy that guards the cathedral's inner sanctum.

Once Metyr has been vanquished, approach the throne at the center of the cathedral and interact with it. Doing so triggers the transformation cutscene, Count Ymir, consumed by the power of the Fingers, rises to challenge you as a new and fearsome foe.

The arena itself is vast and circular, surrounded by crumbling pillars and lit by a dim, eerie glow. The open space allows for mobility, but the boss's wide-range magic attacks make positioning critical throughout the fight.

Understanding Count Ymir's Attack Patterns

Count Ymir's moveset combines high-level sorceries, gravity manipulation, and summoning techniques. His attacks are both visually stunning and punishing, so learning his patterns is key to survival.

Finger Pulse Blast: Ymir channels energy through his hands, unleashing a shockwave of finger-like tendrils across the floor. Roll toward him to avoid being hit by the spreading wave.

Gravity Surge: He summons orbs of purple light that pull players inward before detonating. Keep your distance when you see him raise his arms skyward.

Fingercreeper Summon: At about 70% HP, Ymir summons multiple Fingercreepers, small, spider-like enemies that rush the player. These can overwhelm unprepared Tarnished if left unchecked.

Divine Radiance Burst: In his second phase, Ymir channels Metyr's essence to unleash a massive explosion of energy. Retreat and use the pillars for cover to survive this devastating attack.

Despite his imposing presence, Count Ymir is not especially fast. His strength lies in area control and relentless magic barrages, making patience and timing essential for victory.

Recommended Strategies and Setup

To maximize your chances of success against Count Ymir, proper preparation is essential. The right Elden Ring Items, weapon choices, and elemental affinities can dramatically change the tide of battle.

1. Exploit His Weaknesses

Count Ymir is vulnerable to Lightning damage, making Lightning Spear and Ancient Dragons' Lightning Strike excellent spell choices. Players using melee builds should consider lightning-infused weapons or Ashes of War that deal elemental damage.

Additionally, Fire damage is extremely effective against the Fingercreepers he summons. Weapons or spells such as Flame of the Redmanes or Black Flame can clear them quickly, preventing them from swarming you during the fight.

2. Use Fast-Hitting Weapons

Ymir's recovery windows after casting spells are short but predictable. Fast-hitting weapons like Fists, Hand-to-Hand Arts, or Twinblades allow you to strike multiple times before retreating. Heavy weapons can still be effective, but require precise timing to avoid punishment.

3. Recommended Summons

Spirit Ashes that can maintain aggression and distract Ymir are invaluable. Consider summoning:

Mimic Tear Ashes for balanced offense and defense.

Black Knife Tiche for agile, high-damage support.

These summons can buy you time to reposition or heal while dealing steady damage.

4. Essential Elden Ring Items

Before entering the fight, stock up on consumables and buffs.

Lightningproof Dried Liver: Reduces lightning damage from stray magical attacks.

Opaline Hardtear: Mix into your Flask of Wondrous Physick for enhanced magic damage negation.

Rune Arcs: Activate your Great Rune to increase survivability during prolonged engagements.

These Elden Ring Items will greatly improve your durability and adaptability throughout the encounter.

Battle Tactics

Phase One

At the start, focus on dodging Ymir's finger blasts and lightning orbs. Stay close enough to bait out melee-range attacks but far enough to avoid his ground surges. Punish him after his spell animations, but avoid getting greedy, most of his attacks have deceptive range.

Phase Two

Once his health drops below half, Ymir becomes more aggressive, summoning Fingercreepers and casting wide-area explosions. Prioritize eliminating the creepers first with fire-based attacks, then return to attacking Ymir between his casting windows. Keep moving, as standing still will make you an easy target for his gravity magic.

If you're using a ranged build, maintain distance and use terrain to your advantage. Magic-resistant shields and gear with high Mind or Endurance stats can help mitigate incoming damage.

Rewards

Upon defeating Count Ymir, players are rewarded with a generous amount of Elden Ring Runes, a currency essential for leveling up and enhancing attributes. The Rune yield makes this battle especially lucrative for players seeking to strengthen their builds before endgame challenges.

In addition to Runes, you'll receive exclusive Elden Ring Items, such as high-tier crafting materials, unique talismans, or special weapons imbued with the essence of the Fingers. These items often synergize well with magic-based or hybrid builds, rewarding those who approach the fight strategically.

Final Thoughts

The confrontation with Count Ymir, Mother of Fingers is one of Elden Ring's most memorable optional battles, a haunting fusion of lore, spectacle, and challenge. By understanding his elemental weaknesses, mastering timing, and preparing the right Elden Ring Items, even this corrupted priest can be brought low.

Beyond the combat, the encounter also offers profound insight into the world's mythology, reinforcing Elden Ring's recurring theme: power and faith often come at an unbearable cost. For those who triumph, the spoils, both in Elden Ring Runes and rare items, are worthy of any true Tarnished.