Divine Beast Dancing Lion
Majestic Storm-Powered Beast from Shadow of the Erdtree
This hard-difficulty boss combines acrobatic combat with devastating elemental phase shifts
The Divine Beast Dancing Lion, originally from Shadow of the Erdtree, brings its majestic storm-powered attacks to The Forsaken Hollows DLC. This hard-difficulty boss combines acrobatic combat with devastating elemental phase shifts.
Boss Information
Boss Weaknesses & Resistances
Bleed
Dancing Lion takes considerable damage from Bleed builds; one of the easiest methods to defeat it
Fire Damage
Susceptible to Fire Knight and Messmer incantations
Frost
Despite having a Frost phase, the boss is fairly susceptible to Frost buildup and damage; recovers quickly from Frost, allowing faster repeated procs
Stagger Potential
During Phase 1, Dancing Lion is very susceptible to being staggered for critical hits. Aggressive play with heavy weapons or consecutive light attacks can break its poise for massive damage windows.
Phase 1: Base Form (100%-60% HP)
Core Mechanics
Dancing Lion fights primarily with acrobatic physical attacks in its base form. All attacks originate from the front, making rear positioning ideal.
Key Attacks
Lunge into Backflip Combo
Dancing Lion leaps forward with a lunge attack, then immediately backflips.
Counter: Move slightly left as it lands; wait briefly, then forward roll as it kicks off the ground for the backflip; punish window after the backflip.
Three-Strike Combo
Two quick head strikes followed by a delayed tail whip.
Counter: Dodge the first two strikes; watch carefully for the delayed tail whip timing.
Aerial Spin Combo
Dancing Lion rises up, spins through the air twice, kicks up ground debris, then uses a breath attack. Major punish window after completion.
Counter: Dodge into the boss during the second spin; when it kicks up the ground, you'll be out of range; dodge the breath attack and counterattack.
Rear-Up Breath Attack
Dancing Lion rears on hind legs and uses breath attack in a circle around itself. Deceptive punish window; looks safe but catches nearby players.
Counter: Back off when you see the rear-up animation; do not attempt to attack during this move.
Phase 1 Strategy
Positioning
Melee players should focus on attacking from behind. Have a ranged player draw aggro from the front.
Aggression
Be aggressive during Phase 1 to capitalize on stagger vulnerability. Heavy weapons and fast consecutive strikes can break poise.
Key Punish Windows
After the backflip in the lunge combo, after the aerial spin breath attack, and after the two-hit 360 tail sweep.
Phase 2: Elemental Shifts (60%-0% HP)
Transition Trigger
At approximately 60-66% HP, Dancing Lion activates its first elemental power-up, typically Lightning. The boss cycles through three elements—Lightning, Ice/Frost, and Wind—in random order over time (not based on damage).
Lightning Phase
- Ranged Lightning Bolts: Fires two consecutive lightning bolts at range
- Electrified Attacks: Base moveset gains lightning infusion
- Counter: Dodge twice in succession; equip lightning-resistant talismans
Frost/Ice Phase
- Icicle Summon: During double air-twirl, summons icicles that deal Frostbite buildup
- Frostbite Buildup: Attacks inflict Frostbite status
- Counter: More precise dodging required; use Frost weapons/spells to out-pace its buildup
Wind Phase
- Wind-Enhanced Mobility: Increased movement speed and attack frequency
- Extended Hitboxes: Wind currents around attacks
- Counter: Generally the easiest elemental phase; maintain defensive spacing
Phase 2 Strategy
Elemental Adaptation: Watch for visual cues indicating which element is active (lightning crackles, frost crystals, wind swirls).
Consistent Openings: Despite elemental changes, the core moveset remains the same. The lunge-backflip, aerial spin combo, and 360 tail sweep still offer reliable punish windows.
Ranged Pressure: Dancing Lion becomes more mobile in Phase 2. Ranged players should maintain medium distance to bait lightning bolts and wind attacks.
Recommended Builds
Bleed Build (Most Effective)
- Weapons: Dual katanas, Hookclaws, Rivers of Blood
- Focus: Rapid consecutive hits to proc hemorrhage
- Talismans: Lord of Blood's Exultation, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
- Strategy: Stay aggressive on rear flanks; bleed procs bypass elemental resistances
Fire Build
- Weapons: Blasphemous Blade (weapon skill can hit twice due to boss size, providing extra healing)
- Incantations: Fire Knight incantations, Messmer incantations, Giantsflame Take Thee
- Talismans: Fire Scorpion Charm, Flamedrake Talisman
- Strategy: Fire damage is consistently effective across all phases
Frost Build
- Weapons: Frost-infused weapons, Ice Spear, Zamor Curved Sword
- Focus: Rapid Frost procs; Dancing Lion recovers quickly from Frostbite
- Strategy: Proc Frost repeatedly to maintain damage boost from status effect
Co-op Team
- 1 Ranged DPS: Draw frontal aggro; bait lightning/wind attacks
- 2 Melee DPS: Focus on rear attacks and stagger-breaking
- Redmane Freyja NPC: Can be summoned before the boss room; talk to her at Three Path Cross site of grace first
Recommended Spirit Ashes
Black Knife Tiche
High damage, mobility, and survivability
Mimic Tear
Copies your build; effective with Bleed or Fire setups
Cleanrot Knight Finlay
Tanky with healing support
Lhutel the Headless
Teleports to avoid elemental attacks; draws aggro effectively
Essential Preparation
Consumables & Gear
- Elemental Resistance: Pearldrake Talisman for all-around protection
- Lightning Protection: Boltdrake Talisman, Speckled Hardtear
- Fire Grease/Magic Grease: Boost weapon damage against weaknesses
- Preserving Boluses: Cure Frostbite if needed
Relic Loadout
- Physical damage negation relics
- Attack power boosts for Bleed weapons
- Stamina regeneration passives for sustained aggression
Rewards
- ✓ Divine Beast Storm Stomp
Weapon skill replicating the Lion's aerial attack
- ✓ Lion Dancer Armor Set
Medium armor with balanced elemental resistances
- ✓ Remembrance of the Dancing Lion
Exchange for unique weapons or spells
- ✓ Access to deeper Great Hollow areas
- ✓ Achievement/Trophy
"Divine Beast Defeated"
Quick Tips
- Attack from behind whenever possible
- Bleed builds are extremely effective
- Fire damage works across all phases
- Frost procs rapidly despite the boss having a Frost phase
- Be aggressive in Phase 1 to stagger for critical hits
- Back away when Dancing Lion rears on hind legs for circular breath
- Elemental phases rotate over time, not based on damage dealt
- Summon Redmane Freyja for NPC support
- Blasphemous Blade's weapon skill can hit twice for massive healing
- Learn the lunge-backflip timing for consistent punish windows