Elden Ring's vast world is filled with formidable foes, and the Stonedigger Troll in Limgrave Tunnels stands out as a memorable early-game challenge. This optional boss, lurking beneath the surface, tests players' adaptability and resilience.

Discovering the Depths: Limgrave Tunnels

Located just south of the Gatefront Ruins, the Limgrave Tunnels are more than a mere passageway. They house valuable Smithing Stones and culminate in a confrontation with the Stonedigger Troll. The journey through the tunnels is fraught with enemies resistant to standard attacks, making preparation crucial.

The Stonedigger Troll: A Formidable Foe

The Stonedigger Troll is a colossal adversary wielding a massive club, capable of devastating area-of-effect attacks. Its rocky exterior renders many weapons less effective, especially when used one-handed. The confined space of the boss arena amplifies the challenge, as the troll's sweeping attacks leave little room for error.

Personal Encounter: Lessons Learned

During my first encounter, I underestimated the troll's strength. Equipped with a standard longsword and heavy armor, I found my attacks bouncing off its hide, and my sluggish movements made dodging nearly impossible. After several defeats, I reevaluated my strategy.

I switched to a lighter armor set to improve mobility and began two-handing my weapon to prevent it from bouncing off the troll's body. This change allowed for more effective strikes and better evasion. I also incorporated jump attacks, which proved more successful in breaking the troll's poise.

Strategies for Success

1. Weapon Choice: Utilize strike weapons like maces or flails, which are more effective against the troll's rocky exterior.
2. Two-Handing: Two-handing your weapon increases damage and prevents attacks from bouncing off.
3. Mobility: Maintain a medium or light equip load to ensure faster roll speeds, aiding in dodging attacks.
4. Summons: If available, summon spirit ashes to distract the troll, providing openings for attacks.
5. Magic and Fire: The troll is susceptible to magic and fire damage. Utilizing spells or fire-based items can be advantageous.

Rewards and Runes

Defeating the Stonedigger Troll yields the Roar Medallion, enhancing the power of roar-based attacks. Additionally, the boss drops a substantial number of runes, providing a significant boost for early-game progression.

The Stonedigger Troll serves as a testament to Elden Ring's challenging yet rewarding gameplay. Through perseverance and adaptability, overcoming this formidable foe becomes a defining moment in a player's journey through the Lands Between.

Stonedigger Troll (Limgrave) FAQ – Elden Ring

Q1: Where can I find the Stonedigger Troll in Elden Ring?

A: The Stonedigger Troll is located at the bottom of the Limgrave Tunnels, which can be found northeast of the Agheel Lake and southeast of the Gatefront Ruins. Look for a small elevator entrance into the mine.

Q2: What level should I be to fight the Stonedigger Troll?

A: While it is possible to defeat the troll at level 10–15, I personally found the fight much smoother around level 20, especially with upgraded gear and spirit summons.

Q3: What is the best weapon to use against the Stonedigger Troll?

A: Strike weapons like maces, great hammers, or flails work best due to the troll’s rocky armor. I had success using a two-handed spiked mace after switching from a longsword that kept bouncing off.

Q4: Can I summon help for the fight?

A: Yes! You can summon Spirit Ashes to assist during the fight. Using wolves or skeletal militiamen helped me distract the troll and get in a few clean hits.

Q5: Is the Stonedigger Troll weak to any specific damage types?

A: Yes, the troll is notably weak to magic and fire damage. If you're a mage, using Glintstone Pebble or Fire Pots can make the fight significantly easier.

Q6: What do I get for defeating the Stonedigger Troll?

A: Upon victory, you’ll receive the Roar Medallion, which enhances roar and breath attacks. You’ll also earn a decent amount of Elden Ring runes, making it a valuable early-game encounter.

Q7: Why do my attacks keep bouncing off the troll?

A: This happens if you’re using a non-strike weapon one-handed. Switching to two-handing your weapon or using a strike-type weapon solves the issue. I personally had to make this change mid-fight to avoid constant deflections.

Q8: Is the Stonedigger Troll a required boss?

A: No, the troll is optional, but defeating it is rewarding—both for the items and runes. It’s also a good early test of player skill in confined environments.

Q9: How many runes does the Stonedigger Troll drop?

A: The troll drops approximately 1,000–1,200 runes, which is quite generous for early-game players and useful for leveling up your stats right after the fight.

Q10: What makes this fight difficult?

A: The boss room is tight, making it hard to dodge large sweeping attacks. Many weapons are ineffective unless two-handed. I had to experiment with gear, positioning, and roll timing to finally succeed.