If you've ever fought Rykard and screamed “How the hell do you dodge this?!”, you're not alone. This guide will break down the attack, help you read its wind-up, and Elden Ring Runes give you a rock-solid strategy to avoid dying to a barrage of fiery death skulls.

What Is Bomb Skull Bonanza?

While not officially named in-game, the Bomb Skull Bonanza refers to Rykard’s phase 2 ultimate, where he launches a storm of exploding skulls across the entire arena. This move is:

Fast and screen-filling

Deals massive fire + magic damage

Tracks or rains down unpredictably

Often used after 50% HP, when Rykard fuses fully with the God-Devouring Serpent

Understanding this attack is the first step toward mastering it.

Recognizing the Attack’s Wind-Up

Here’s how to know it’s coming:

Rykard raises his sword into the air and it glows molten red.

He lets out a prolonged roar and the arena rumbles.

A swirling vortex of skull-shaped spirits forms above his head before launching outward.

The entire wind-up lasts about 2.5–3 seconds, giving you just enough time to react if you know it’s coming.

The Arena Layout Matters

The fight takes place in a circular lava-covered arena. That means:

There’s no cover

You have limited terrain to use for dodging

The lava patches slow movement slightly and can punish careless positioning

Use the edges of the arena to gain room and avoid being cornered.

How to Dodge It – Step-by-Step

Dodging this attack is counterintuitive. Many players try to run or roll away from the skulls, only to get caught in overlapping explosions. Instead, follow this pattern:

1. Stay Mid-Range, Not Far

You don’t want to be right under Rykard, but don’t run to the edges either. Most of the skulls spread out in an arc, and the worst of the spread hits long-range positions. Stay around 8–12 meters from him.

2. Strafe Diagonally

The skulls track your general position, but they descend in a wave. If you strafe diagonally while sprinting, you can weave between explosions. Rolling toward the gaps rather than away is crucial.

DO NOT roll backward—this is a common trap.

Instead, roll sideways or slightly forward into gaps as they open.

3. Time Your Rolls – Don’t Panic Roll

Panic-rolling often puts you right into the next skull. Instead:

Wait until the first skulls land

Roll once into an open area

Then reposition with sprinting

Use your camera to keep the center of the arena in view so you can predict the arc.

4. Use Spirit Summons as a Distraction

Summoning a tanky Spirit Ash like Lhutel, Banished Knight Oleg, or Mimic Tear helps draw some of the aggro. Rykard may split the skull barrage between you and your summon.

This reduces the number of tracking skulls coming your way and gives breathing room.

5. Stack Fire Resistance

If you mess up dodging (which will happen), survivability is your next best bet. Equip:

Flame-Drake Talisman (and its +1/+2 versions)

Flame, Cleanse Me incantation (for fire buildup)

Boiled Crab or Prawn for temporary defense boost

Crimsonwhorl Bubbletear in your Flask of Wondrous Physick to negate massive magic/fire damage once

High Vigor (40+) and armor with decent fire resistance (e.g., Bull-Goat, Fire Prelate Set) can mean the difference between life and death.

Bonus Tip: You Don’t Have to Let Him Cast It

The Serpent-Hunter great spear, given at the start of the fight, deals bonus damage to Rykard. In co-op or solo with buffs, you can:

Stagger him before he finishes the skull wind-up

Prevent the cast entirely if you burst fast enough

Interrupt his combo chain if your summon distracts him

So aggression is sometimes the best defense—staggering Rykard mid-cast cancels Bomb Skull Bonanza.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rolling away from the skulls – leads you into more explosions.

Standing still to cast – you’ll be dead before the incantation finishes.

Panicking when the camera shakes – stay focused, find a gap, and roll.

Dodging too early – wait until skulls land, then react.

Final Advice

Rykard’s Bomb Skull Bonanza is terrifying at first—but once you learn the rhythm and buy Elden Ring Runes stop fleeing blindly, it becomes one of the most satisfying attacks to survive in all of Elden Ring. Treat it like a dance: know the beat, feel the wave, and roll into the music (of flaming death).

With patience, practice, and a good pair of boots, you'll stop yelling “How the hell!?” and start saying “Is that all you’ve got, snake god?”

Good luck, Tarnished. The blasphemous feast awaits—don’t be on the menu.