The Groveside Cave in Elden Ring presents a challenging boss fight against the Beastman of Farum Azula. This massive beast wields a giant club and has some brutal combos that can wipe out even seasoned Tarnished. In this guide, we’ll walk you through strategies, items, and runes to help you emerge victorious.

Getting to the Beastman

Groveside Cave is located in the Forbidden Lands region of Elden Ring. You’ll need to traverse the cave, defeating rats and basilisks along the way. The cave ends in a fog wall where the Beastman boss awaits. He hits hard so make sure you’re an appropriate level before attempting this fight.

Beastman Attack Patterns

The Beastman has several combos and attacks to watch out for:

• Overhead smash: He slams his club down in front of him. Roll to the side to avoid damage.
• Spin attack: Rotates 360 degrees while swinging his club. Keep distance to avoid this wide attack.
• Leaping slam: Jumps and slams club into the ground. Roll away when he leaps into the air.
• Rock throw: Reaches into the ground and hurls a rock at you. Strafe or roll to dodge.

He will chain these moves together, so watch his patterns carefully. Attack in between combos when he leaves an opening.

Recommended Level Stats

We recommend being around level 45 before challenging the Beastman. Focus your attributes on Vigor for more health, Endurance for stamina, and Strength to wield heavier weapons.

Having at least 20 Vigor will give you a health pool to survive some hits. 15 Endurance lets you attack and roll more. Prioritize Strength to equip weapons that can stagger the Beastman.

Helpful Gear Elden Ring Items

These Elden Ring items can give you an edge against the Beastman:

• Banished Knight Armor: Found in Stormhill Shack. High physical defense to survive blows.
• Brass Shield: Sold by Gostoc. Stability to block hits when needed.
• Claws: Starting weapon with quick bleed buildup to damage the Beastman.
• Crystal Dart: Sorcery that can withstand range attacks.
• Fire Grease: Coat your weapon to add fire damage over time.

Use ranged attacks and spells to whittle down the Beastman's health from a safer distance when possible.

Melee Battle Strategies Tactics

For pure melee builds, the key is learning the Beastman's moves and attacking openings while avoiding combos. Stay locked on so you can roll and strafe attacks.

Bait out his leaping slam and overhead smash, then move in for 1-2 hits as he recovers. Keep distance to avoid his spin attack. And when he throws rocks, rush in for damage.

If you have ashes like Lone Wolf Ashes, summon the spirit just before entering the fog wall to distract the Beastman and divide his aggro.

Sorcery Strategies

Sorcerers can keep distance and use ranged attacks to slowly chip away at the Beastman. Spells like Glintstone Pebble, Crystal Dart, and Carian Slicer work well. Free aiming magic at a distance is safer than locking on up close.

When he leaps or throws rocks, you’ll have time to damage him with charged heavy spells like Glintstone Cometshard or Cannon of Haima. Just be ready to roll from his combos when needed.

Optional - Earning Runes for Leveling

If you need more Elden Ring runes to reach the recommended level, here are some farming spots:

• Gatefront Ruins (Stormgate): Defeat the soldiers and field boss for runes.
• Dragonbarrow (Caelid): Collect runes from the dragon communion altar.
• Palace Approach Ledge-Road: Eliminate the vulgar militia for a steady rune yield.

Activating the Gold Scarab talisman can also boost your rune acquisition from enemies. Farm until you have enough runes to level Vigor, Endurance, and Strength for the Beastman fight.

Defeating the Beastman of Farum Azula

With proper preparation, intelligent use of Elden Ring items, and smart melee and magic tactics, you can take down the Beastman of Farum Azula. This challenging early game boss will test your skills but overcoming him grants you access to more of Elden Ring’s dangerous and rewarding Lands Between.