Metyr, Mother of Fingers, stands out as one of the most unsettling and captivating boss encounters in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. This grotesque amalgamation of hands and fingers, dominated by an oversized index finger that acts as its head, presents a unique challenge. Its attacks range from bizarre finger contortions to radiant magical spells that illuminate the entire battlefield.
To conquer Metyr, you’ll need to master a dance of dodges and strikes, learning the rhythm of its peculiar attacks through trial and error. While its finger-based assaults can seem almost comical in their clumsiness, its spells are a serious threat to evade. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to defeat this bizarre boss, detailing effective dodging strategies for its most outlandish moves.
Alt text: Player battling Ancient Dragon Senessax in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, showcasing a large dragon boss fight.
Where To Find Metyr, Mother Of Fingers
Metyr, Mother of Fingers, is encountered near the culmination of Ymir’s questline in Shadow of the Erdtree. After progressing sufficiently in Ymir’s narrative, approach the vacant throne and interact with it. This action will reveal a hidden ladder descending beneath the church. Navigate down the ladder, enter the Finger Ruins of Miyr, overcome the Swordhand of Night Anna, and ascend to the hilltop.
Upon reaching the summit, your Tarnished will be prompted to sound the Finger Stone. Doing so will teleport you to a secluded arena where Metyr, Mother of Fingers, awaits the challenge.
Boss Guide: Mastering Metyr’s Attacks
Metyr initiates combat in one of two ways: either by unleashing a laser beam or by slowly advancing towards you. If a laser is fired, execute a dodge roll the instant you observe the laser projecting in your direction, or as the charging ring effect vanishes.
Regardless of its opening move, Metyr’s immediate follow-up is typically a “head” slam. In this attack, Metyr elevates its body and plunges its finger-head downwards. Anticipate the attack’s preparation, then dodge as the finger descends.
Following this initial sequence, Metyr will cycle through a variety of attacks. After each attack, a brief opening emerges, allowing for a few swift light attacks or a single, deliberate heavy attack. Below is a breakdown of Metyr’s moveset and effective dodging techniques:
| Attack Name | Description | How To Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| “Head” Slam | Metyr performs a push-up motion, lifting its “head” before slamming it at the player’s location. It may follow up with up to two additional head slams. | Dodge when Metyr’s upper body starts moving downwards. After dodging, pause briefly to see if a follow-up attack occurs. If so, dodge again as Metyr lifts off the ground. After the third slam, no further follow-ups will occur, creating an attack window. |
| Jump Slams | A variation of the head slam; Metyr tenses briefly, then leaps and slams its head in a swinging motion, up to three times. | Similar to the head slam, but the final slam is slightly delayed. Dodge when Metyr’s chest pauses in mid-air just before the slam. |
| Bongo Hands | Metyr slams the ground with its left hand, immediately followed by its right, mimicking bongo drums. This can be followed by up to three double-handed slams. | Dodge backward as Metyr’s left hand moves downward. This may cause the left hand to miss and sometimes interrupt the attack chain. For follow-up slams, dodge as both hands reach their peak height, and immediately dodge again for subsequent strikes. |
| Body Slam | Metyr rears up on its rear fingers, pauses briefly, then slams its entire body downward. | Wait until the two fingers beneath Metyr’s arms separate, then dodge. This leaves a significant opening for counter-attacks. |
| Two Finger Piano | Metyr leans back and rapidly jabs two fingers at the player, like playing piano keys. Sometimes followed by Metyr turning sideways and splaying its fingers. Often used at close range. | When Metyr leans back, dodge backward to avoid the initial short-range attack. When it turns sideways, dodge as its fingers curl. |
| Two Swipes | Metyr winds up with its right hand, then swipes, quickly followed by a left-hand swipe. | Dodge when Metyr’s right hand pauses or fingers fully extend outward. Immediately dodge right after to avoid the left swipe. |
| Jump Away Worm Spray | Metyr tears into itself, leaps above the player, and sprays worm-like fingers downwards. Can land on the player. If the player is distant upon landing, Metyr charges and sweeps a laser. | Dodge towards Metyr as it leaps to avoid the worm spray. Dodge away as it passes overhead to avoid the slam. If a laser sweep follows, run towards Metyr. When the laser is barely off-screen right, dodge diagonally right towards it to evade. |
| Finger Crawl | Metyr turns sideways, rears up, curls side fingers, and crawls towards the player. High damage if undodged. | Sprint away when it rears up sideways. If too close, mash backward dodges. |
| Spawn Fingers | Metyr opens its chest mass and creates 2-3 small finger enemies. | Attack the red area on Metyr’s chest used to spawn minions. This damages Metyr and instantly kills spawned enemies. |
Phase 2: Gravitational Mayhem
Upon reaching approximately 50% health, Metyr transitions to Phase 2. It pauses, channeling gravitational magic into its tail, creating a black hole. This transition generates a damaging magical vortex around Metyr, posing a threat at close range. Metyr then levitates and creates a second, larger shockwave.
Upon seeing the transition begin, retreat from Metyr to avoid the initial pulse. Continuing to run away after the vortex forms will help you evade the secondary blast. If you are too close and unable to outrun the blast, dodge roll shortly after Metyr’s arms lift off the ground.
Phase 2 introduces new, more challenging attacks:
| Attack Name | Description | How To Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter Body Slam | Metyr lifts off the ground, spins rapidly, and crashes into the player. | Sprint away immediately upon liftoff and continue until it lands. If it lands close, dodge roll as it slides towards you. While dodging is possible without sprinting, timing is very strict, especially in medium armor. Blocking with a 100% physical resistance shield is also an option. |
| Black Holes Minefield | The black hole on Metyr’s tail lifts its rear section, arms outstretched. It then raises its arms, summoning a minefield of exploding black holes around the player. | When Metyr lifts off, sprint directly left or right continuously until the attack ends. This avoids the minefield and often forces Metyr to move out of it as well. |
| Charged Head Slam | Metyr’s head smokes, arms wrap around its body, then slams its head into the ground, creating an explosive area. Can occur in Phase 1, but more common in Phase 2. | Sprint to Metyr’s side. Once clear of the blast zone, attack. Alternatively, at a distance, find gaps in the explosion radius to safely cast spells. |
| Triple Laser | Replaces Phase 1’s single laser shot. Metyr charges at its head and fires three laser bursts at the player. | Sprinting and dodge rolling can usually evade two lasers, but one often hits. Repeated Bloodhound Steps or Miriam’s Vanishing can offer complete evasion but consume significant FP. |
| Double Laser Sweep | A notorious attack for “no-hit” runs. Metyr puts hands on its chest, black hole glows and lifts its body, creating a damaging vortex. Two lasers sweep in opposite directions. | Run towards the vortex and stay at its outer edge. A small gap exists where lasers and vortex won’t hit. Precise spacing is crucial for the first sweep. Continue sprinting counter-clockwise (following the laser path) for the second sweep. Alternatively, use Miriam’s Vanishing then Bloodhound Step for complete evasion. |
Recommended Equipment Against Metyr, Mother of Fingers
- Weapons and spells inflicting bleed or frostbite are highly effective due to Metyr’s vulnerability to these status effects.
- The Impenetrable Thorns sorcery is particularly potent.
- Rivers of Blood katana is also an excellent choice.
- Spells with wide, multi-hit areas of effect excel against Metyr’s large hitbox.
- High Vigor and Shadowrealm Blessing are recommended for survivability.
- Comet Azur builds are exceptionally effective in this fight.
Metyr’s weakness to Hemorrhage and Frostbite makes bleed-focused builds, like Rivers of Blood builds, exceptionally strong. For sorcerers, Impenetrable Thorns is devastating, capitalizing on Metyr’s size to inflict bleed across a wide area with multiple hits.
Spells covering a large area and hitting multiple times are generally advantageous against Metyr’s expansive body. Examples include Shard Spiral , Meteorite of Astel , Pest-Thread Spears , and Burn, O Flame! .
High Vigor (55+) and Shadowrealm Blessing (10+) are advised to absorb potential mistakes. While its physical attacks are telegraphed and slow, Metyr’s magic attacks can inflict significant damage and require practice to consistently dodge. Sufficient Vigor and Shadowrealm Blessing provide a buffer to survive hits and heal during the fight.
Alt text: Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Commander Gaius boss fight, showcasing a knight boss in a ruined environment.
Best Strategies Against Metyr, Mother Of Fingers
Alt text: Tarnished character attacking Metyr’s red weak spot in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, highlighting the boss’s vulnerable area.
Melee Build Strategy
Melee builds should capitalize on the openings after Metyr’s attack sequences to deliver light or uncharged heavy attacks. Prioritize positioning to strike the red, fleshy opening on Metyr’s body for maximum damage. Targeting this weak spot not only boosts damage but also reduces the likelihood of Metyr using its finger crawl attack, which can be difficult to dodge for melee characters.
Exercise patience with Metyr’s physical attacks. They often start slowly before accelerating rapidly. Mistimed dodges can result in substantial health loss. Time your dodges for the moment attacks accelerate towards you, or, for leaping attacks, as Metyr descends.
Metyr’s poise breaks briefly. If you stagger the boss, immediately move to the critical hit location and execute a critical attack without delay.
Melee players must be particularly wary of Metyr’s “piano finger” attacks and finger crawls. These attacks deal significant damage, are relatively quick for Metyr, and require backward dodges. They are also more likely depending on your positioning. Close proximity to Metyr’s front increases the chance of “piano fingers,” while being at its side increases the likelihood of finger crawls or side finger splays. Prioritize staying in front, targeting the weak spot, and prepare to roll backward when Metyr leans back.
In Phase 2, the most dangerous attacks are the spinning laser sweeps, triple lasers, and helicopter attack. While laser attacks are challenging to dodge, their damage should not be fatal with adequate Vigor. The helicopter attack demands immediate sprinting upon Metyr’s liftoff. Due to likely close proximity, a dodge roll might be necessary upon landing if Metyr slides too close.
Ranged Build Strategy
For ranged builds, especially those utilizing a Comet Azur “one-shot” build, Metyr is an ideal target. Metyr’s slow movement and the lack of a phase transition cinematic allow for sustained, uninterrupted damage output.
If not employing a Comet Azur strategy, focus on spells that inflict bleed or frostbite, exploiting Metyr’s elemental weaknesses. As mentioned, Impenetrable Thorns is highly effective due to its wide area and bleed application against Metyr’s large form.
The core ranged strategy remains maintaining distance and casting spells opportunistically. Summons can assist, but Metyr’s attacks often have sufficient recovery time to allow for spellcasting windows. Mimic Tear Ashes equipped with bleed or frostbite weaponry or spells can accelerate status effect buildup while drawing aggro.
Incantation users might need to approach closer, as spells like Pest-Thread Spears are most effective at close range.
During Phase 2’s spinning laser attack, Miriam’s Vanishing followed by Bloodhound Step can dodge the initial laser sweep. Staying near the vortex afterwards will cause the second sweep to miss, creating a significant damage window for ranged attackers. This move, challenging for melee, becomes a prime opportunity for ranged damage.
Metyr’s Helicopter attack is also less threatening to ranged builds due to the inherent distance advantage. Sprinting away upon initiation should suffice for evasion. Be prepared to dodge roll if it lands too close. If it lands at a distance, seize the chance to cast more spells.
Reward For Defeating Metyr, Mother of Fingers
Alt text: Elden Ring Remembrance of the Mother of Fingers item, the reward for defeating the boss Metyr.
Upon successfully defeating Metyr, Mother of Fingers, you will be rewarded with 420,000 runes and the Remembrance of the Mother of Fingers. Furthermore, you can continue Ymir’s questline. Return to the Church’s site of grace to find the next step in your progression.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Tag Page Cover Art
Success in overcoming this bizarre and formidable foe!
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
**Base Game** [Elden Ring](/db/video-game/elden-ring/)Released June 21, 2024
Developer(s) FromSoftware
Publisher(s) Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware
Genre Soulslike, RPG
