Elden Ring: How to beat Mad Pumpkin Head? Elden Ring guide, walkthrough
On this page of the Elden Ring guide, you will learn how to defeat the boss in Limgrave, the Mad Pumpkin Head.
Last update: 05 March 2024
This page of the Elden Ring game guide contains tips on how to fight the boss located in two regions: in Limgrave, more specifically in the Waypoint Ruins, and in Caelem Ruins. This boss is the Mad Pumpkin Head. You will learn how to fight the boss and which attacks you need to watch out for. This is an optional boss that isn't required to beat the game.
Locations
Mad Pumpkin Head in Limgrave:
You will meet the Mad Pumpkin Head for the first time in Limgrave, and more specifically in Waypoint Ruins.
Mad Pumpkin Heads Duo:
The second version of the boss is in Caelid. The Mad Pumpkin Heads duo are located in the Caelem Ruins.
Reward for defeating
For defeating the boss version in Limgrave in addition to accessing this place, thanks to unlocking a place of grace and 1100 Runes, you will unlock access to wizard services behind the door, thanks to Sorcerer Sellen.
However, for defeating the duo in Caelid you will only receive 6300 Runes.
General tips
- Mad Pumpkin Head inflicts bleeding with his attacks, which is why you should avoid defending yourself with a shield from his attacks for too long.
- His head is resistant to both physical and magical attacks. When fighting the boss, attack all parts of the body except the head - your attacks will either bounce back or deal only a small amount of damage.
- The arena where you face the Mad Pumpkin Head has the option to summon ghosts. It's best to summon wolves to fight the boss, they will be a perfect distraction.
- By using heavy weapons in close combat and attacking frequently, you'll throw your opponent off balance relatively quickly. This will allow you to use a critical hit that will take a lot of their HP.
- Mad Pumpkin Head is susceptible to bleeding and frostbite, so you should use attacks that inflict this status.
- Lightning-based attacks work very well on the opponent.
Mage build - how to fight?
When you enter the boss arena, summon a horde of wolves - they will be very helpful in distracting the boss, giving you time to attack him from a safe distance.
Remember, however, that after hitting the boss with a spell, you will focus his attention on yourself, so a better solution is to use spells that are delayed, such as Magic Glintblade. Thanks to this, you will have enough time to cast 4 spells before the first one hits the boss.
Instead of blocking his attacks with a shield, it's better to dodge and then run as far away from him as possible and start shooting again. His attacks apply bleeding which, when filled, will deal a lot of damage to your character.
When fighting the Mad Pumpkin Head, you have to be careful not to hit his head with your spells or melee attacks. It is armored, so the damage will be minimal. A much better solution is to attack other parts of the body.
Also, be careful not to stand in front of him when you are up close - the boss will attack with his head, dealing high damage. Fortunately, the attack is signaled, so you can react to it quickly.
Melee build - how to fight?
After entering the arena, you will have a brief moment to summon the ashes - although it may turn out that it is better to wait out his attacks. The enemy starts running towards you right away, albeit at a relatively slow pace.
Throughout the fight, try to stick to the opponent's left hand or be behind his back. This way, you will avoid many of his attacks, and you will be able to damage him even while he keeps attacking.
The Mad Pumpkin Head attacks frequently with his armored head. They are AoE attacks and the best way to avoid them is to dodge towards him. This makes it relatively easy for you to get behind his back. It will also be a good opportunity to perform a heavier attack, because the opponent is quite slow and takes a while to do the next attack.
A few stronger blows and the Mad Pumpkin Head will fall to his knees, opening himself to a critical hit. This type of attack can take a lot of HP, so approach his head and attack.
The fight with the Mad Pumpkin Head is not divided into phases. The arena is relatively small, but if you move away to heal, you will have enough time to replenish your HP before the enemy approaches you.