Among the many formidable challenges in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, few bosses are as grotesque and unsettling as Romina, Saint of the Bud. This twisted Legend Boss is a mandatory encounter, barring players from advancing further into the DLC until she is defeated. Half-humanoid and half-centipede with the added menace of a scorpion's stinger, Romina's appearance alone is enough to leave an impression. Her lore, tied to the Scarlet Rot and the destruction of her church during Messmer's crusade, makes her one of the expansion's most thematically rich bosses.

 

Defeating Romina not only grants access to the later stages of the expansion but also rewards a large haul of Elden Ring Runes and several unique Elden Ring Items that can shape your progression. This guide breaks down her lore, attacks, weaknesses, and strategies so you can conquer her without losing your sanity, or too many Runes along the way.

 

Lore and Location

 

Romina was once a saintly figure who served within the Church of the Bud, until it was burned to ash during Messmer's campaign. In her grief, she unearthed a twisted divine power, intertwining it with the Scarlet Rot. This corruption transformed her into the creature encountered deep in the Ancient Ruins of Rauh.

 

She is not an optional boss, if you want to progress through the Shadow of the Erdtree storyline, you must face Romina in the ruined church. Her design represents the marriage of religious devotion and decay, embodying Scarlet Rot in both aesthetics and combat.

 

Recommended Level and Preparation

 

By the time you face Romina, your character should ideally be in the Level 130–150 range, with high vigor and endurance to survive her relentless assaults. Farming Elden Ring Runes in the Rauh ruins and surrounding areas before the fight is a smart way to boost survivability.

 

Preparation tips include:

 

Crafting Preserving Boluses: Scarlet Rot is a central mechanic of this battle. The Armorer's Cookbook (6) allows you to craft boluses, which are invaluable here.

 

Choosing the Right Talismans: The Sacred Scorpion Charm and Lightning Scorpion Charm increase damage output, while the Immunizing Horn Charm helps mitigate rot buildup.

 

Equipping the Right Physick Mix: Tears like the Holy-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Lightning-Shrouding Cracked Tear, and Cerulean Hidden Tear all provide a powerful edge depending on your build.

 

These items, along with effective summons, give you a better chance at withstanding Romina's combination of rot-infused melee attacks and long-range pressure.

 

Summons, Spells, and Weapons

 

Romina's battle is difficult enough that using Spirit Ash summons is recommended. The Mimic Tear remains the most reliable option for mirroring your strengths, while Black Knife Tiche provides evasive pressure and chip damage.

 

For weapons, the Barbed Staff-Spear and Royal Greatsword both excel thanks to their reach and power. Romina's centipede-like body makes her weak to thrusting attacks, which these weapons can deliver effectively.

 

When it comes to sorcery and incantations, Scarlet Rot resistance and damage-over-time spells are key. Consider:

 

Flame, Cleanse Me: Removes rot buildup, essential for survival.

 

Swarm of Flies & Impenetrable Thorns: Excellent for applying pressure while staying mobile.

 

Frozen Lightning Spear & Dragonice: Exploit her susceptibility to frost and lightning.

 

These tools, combined with talismans like the Godfrey Icon for enhancing charged spells, make the fight far more manageable.

 

Romina's Attack Patterns

 

Romina wields her bud-shaped poleblade with vicious precision, and her moveset combines fluid humanoid swings with monstrous insect-like unpredictability. Key attacks include:

 

Scarlet Rot Burst: A stinger slam that explodes into a spreading rot cloud. Roll away immediately and use boluses or "Flame, Cleanse Me" to counteract.

 

Poleblade Sweep: A wide horizontal slash that covers her front. Dodging into the attack often works better than retreating.

 

Lunging Thrust: Romina charges forward with surprising speed, impaling players if unprepared. Keep mid-range spacing to bait this move.

 

Rot-Infused Combos: She often chains multiple poleblade swings with rot buildup. Blocking is risky, dodging is preferred.

 

Aerial Dive: Romina leaps and crashes down, leaving a lingering pool of rot. Roll through the impact and reposition quickly.

 

Patience is crucial. Like many major bosses, Romina leaves openings after her more elaborate combos. Focus on punishing these windows instead of forcing trades.

 

Strategy for Victory

 

Manage Rot at All Times: Scarlet Rot will whittle down your health faster than her blade. Carry plenty of Elden Ring Items that cure or resist rot, and keep distance when clouds appear.

 

Use Summons Wisely: Having Mimic Tear or Tiche distract her can give you breathing room to heal or cast longer spells.

 

Elemental Damage: Romina takes solid damage from frost and lightning. Prioritize spells like Frozen Lightning Spear or Dragonice to chip her health down while avoiding melee risk.

 

Don't Get Greedy: Her recovery windows are deceptively short. One or two hits are safe, but overextending can cost you half your health.

 

With persistence and careful resource management, Romina eventually falls, leaving you with both satisfaction and rich rewards.

 

Rewards

 

Defeating Romina yields a significant number of Elden Ring Runes, helping you push your level higher for the late-game encounters to come. These Runes alone make the fight rewarding for players looking to shore up stats before facing tougher bosses.

 

In addition, she drops unique Elden Ring Items tied to her lore and abilities. These can include powerful materials or equipment pieces connected to Scarlet Rot, allowing players to lean into rot-based builds or enhance resistance against it. Each item reinforces the thematic weight of her character while giving players practical tools for the challenges ahead.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Romina, Saint of the Bud, is a grotesque yet unforgettable highlight of Shadow of the Erdtree. Her lore ties the Scarlet Rot directly to the tragedies of Messmer's crusade, and her transformation into a centipede-like abomination makes her one of the expansion's most unique foes.

 

She is not just another roadblock, she embodies the struggle of corruption, decay, and survival in the Lands Between. By preparing with the right spells, talismans, and Elden Ring Items, and by farming Elden Ring Runes beforehand, you can turn this daunting encounter into one of the most rewarding victories in the game.