In Elden Ring, few enemies are as intimidating early on as the Grafted Scion. This grotesque creature, made from countless stitched-together limbs, serves as an early test of skill — and a haunting reminder of the dangers that await in the Lands Between.
You first encounter the Grafted Scion at the very beginning of Elden Ring, during the tutorial area, Chapel of Anticipation. Here, it acts as an impossible challenge for most new players. After you defeat it (or inevitably fall), the game continues regardless.
You can also face another Grafted Scion later at Stormveil Castle, a major legacy dungeon. This version is even stronger and guards key areas, making it a serious threat you must prepare for.
At the start of the game, fighting the Grafted Scion is more symbolic than necessary. It’s almost intended for you to lose. If you somehow defeat it with the limited starting equipment, you'll receive a special reward. However, death against the Scion triggers the scripted fall into the actual game world — meaning you won't miss any story progression if you lose.
Tip: If you want to truly defeat it early, pick a strong starting class like the Samurai (with a good bow) or Hero, and make sure to dodge carefully!
The second, more critical encounter with a Grafted Scion happens inside Stormveil Castle. This time, it patrols near the secluded cliffside path and drops much better rewards when defeated. Compared to the tutorial version, this Scion has a bigger health pool and deadlier combos.
Make sure you’re properly leveled (around Level 25–30) before taking it on inside Stormveil.
Looking for an easy win? Here’s how you can cheese the Grafted Scion:
Patience is key when cheesing — take your time and don't get greedy with attacks.
The Grafted Scion has several notable weaknesses you can exploit:
If you manage to defeat the Grafted Scion early at the Chapel of Anticipation, you are rewarded with:
Defeating the one in Stormveil Castle grants a large number of Elden Ring Runes and valuable loot, depending on where you encounter it.
These early-game Elden Ring Items can give you a huge advantage if you survive the fight!
The Grafted Scion is deeply tied to one of the game’s major characters — Godrick the Grafted. These creatures are abominations created by forcibly stitching body parts from other beings onto themselves to gain strength. Godrick, obsessed with power, created and perfected the art of "grafting," and the Scions are one of his horrific successes.
This body horror imagery reflects the brutal nature of Elden Ring's world, where ambition often leads to monstrosity.
Can you parry the Grafted Scion?
Yes — but it’s very difficult and extremely risky.
The Grafted Scion’s attacks are often multi-hit combos with weird timing, making parries inconsistent. However, certain slow and obvious swings (like the overhead slam) are parryable. If you’re confident with your shield or parrying dagger, you can attempt it for a critical riposte.
Advice: Most players are better off dodging rather than parrying, especially during early encounters.
Facing the Grafted Scion, especially at the start, is a trial by fire that sets the tone for Elden Ring. Whether you conquer it immediately or return later to claim victory, defeating this horrifying creature is one of the game's most satisfying early milestones.