Cosplay builds have always been one of the most entertaining ways to enjoy Elden Ring. Not only do they let you recreate the look and feel of iconic bosses, but they also challenge you to adapt your playstyle using the same tools those bosses wielded Elden Ring Items.
In the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, few characters lend themselves better to cosplay than General Radahn. With his larger-than-life presence, iconic gravity powers, and devastating weaponry, recreating him is both stylish and surprisingly effective in PvP.
This guide breaks down a full Radahn cosplay build-covering weapons, Ashes of War, armor, talismans, and battle tactics-while also highlighting some invasion stories that show just how much fun this setup can be.
Why a Radahn Cosplay?
Radahn is more than just a boss; he's a legend within Elden Ring's lore. Riding his tiny horse while pulling stars from the heavens, he's remembered for one of the game's most cinematic battles.
By building a cosplay around him, you're not just roleplaying-you're embracing a flexible, powerful arsenal that mixes colossal weapons, gravity magic, and ranged sniping.
Most players focus on one or two Radahn-inspired tools, like the Lion Greatbow or the Starscourge Greatswords. But this build uses the full Radahn kit, making it a love letter to the General and a surprisingly competitive PvP setup.
Weapons of Radahn
- Greatsword with Lightspeed Slash
Often overlooked, the Lightspeed Slash Ash of War turns a colossal weapon into a surprisingly agile dueling tool. When paired with the Shard of Alexander talisman and the Godfrey Icon, the slash does excellent burst damage-especially if the initial sword hit connects before the follow-up beam.
- Promised Consort (Ash of War)
This Ash of War feels tailor-made for invasions. In tight areas, it's almost impossible to dodge, and unlike some knock-up effects, it doesn't launch enemies out of range. In 3v1 fights, the last part of the combo nearly always connects, shredding phantoms who underestimate it.
- Starscourge Greatsword
No Radahn cosplay is complete without his signature weapon. The Starcaller Cry Ash of War is both stylish and effective, pulling enemies toward you before crashing them down with a gravity slam. Few things are more satisfying than watching an invader tumble off a ledge because they underestimated its pull.
- Freya's Greatsword (Spinning Gravity Thrust)
While not Radahn's exact weapon, Freya's Greatsword looks close enough for fashion purposes. More importantly, its spinning gravity thrust mimics Radahn's flashy DLC attacks, making it a great cosplay option that still holds its own mechanically.
- Lion Greatbow
Sniping with the Lion Greatbow never gets old. While Radahn's Rain isn't as devastating as it once was, it still packs a punch against clustered enemies. Beyond that, having a colossal bow lets you pressure distant hosts or punish players who turtle behind phantoms.
Armor Options
Young Lion Set (DLC): Lighter and less poise-heavy, but excellent fashion. Ideal if you're prioritizing speed over bulk.
Radahn Set (Base Game): The true cosplay choice. Tanky, high-poise, and instantly recognizable. It makes you feel like a walking juggernaut, which fits perfectly with the colossal weapon playstyle.
The choice depends on whether you prefer aesthetics or performance. Personally, switching between the two based on mood keeps the build fresh.
Talismans
The talisman setup adapts depending on which weapon or Ash of War you're focusing on:
1.Godfrey Icon-Essential when using Lightspeed Slash, boosting charged skills.
2.Retaliatory Cross Tree-Great for enhancing crouch attacks, which hit especially hard with colossal weapons.
3.Erdtree's Favor +2-A staple pick for boosting HP, stamina, and equip load.
4.Bull-Goat's Talisman-Adds valuable poise, allowing you to trade into smaller weapons without staggering.
This mix of power, survivability, and poise support ensures you're always ready for chaotic invasion scenarios.
Stat Spread
The build leans heavily into Strength, with decent Dexterity to meet weapon requirements, and just enough Intelligence (15) for gravity abilities. The setup functions as a quality build, letting you wield multiple colossal weapons effectively while dabbling in Radahn's trademark gravity magic.Playstyle and Strategy
This Radahn cosplay isn't about min-maxing damage-it's about versatility, spectacle, and pressure. Here are some ways to make the most of it:
In tight spaces, use Promised Consort. The Ash of War's wide coverage punishes groups and forces panic rolls.
Near cliffs or ledges, switch to Starscourge Greatsword. Gravity kills are both stylish and brutally efficient.
At range, use the Lion Greatbow to soften up hosts or punish groups turtling in choke points.
In duels, Lightspeed Slash surprises opponents expecting slow colossal swings. Its burst potential often catches players off guard.
For cosplay flair, rotate through weapons mid-fight. Not only does this mimic Radahn's legendary arsenal, but it also keeps enemies guessing.
Invasions in Action
No cosplay build is complete without some stories from the field. Here are a few highlights from testing this Radahn setup across the Lands Between:
The Gravity Kill Cliffhanger: On Mountaintop of the Giants, a group felt confident pressing too aggressively. Pretending to buff, I lured them toward a ledge, then unleashed Starcaller Cry. One phantom got pulled clean off the cliff, falling for what felt like an eternity before hitting the ground. Gravity kills never lose their charm.
The Death Corner Blender: Inside a cramped dungeon corridor, I unleashed Promised Consort's full combo. Even seasoned players couldn't dodge the final hit, turning the tight room into a blender. Small spaces are where this cosplay truly shines.
The Redahn Mirror Match: Invading into a world only to find another Radahn cosplay is peak Elden Ring. Trading colossal slams, arrows, and gravity pulls felt like reenacting the Festival of Combat all over again.
The "Go Toward the Hole" Struggle: Sometimes, style takes priority over efficiency. One particularly stubborn host refused to let me pull him into a pit, dodging every gravity attempt. After several minutes of failed cliff setups, I eventually had to kill him the old-fashioned way. Still, the attempt was worth it for the laughs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Huge weapon variety keeps combat fresh.
Excellent crowd control with gravity Ashes of War.
Stylish cosplay that doubles as effective PvP.
Strong mix of melee and ranged options.
Weaknesses:
Colossal weapons leave you vulnerable to fast poke weapons.
Reliant on poise management; without it, trading is risky.
Some attacks, like Radahn's Rain, are situational rather than consistent cheap Elden Ring Items.
Heightened Intelligence requirement means slightly less raw Strength scaling.
Final Thoughts
Among cosplay builds in Elden Ring, Radahn stands out as one of the most rewarding to play. Not only do you capture the look and feel of a legendary boss, but the weapon variety ensures you're never bored. Whether you're gravity-pulling enemies off cliffs, sniping with the Lion Greatbow, or blending groups with Promised Consort, every invasion feels like a cinematic battle.
While it's not the most optimized setup compared to pure Strength or Dexterity builds, the versatility makes it surprisingly effective in practice. More importantly, it's fun-something every Elden Ring player should prioritize, especially in the late stages of the DLC.
If you want to shake up your PvP experience while paying homage to one of the game's greatest characters, the Radahn cosplay build is absolutely worth trying. As far as cosplay builds go, this one earns a 9/10 for style, fun factor, and unexpected effectiveness.
