How to Beat Romina in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Romina, Saint of the Bud, is a formidable boss in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring. Her fast attacks and the threat of Scarlet Rot make this battle challenging, but she has several exploitable weaknesses. This guide covers her location, weaknesses, and the best strategies for defeating her.

Romina's Location

Romina resides in the Church of the Bud, located in the western part of Rauh Ruins. This area is part of the main questline in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. The path to the Church of the Bud is perilous, with rot caverns and the invader Hornsent blocking your way.

Romina's Weaknesses and Preparation

Romina is susceptible to Bleed and Frostbite and takes extra damage from holy-aligned attacks. Here’s how to prepare for the fight:

Weapons: Use a Cold- or Bleed-infused sword, such as Milady or the Backhand Blade. Non-elemental swords also deal significant damage. Avoid blunt weapons like hammers due to their shorter range and lower damage output against Romina.
Sorcery: Equip Glintstone Icecrag, Adula’s Greatblade, and Zamor Ice Storm.
Faith Build: Use Frozen Lightning Spear and the new DLC Incantations.
Ashes of War: Divine Beast’s Frost Stomp is very effective.
Spirit Ashes: The Mimic Tear is a strong choice, as it can exploit Romina’s weaknesses. The Dung Eater Puppet or Jolan and Anna Puppet are excellent for inflicting Bleed. The Greatshield Soldier provides good defense and Frost-infused ranged attacks.
NPC Summon: Summon Dryleaf Dane, despite the slight HP buff to Romina, as he is a valuable distraction.
Items: Equip Immunizing Horn Charm Talismans to slow Scarlet Rot buildup and have Neutralizing Bolus items ready to remove any rot buildup.

Romina Boss Fight: Phase 1

Romina begins the battle with a rush and double slash using her polearm. Dodge forward or backward to avoid both strikes. Her centipede part has unique attacks, such as a forward thrust or a snake-like rush. Dodge sideways or backward to avoid these.

Romina also performs a spinning attack with her tail and centipede, which you can dodge backward. She may roll into a wheel and race toward you, followed by a slash—dodge forward to avoid these. Keep your distance to avoid her stinger tail attack and forward thrusts that build up the rot meter.

Romina Boss Fight: Phase 2

When Romina’s health drops to half, she becomes more agile and gains new attacks with increased Scarlet Rot buildup. She summons rot energy and butterflies, which explode after a few seconds. Position yourself in safe areas or dodge to evade explosions.

Romina’s new combo involves rising into the air, performing a whirling slash, turning, and repeating the slash, ending with a ground slam. Dodge in any direction to avoid these. She remains still after the final attack, giving you a window to strike.

Romina’s polearm slashes and aerial slams continue in this phase. Use your Spirit Ash and NPC summons to distract her, allowing you to attack from a distance.

Rewards

Defeating Romina rewards you with the Remembrance of the Saint of the Bud. This can be exchanged for her polearm or an Incantation that summons rot butterflies—or both, if you duplicate Remembrances.