How to Defeat Dryleaf Dane in Elden Ring
This guide covers where to find Dryleaf Dane, how to trigger the fight, and which strategies, items, and builds will give you the best chance of victory.
Where to Find Dryleaf Dane
Dryleaf Dane can be found sitting peacefully in the Moorth Ruins, meditating with his hands folded in the style of a martial artist. If you approach him before finding the Monk's Missive, he remains passive and does not attack.
To challenge him, you must first obtain the Monk's Missive, which can be found elsewhere in the Shadow Realm. Once the note is in your inventory, interact with Dane again and you'll be given the option to fight.
Why Fight Dryleaf Dane
Although not part of the main questline, defeating Dryleaf Dane offers significant rewards, including:
A large amount of Elden Ring Runes to boost your leveling or upgrading efforts.
Access to exclusive Elden Ring Items, such as martial-themed gear or consumables that boost Dexterity and hand-to-hand damage.
A true test of timing, spacing, and hand-to-hand combat mechanics, making it a thrilling duel for any melee-focused build.
Dryleaf Dane's Fighting Style
Dryleaf Dane fights with bare hands, but don't let that fool you, he's fast, precise, and devastating. His martial arts style involves rapid punches, spinning kicks, and short dodges that make him difficult to track and punish. This is a close-quarters duel, with little room for error.
What makes him particularly dangerous is his perfect dodge timing. Dane can sidestep many heavy attacks and even punish slower casting animations. Players who rely on brute force will need to adjust their approach or risk being outmaneuvered.
Recommended Loadout and Strategy
Here's a breakdown of the optimal gear, spells, and tactics to bring into this unique boss fight.
Recommended Ashes of War: Flame of the Redmanes
This Ash of War unleashes a burst of flame in a wide arc, with a high stagger potential. Even though Dane is quick, Flame of the Redmanes can catch him mid-attack or mid-dodge if timed properly. It's also great for breaking his poise and creating windows for critical hits.
Recommended Spells: Dragonice
While it may seem strange to use a slower spell like Dragonice in such a quick fight, the lingering frostbite effect can provide passive damage over time if you land a single cast. Try casting when Dane is distracted by a Spirit Ash or after he misses a big combo.
Recommended Talismans
Two-Headed Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery speed, which is essential when dodging Dane's fast-paced attacks and needing to strike back quickly.
Green Turtle Talisman (alt): If you don't have the upgraded version, the original still works well to help maintain stamina through the duel.
Other Elden Ring Items to Bring
Opaline Hardtear (mixed into your Flask of Wondrous Physick): Boosts all damage negation briefly, perfect for surviving Dane's flurry combos.
Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear: Boosts fire attack power, ideal for synergizing with Flame of the Redmanes or any fire-based incantations or weapon infusions.
Spirit Ashes: Use Sparingly or Not at All
While you can summon Spirit Ashes for the fight, many players opt to take on Dryleaf Dane solo for a true test of skill. That said, if you're struggling or just want to ensure a win, consider summoning a fast and aggressive Spirit like Black Knife Tiche or Banished Knight Oleg to keep Dane occupied while you strike from behind.
Tips for Victory
Keep the Fight Close: Dane excels in mid-range combat where he can dart in and out. Get in tight or stay far back to bait his rush attacks.
Bait, Punish, Repeat: Let him come to you. After a missed combo or heavy attack, he's briefly vulnerable. Use this opening for charged attacks or high-damage Ashes.
Use Fire and Frost: Combining fire damage from Flame of the Redmanes with frostbite buildup from Dragonice gives you two separate damage-over-time effects that chip away at his health even while you're on defense.
Watch His Dodges: Dane has an uncanny ability to dodge right before attacks land. Delay your swings or use stagger-heavy moves to break his rhythm.
The Rewards
Defeating Dryleaf Dane nets you a good chunk of Elden Ring Runes, as well as the satisfaction of conquering one of the most technical duels in Shadow of the Erdtree. Players have also reported receiving unique martial arts-themed Elden Ring Items, such as:
Dryleaf Monk's Garb
Dryleaf Combat Arts (weaponless technique or emote)
High-tier crafting materials or Spirit Ash upgrades
These rewards not only deepen your build variety but also serve as bragging rights for taking down one of the game's most stylish bosses.
Final Thoughts
Dryleaf Dane might not look threatening at first glance, but this barefoot monk is a fierce test of your reflexes, stamina management, and timing. He's a shining example of Elden Ring's ability to blend storytelling and challenge, turning even optional encounters into unforgettable moments.
If you're looking to boost your supply of Elden Ring Runes, collect exclusive Elden Ring Items, or just prove your mettle in a clean martial duel, Dryleaf Dane is a must-fight. Prepare well, stay patient, and you'll walk away victorious, and a little wiser in the art of war.