Among the many eerie enemies that populate Elden Ring, few are as unsettling as the Erdtree Burial Watchdogs. These stone-like, feline creatures patrol the catacombs scattered across the Lands Between, wielding heavy swords, staves, and elemental magic with mechanical precision. Although they are optional bosses, many Tarnished will encounter them early in their journey, and underestimating them can lead to a swift death.

 

Understanding where to find these Watchdogs, how they behave, and what strategies work best can save you time, resources, and a lot of frustration. They're not only a good test of skill but also a source of useful rewards.

 

Where to Find Erdtree Burial Watchdogs

 

These bosses lurk within various catacombs across the Lands Between. Each catacomb tends to feature its own version of the Watchdog, sometimes with additional enemies or variations in their move set. You can fight them in:

 

Stormfoot Catacombs: A likely first encounter for new players, located in Limgrave.

 

Impaler's Catacombs: Found in the Weeping Peninsula, this fight is notable because the Watchdog shares its lair with dangerous Imps.

 

Cliffbottom Catacombs: Located in Liurnia of the Lakes, often fought later when players are stronger.

 

Minor Erdtree Catacombs: Houses multiple Watchdogs that can even be turned against one another with clever tactics.

 

Wyndham Catacombs: Found in the Altus Plateau, featuring a stronger version of the boss.

 

Aside from the boss forms, players will also encounter Lesser Burial Watchdogs, which serve as normal enemies in some dungeons. Though not as durable as the boss, they can still deal heavy damage if ignored.

 

What Makes the Watchdog Dangerous

 

The Erdtree Burial Watchdogs are deceptively slow-moving at times, but their sudden attacks catch many players off guard. Some key points to note:

 

Sword Variants: These swing their weapons in stiff, mechanical arcs that hit hard and often cover surprising range.

 

Magic Variants: Others wield staves, casting fire or other elemental spells that punish careless movement.

 

Area Control: Watchdogs often fight in cramped catacomb chambers, making dodging tricky.

 

Despite their rigid animations, their attacks hit with immense force, capable of breaking your stance or even killing weaker characters in just a few blows.

 

Rewards

 

While Watchdogs are optional, defeating them is worth the effort. Each one drops different Elden Ring Items, typically Spirit Ashes, weapons, or crafting materials that aid progression. You'll also earn a solid amount of Elden Ring Runes from each kill, helping you boost your stats early in the game.

 

In short, fighting them isn't mandatory, but the rewards are too useful to skip if you want to grow stronger.

 

Best Strategies and Tips for Watchdog Fights

 

1. Bring the Right Spirit Summons

 

The Kaiden Sellsword Ashes are among the best summons to use early on. The Sellsword's aggressive playstyle draws the boss's attention and buys you time to attack safely.

 

2. Exploit Crystal Darts

 

A little-known trick is that hitting a Watchdog with multiple Crystal Darts causes it to go berserk. In this state, it will attack the nearest target, even other enemies.

 

In Impaler's Catacombs, this can make the Watchdog fight the Imps for you.

 

In the Minor Erdtree Catacombs, you can cause multiple Watchdogs to battle each other, drastically reducing your workload.

 

This clever use of consumables not only saves healing flasks but can also make the fight more entertaining.

 

3. Keep Your Distance Against Magic Variants

 

If the Watchdog wields a staff, staying too close can be punishing. Use ranged spells, bows, or even throwing weapons to whittle its health down while keeping mobility in your favor.

 

4. Stay Patient

 

One of the biggest mistakes players make is rushing in. The Watchdog's mechanical movements might look easy to punish, but their attacks often come out with surprising speed. Learn their patterns, dodge carefully, and only strike when you're sure it's safe.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The Erdtree Burial Watchdogs stand out as some of the most unnerving yet rewarding field bosses in Elden Ring. Their stiff, doll-like movements hide devastating attacks that can crush an unprepared Tarnished. While they aren't required to complete the game, the rewards they offer, from valuable Elden Ring Items to a steady supply of Elden Ring Runes, make them well worth the effort.

 

With the right strategy, whether it's relying on the Kaiden Sellsword Ashes, tricking them with Crystal Darts, or simply mastering their patterns, these bosses become far more manageable. Conquering them not only strengthens your character but also prepares you mentally for the larger, deadlier foes that await deeper into the Lands Between.

 

If you're exploring catacombs, don't shy away from these eerie guardians. Defeat them, claim their rewards, and take another step toward mastering the brutal but beautiful world of Elden Ring.