Compared to their smaller cousins, the Deathbirds, Death Rite Birds are far more deadly. They possess a full set of spectral wings, greater mobility, and devastating ghostflame attacks that can punish both close and long-range fighters.

Locations and Spawn Conditions

Death Rite Birds can be found in multiple regions across the Lands Between, including:

    Caelid: South of the Divine Tower of Caelid

    Liurnia of the Lakes: In the southwestern area

    Mountaintops of the Giants: Near the frozen riverbeds

    Consecrated Snowfield: In the central open field

Important: These bosses only spawn at night. If you arrive at their location during the day, they simply won't appear. Rest at a Site of Grace and select “Pass Time → Nightfall” to trigger the encounter.

Strengths and Weaknesses

    Strengths: High resistance to most elemental damage except Holy. Resistant to standard physical damage due to high defenses.

    Weaknesses: Extremely weak to Holy damage due to being classified as Undead. Can be staggered if you focus on its legs.

Faith builds can take advantage of this with Holy-infused weapons or incantations. Even non-Faith builds can benefit from using items or Ashes of War that grant Holy damage.

Recommended Gear and Setup

    Weapon Buffs: Order's Blade sorcery is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost Holy damage against this boss.

    Holy Damage Talismans: Talismans that enhance Holy damage will dramatically increase your DPS.

    Lightweight Armor: The fight demands frequent dodging, so prioritize mobility over heavy defense.

    Spirit Ashes: Durable summons like Latenna or tanky spirits can distract the boss and create windows for you to attack.

General Strategy

The safest approach is to stay close to the boss's hind legs. This position limits the Death Rite Bird's ability to hit you with its most dangerous attacks, particularly the forward-facing ghostflame barrages.

    For Melee Fighters: Remain mobile, dodge often, and punish after every missed attack. Avoid overcommitting, land two or three hits, then retreat to reposition.

    For Ranged Fighters: Circle the boss while firing from mid-range. Watch for ghostflame AoEs and be ready to roll to safety.

Attack Patterns and How to Counter Them

1. Ghostflame Burst

    Description: Releases a concentrated ball of ghostflame that explodes on impact, leaving burning ground effects.

    Counter: Roll sideways before it lands, and avoid standing in the lingering ghostflame.

2. Wing Sweep

    Description: Sweeps one wing in a wide arc, capable of hitting multiple times if you're caught in the swing.

    Counter: Roll into the boss toward its legs to avoid the wide arc.

3. Ground Slam

    Description: Rears back and slams its legs into the ground, creating a damaging shockwave.

    Counter: Time your dodge just as its legs make contact with the ground.

4. Ghostflame Barrage

    Description: Fires multiple ghostflame projectiles in rapid succession.

    Counter: Strafe sideways continuously and roll through projectiles if necessary.

5. Grab Attack

    Description: Leaps forward with talons extended. If it connects, you'll be grabbed, slammed, and dealt massive damage.

    Counter: Roll to either side as soon as you see it lunge.

Battle Tips

    Keep to the Hind Legs: This is the boss's weakest spot in terms of attack coverage.

    Punish Recovery Windows: After large moves like the Wing Sweep or Ground Slam, you have time to land a few hits.

    Exploit Holy Weakness: Buffing your weapon with Holy damage will make a massive difference.

    Stay Patient: The Death Rite Bird punishes overaggression. Wait for its moves, then counter.

Rewards for Defeating the Death Rite Bird

Depending on the location, each Death Rite Bird drops a unique set of rewards along with a large amount of Elden Ring Runes.

Examples of Rewards:

    Ghostflame Torches and Talismans: Useful for boosting ghostflame magic.

    Unique Weapons: Some fights reward ghostflame-based melee weapons.

    Special Incantations: Certain Death Rite Birds drop exclusive ghostflame spells unavailable elsewhere.

Every encounter also grants a sizable rune payout, making them a good farming option if you can consistently defeat them. These rewards add rare Elden Ring Items to your inventory, many of which are valuable for specific builds.

Why You Should Fight Death Rite Birds

    Rune Farming: Large amounts of Elden Ring Runes for leveling or purchasing gear.

    Unique Loot: Certain ghostflame weapons, spells, and talismans can only be obtained by defeating these bosses.

    Combat Practice: Their diverse moveset and punishing ghostflame attacks make them excellent practice for dodging and positioning.

Even though they're optional, hunting all Death Rite Birds offers powerful gear and a rewarding challenge.

Final Advice

    Approach at night and be ready for a difficult fight.

    Keep mobile, standing still invites disaster from ghostflame AoEs.

    Learn the timing of its Wing Sweep and Ground Slam to maximize damage windows.

    Holy damage is the fastest path to victory, equip accordingly.

Defeating the Death Rite Bird is both a test of skill and a valuable opportunity. With patience, precise dodging, and proper preparation, you can claim its generous haul of Elden Ring Runes and unique Elden Ring Items, making you stronger for the battles ahead in the Lands Between.