I hate dogs (in Elden Ring)
A Polygon writer explores why dog-type enemies in Elden Ring are among the most frustrating encounters in FromSoftware’s action RPG. Despite hundreds of hours of gameplay, the author finds that even minor mistakes during dog fights can quickly turn dire, leading to lost progress and runes. To understand the specific mechanics that make these enemies so difficult, the writer undertakes a challenge: fighting every dog variant in the Lands Between using only their fists, without weapons. This includes encounters with standard dogs, Monstrous Dogs, and the Red Wolf of Radagon, a legendary enemy. The challenge is designed to isolate and analyze the specific attack patterns and behaviors that make dog-type enemies such formidable foes, even for experienced players. The investigation suggests that FromSoftware’s dog enemies present unique combat challenges compared to other enemy types in Elden Ring, combining speed, aggression, and unpredictable movement patterns that make them particularly punishing to fight.