How to Beat Demi-Human Chief: Boss Fight Guide

This is a guide on how to beat the Demi-Human Chief, an optional boss in Elden Ring. Read on to learn more about the Demi-Human Chief's strengths, weaknesses, attack patterns, and lore!

Demi-Human Chief General Info

Stats and Rewards

Demi-Human Chief
Weakness	Resistance	Immune
Standard Strike Slash Fire Holy Frost Thrust	Bleed Frost Sleep	Madness
Affected By	Poison, Scarlet Rot, Bleed, Frost, Sleep
Spirit Ashes Available?	Yes
Rune Rewards	900 (NG)
Summonable NPCs	・Old Knight Istvan
Location	・Coastal Cave, Limgrave
Item Drops	・Sewing Needle ・Tailoring Tools

Demi-Human Chief Location

Where to Find

Map Location
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Recommended Level	Lv.15

The Demi-Human Chief is located inside the Coastal Cave in Limgrave. Trace the coastline all the way to where the cave marker is on the map provided. The cave itself is mostly dark, so make sure you bring either a Torch or Lantern before venturing inside!

How to Beat Demi-Human Chief

Tips for Beating Demi-Human Chief
Clear the area first of enemies before engaging the boss
Try to focus on killing any additional enemies that spawn during the boss fight
Save a bit of your stamina for dodging
Before the fight, summon a Spirit to aid you in battle

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Ranged Strategy

Demi-Human Chief Boss Tips
Watch your surroundings
Use spirit summons to tank for you

Watch your surroundings

Keep close attention to your surroundings as the boss room is small. Position yourself correctly and always have a space to dodge. You will otherwise run the risk of dodging into a wall.

Use spirit summons to tank for you

Use Spirit Ashes to summon a spirit for this fight to make this battle really easy for you. You can use the Lone Wolf Ashes or the Wandering Noble Ashes as they will serve not only to distract the boss but any additional enemies that spawn. You can then throw as many spells as you can while the boss focuses on the spirits from a safe distance.

The Northern Mercenary Ashes are also really good in this boss fight as their attacks cleave through multiple enemies. Its attacks are quick and also deal a ton of damage, and could chip the boss' health down enough for you to kill it. If your damage output is high enough, your summon can last until the Second Demi-Human Chief comes out.

Melee Strategy

Demi-Human Chief Boss Tips
Keep attacking to stagger him
Block and run
Watchout for his overhead attack
Use spirit summons to get in close

Keep attacking to stagger him

This boss can be staggered, so let loose with a chain of attacks and stunlock him. It usually takes around 4 hits of your melee attack before it recovers.

Makes sure to leave enough stamina to dodge after you attack the boss to avoid getting hit by its attack.

Block and run

Due to the small size of the boss room, having a shield up while the boss attacks will be helpful.

However, watch out for its triple strike attack, as it can break your guard if your stamina is low.

Watchout for their overhead attack

After the boss performs the large overhead swing, it will be open to attack. Parry or dodge this attack and then focus on attacking the boss as much as you can.

Use spirit summons to get in close

Before you engage the Demi-Human Chief, don't forget to use Spirit Ashes to summon spirits to make this fight really easy. Summons such as the Wandering Noble Ashes or Lone Wolf Ashes will spawn in groups and can distract the boss and any enemies that spawn. While the boss is busy, get in close and unleash on the boss.

Another spirit you can use is the Spirit Jellyfish Ashes. They have a large health pool, making it a great tank and a distraction. If your damage is good enough to kill the boss quickly, the Jellyfish Spirit should last until the Second Demi-Human Chief arrives.

Demi-Human Chief Attack Patterns

Knife Attacks

Knife Attack Variations
Flurry: Demi-Human Chiefs swing their knives wildly, unleashing a flurry of deadly attacks that often end in an overshooting dash attack. Take note that the chiefs can stagger their swing timings at any point during the combo and can even chain other attacks in-between or afterwards.
Pounce: An attack where Demi-Human Chief leaps towards the closest player and strikes three times in quick succession. This is usually followed by either a Flurry or Overhead Attack. Dodge backward, away from the boss just after the pounce, to avoid the attack.
Overhead Attack: An attack where the Demi-Human Chief rushes towards you with its arms raised high. The chief brings both knives down directly in front, dealing insanely high damage to anyone it catches. This attack can be chained from any attack in the Chiefs' arsenal, so watch out for its heavy telegraph at all times.
Spinning Knives: Demi-Human Chief spins with its knife twice, and each spin moves the boss forward. This typically ends with either an Overhead Attack or Rallying Cry.

Quick Bites

Quick Bites Information
Quick Bites: Demi-Human Chiefs can use their massive jaws to do quick bites in-between attacks. These can easily break stances, especially during the early game. Chiefs take a while to recover from this move, so take advantage of the opening by healing or counterattacking.

Rallying Cry

Rallying Cry Information
Rallying Cry: A move where Demi-Human Chief screams to call for help. It will spawn additional enemies in the field. Take them out asap to avoid getting swarmed.

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Elden Ring Related Guides

List of All Bosses

DLC Bosses

Main Bosses

Optional Bosses

Mini-Bosses

Hostile NPCs and Invaders