How to beat Margit the Fell Omen in Elden Ring?

Margit, The Fell Omen is the first main story boss of Elden Ring and is required to beat to progress to the rest of the game. They have two phases, marked by the use of a giant golden hammer in the second phase. They have a very strong string of moves in the second phase as well, making this boss a major roadblock for players. Going over the moves and a secret option to restrain the boss temporarily is how to beat Margit.

Finding Margit's Shackle

There is an item similar to the Tiny Music Box from Bloodborne for the game's first major boss. In Elden Ring, this item is called Margit's Shackle, and it can be used twice during the fight during phase one and will have no effect in phase two. The item will temporarily restrain Margit, allowing the player to get a few extra hits. It is located in the Murkwater Cave and is heavily guarded. Players will have to survive an Invader before getting inside. Exploring the cave, players will meet and fight Patches. If players let him live, he will offer to sell things later. Simply leave and come back, and he will sell Margit's Shackle for 5000 Runes.

How to beat Margit, The Fell Omen in Stormhill

Margit, The Fell Omen is a dangerous boss that players may want to save until after they've explored the world a bit. They are entirely beatable even at level one, however, it is significantly easier once players have upgraded their weapon, fought other bosses, and found Sacred Tears or Golden Seeds. The boss is parryable, and riskier players can repeatedly parry the boss for an easy win.

Related: How to set a password for multiplayer and co-op in Elden Ring?

Delayed Double Swing

Usually, Margit will perform a two-hit attack at the start of the fight. Both of these attacks have some delay, but the first one has a much longer windup. They will hold their staff behind their head with both hands before charging forward and then swinging. The moment to roll for this attack is just as Margit begins to swing. Rolling repeatedly during the windup of this attack has mixed results as sometimes players can avoid it while others can consume too much stamina or get caught mid-roll. The second attack is followed up after but has plenty of time to either roll or strafe the attack. During the first attack, rolling counterclockwise toward Margit will guarantee that the second hit doesn't land so long as the player stays behind them.

Windup Sweep Combo

The most common attack that The Fell Omen will perform is a four-hit combo led by a sweep attack. Margit will hold their staff with both hands, winding it up to their side instead of their head. This attack is much faster and can be rolled into if close or rolled away from if further away. After this attack, the boss will move forward with their golden daggers, throwing two of them. You can dodge these as soon as Margit's arms begins to arc. Margit will then leap into the air to do a plunging attack with their staff. You can avoid this by rolling toward Margit, getting a few hits off as the boss lands. For ranged players, they can begin attacking after the daggers are thrown. If there is a large gap, the final hit won't be able to reach.

Alternate Windup Sweep Combo

Similar to Margit's other attack, the boss may only throw a single golden dagger before making a short leaping attack followed by a downward stab. Players can dodge the leaping attack as soon as they jump forward. Dodging into the attack and ending up behind the boss will give players ample time to get hits off while Margit performs their stab animation with their staff. If players roll to the side or away from this move, they can strafe to the left or right of the boss without much issue during the last hit's animation. Margit has a singular uppercut attack that can combo into other attacks, but if there is too much distance between the player, it will stop the attack and move onto other moves.

Related: How to beat the Stonedigger Troll in Elden Ring?

Second Phase Hammer Slam

During the second half of the fight, they will use a giant golden hammer once Margit gets to around 50 percent HP. The most dangerous attack they perform involves them performing a sweeping attack and then jumping into the air to perform a heavy slam. The first attack is easily avoided with distance, but the second attack has a large hitbox. The sweep's telegraph has Margit wielding the hammer with both hands. The heavy slam can be dodged into, giving players time to get in their attacks sooner than if they roll back and have to sprint in for damage. Ranged players can start attacking as Margit goes into the air if there is enough distance, however, some spells will miss as the boss moves quite a lot. This is a good opportunity to heal, regain FP, or summon Spirits.

Hammer Combos

Two combos are changed during the second phase. The normal double windup attack is replaced with a sweeping hammer attack, followed by the leaping attack, and ends with the jumping hammer slam. Players should be familiar with the moves individually, so this combo just requires knowledge of how to dodge these attacks from Margit's other combos. Margit also possesses a single sword thrust that they will use at close range. This can impale the player and do a lot of damage. The telegraph for the move has the sword appearing in Margit's left hand before attacking.

Alternate Dagger Combo And New Tail Swipe

The boss will occasionally start their combo with a dagger throw, followed by the leaping attack and downward stab from their first phase alternate combo. Players who are used to the delayed double swing will also have to deal with a third attack. After the second swing, if players are behind Margit, they will swing around 180 degrees while sweeping with their tail. Like normal, attacking after the first attack is still advised as the tail attack is telegraphed well and can be dodged easily. Margit will hold their weapon again but instead attack with their tail.

Golden Sword Combo

The longest combo that Margit has involves using their golden sword. This involves three successive sweeping attacks with the sword and staff. The telegraph involves Margit taking out their sword and starting to spin. Rolling three times in a row can be tricky, but rolling further away from Margit during the combo can make it, so the last attack from the staff doesn't hit. The hammer slam can follow this attack, as well as many others. The golden dagger throws can also end in the hammer slam, making Margit a bit unpredictable. Knowing how to avoid the individual moves is key for the fight, and players will know over time when their window of opportunity is.

For more Elden Ring guides, check out How many bosses are there in Elden Ring? on Pro Game Guides.