What Counts as the First Boss in Elden Ring?
Understand the difference between Elden Ring’s tutorial boss, early optional encounters and first major story boss.
What Counts as the First Boss in Elden Ring?
“What is the first boss in Elden Ring?” has several valid answers. The earliest scripted boss-like encounter, the optional tutorial opponent, the first dangerous overworld enemy, and the early story gate are not the same thing. That distinction is the key to finding the answer that matches where you are in the game.
Four encounters commonly called the first boss
| Interpretation | Enemy | What it means |
| Opening scripted encounter | Grafted Scion | Faced in the initial Chapel of Anticipation sequence |
| Optional tutorial | Soldier of Godrick | Teaches basics in the tutorial cave |
| First prominent overworld threat | Tree Sentinel | Can be approached in Limgrave and safely avoided |
| First major story roadblock | Margit, the Fell Omen | Guards progression toward Stormveil Castle |
What should a newcomer actually fight first?
Take the tutorial if you want to learn controls and then explore Limgrave. There is no rule requiring you to kill Tree Sentinel immediately. Build a small reserve of flasks, improve a weapon, practice guard counters or dodges, and discover helpful routes before challenging Margit. Elden Ring frequently rewards leaving an encounter and returning with more knowledge.
Why losing to Grafted Scion is normal
The opening sequence is designed so that many players lose their first encounter. It is not proof that the rest of the game expects you to win a brutal boss with starter equipment. The enemy can be challenged again later through a separate route, making the initial encounter less final than it appears.
Avoid the most common early mistake
Players often confuse an enemy they can see with a boss they must defeat now. Follow Sites of Grace when you want guidance, but use open-world freedom to prepare. If a guide casually calls Margit the first boss, check whether it means the first main progression challenge rather than the first enemy with a boss health bar.
A sensible early route without forced grinding
Finish the opening tutorial if you want it, explore the nearby Limgrave camps and caves, and collect flask improvements as you find them. Test your weapon against ordinary enemies before approaching Margit. If a fight feels unfair, check whether you have bypassed an obvious equipment upgrade or weapon-scaling option. Progression through Limgrave is deliberately less rigid than the order in which YouTube boss compilations display encounters.
Related reading
For tactics or progression connected to this encounter, the next useful reads are Grafted Scion opening encounter, Elden Beast boss strategy, and Defeat the Red Wolf of Radagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tree Sentinel the first mandatory boss?
No. You can leave and return later rather than fighting him immediately.
Is Grafted Scion supposed to kill you?
Many players lose the opening battle, and progression continues; winning is not required.
Is Margit the first boss?
He is an early major progression obstacle, but not the first boss-like enemy you can encounter.
Should I finish the tutorial?
It is a useful optional way to learn basic controls before exploring Limgrave.