In the vast and treacherous world of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, danger lurks behind every shadowed grove and misty lake. Among the many field bosses that haunt the lands of Scadu Altus, few are as primal and fearsome as Ralva the Great Red Bear. This monstrous creature embodies untamed strength and ferocity, a living force of nature that challenges even the most battle-hardened Tarnished.

While Ralva is an optional boss, those who face it will be rewarded with a satisfying challenge, a deep sense of accomplishment, and a valuable bounty of Elden Ring Runes and rare Elden Ring Items that can strengthen your character and equipment.

Who Is Ralva the Great Red Bear

Ralva the Great Red Bear is a powerful Field Boss and one of the most intimidating beasts in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Unlike many humanoid bosses, Ralva is a creature of pure instinct and raw might, relying on its massive size and brutal strength to crush anything that dares enter its territory.

This colossal beast is a unique variant of the Runebear, an already formidable enemy found throughout the Lands Between. However, Ralva's crimson fur, immense health pool, and enhanced aggression make it far deadlier than its lesser kin. Players who have encountered Rugalea the Great Red Bear or the standard Runebear will recognize some of its attack patterns, but Ralva's increased speed, damage output, and resistance to certain status effects make it a distinct and memorable battle.

Its very existence feels mythic, an ancient guardian of Scadu Altus's wild frontiers, perhaps a remnant of the Erdtree's early creation, now driven mad by corruption or decay.

Ralva the Great Red Bear Location

Ralva can be found roaming the wilderness of Scadu Altus, a region defined by its rugged hills, towering cliffs, and eerie calm. To find this monstrous beast, begin at the Highroad Cross Site of Grace. From there, head north along the main path until you reach a small checkpoint. Once you've arrived, turn east and continue until you encounter a large lake nestled between the cliffs.

It is in this watery basin that Ralva awaits, often concealed among the trees or near the lake's edge. Approach cautiously, unlike many bosses, Ralva doesn't wait behind a mist gate. Instead, it ambushes players in the open field, emphasizing the "Field Boss" nature of this encounter. The fight begins the moment you step too close to its lair.

Preparing for Battle

While Ralva's attacks are straightforward, they are devastatingly powerful. Preparation and proper strategy are vital to surviving this confrontation. Here's how to get ready before engaging the Great Red Bear:

Recommended Summons

Mimic Tear Ashes: The Mimic Tear is the best ally for this battle. It replicates your current build, allowing you to double your offensive output or divide Ralva's attention during key moments.

Recommended Spells

Taker's Flames: This fire-based incantation is exceptionally effective against Ralva's thick hide. Its area-of-effect damage punishes the bear's close-range aggression and can stagger it mid-attack.

Any Fire-infused Sorcery or Incantation will also deal significant damage, exploiting Ralva's weakness to flames.

Recommended Items

Sleep Pots: Despite its immense size, Ralva is surprisingly vulnerable to Sleep effects. A well-timed Sleep Pot can give you crucial openings to heal, buff, or land powerful charged attacks. Crafting these using Elden Ring Items like Trina's Lily can make the difference between victory and defeat.

Additional Preparation

Equip talismans or armor that enhance fire resistance and stamina recovery. Ralva's relentless combos can quickly drain your endurance, leaving you open to deadly follow-up blows. Stamina management is essential throughout the fight.

How to Defeat Ralva the Great Red Bear

Ralva is a physical powerhouse with attacks that can flatten unprepared adventurers in seconds. The key to victory lies in recognizing its attack patterns and punishing its brief recovery windows.

Phase 1: The Rampaging Beast

At the start of the battle, Ralva often charges forward with a thunderous roar, attempting to grab or crush you with its forelimbs. Its claw swipes have wide arcs and can hit from unexpected angles. Dodge diagonally toward its hind legs to avoid getting clipped, and retaliate with quick strikes or fire-based spells.

Ralva also performs a powerful ground slam that causes a minor shockwave, rolling just before impact can completely negate the damage. Keeping medium distance allows you to bait these slower, more punishable attacks.

Phase 2: Enraged Fury

Once its health drops below 50%, Ralva becomes enraged. Its fur bristles, and it gains speed, chaining attacks more aggressively. This phase introduces new moves like a leaping slam that can one-shot lightly armored builds and a roaring stomp that staggers nearby players.

Use your Mimic Tear or spirit summons to distract Ralva during this phase. Cast Taker's Flames or throw Sleep Pots when it becomes too aggressive, putting the beast to sleep gives you time to unleash critical hits or reapply buffs.

Above all, patience is key. Trying to overpower Ralva head-on usually ends in disaster. Wait for its missed swipes or ground slams, then punish decisively before retreating.

Rewards

Upon defeating Ralva the Great Red Bear, players are rewarded with a large number of Elden Ring Runes, which can be used to level up stats, strengthen weapons, or purchase rare materials. The rune drop is substantial for a field boss, making Ralva an excellent target for players seeking mid- to late-game rune farming opportunities.

In addition to runes, Ralva drops unique Elden Ring Items related to its primal nature. These may include crafting materials tied to beastly or fire-based armaments, valuable resources for enhancing weapons or creating specialized gear. The spoils of victory here are both practical and symbolic, marking your triumph over one of nature's fiercest predators.

Final Thoughts

The battle against Ralva the Great Red Bear is a raw test of endurance and awareness, a clash between human cunning and bestial strength. While optional, this encounter embodies what makes Elden Ring so captivating: open-world exploration, unexpected challenges, and deeply rewarding victories.

Whether you're seeking powerful Elden Ring Runes to enhance your build or hunting rare Elden Ring Items to expand your arsenal, facing Ralva is an adventure worth pursuing. Conquering this colossal beast is more than just another victory, it's a reminder that in the world of Elden Ring, courage and preparation can triumph even over the wildest forces of nature.