Elden Ring Romina, Saint of the Bud Boss Guide
In her desperation, Romina discovered a corrupted divine essence and fused it with Scarlet Rot, creating a unique and deadly power. She wields the bud she once cradled as a poleblade, combining elegance with horrifying lethality. Unlike many Legend Bosses, Romina is not optional. Players must defeat her to advance through Shadow of the Erdtree, making this encounter a major progression checkpoint. Victory rewards players with valuable Elden Ring Runes and powerful Elden Ring Items that justify the difficulty of the fight.
Romina, Saint of the Bud Location
Romina is found within the Church of the Bud, a secluded and ominous structure located deep in the Ancient Ruins of Rauh. Reaching this location requires careful navigation through hazardous terrain filled with Scarlet Rot and dangerous enemies.
Primary Route to the Church of the Bud
Begin at the Rauh Ancient Ruins, West Site of Grace. From there, head southwest into a large building and ascend to the top floor via the stairs. From the top, proceed straight ahead to an exit leading outdoors. Once outside, move north across a watery area until you reach an entrance to a room filled with red rot and Lesser Kindred of Rot enemies.
Inside this room, locate a lift embedded in the left wall. If the lift is raised, it may appear as a solid stone wall and can be easy to miss. Ride the lift upward, then climb the central interior stairs to emerge directly into the Church of the Bud.
Alternative Route
Players can also reach the church from the Ancient Ruins, Grand Stairway Site of Grace. Descend the stairs halfway between the Site of Grace and the Archer Golem. To the north, far below the stairs, are circular gazebo-like platforms surrounded by water and guarded by two yellow-armored knights.
Using Torrent, double jump from the stair path onto the nearest gazebo—this jump can be performed safely without taking fall damage if timed correctly near the transition between stair sections. From there, drop down to the ground, head north past the knights and the next gazebo, and enter another interior area filled with Scarlet Rot. Inside, find a block-shaped lift on the left wall near additional Lesser Kindred of Rot enemies. Take the lift up, climb the central stairs, and you will arrive at the Church of the Bud.
Romina, Saint of the Bud Overview
Romina's combat style revolves around mobility, wide-reaching poleblade strikes, and relentless Scarlet Rot pressure. Her centipede body allows her to move unpredictably, chaining sweeping attacks with sudden lunges. Scarlet Rot buildup is one of the fight's greatest dangers, forcing players to balance aggression with careful status management.
The arena itself offers limited space to retreat, meaning players must stay aware of positioning at all times. As the fight progresses, Romina becomes increasingly aggressive, layering rot-based abilities with fast melee combos.
Best Tips for Defeating Romina, Saint of the Bud
Recommended Spirit Ashes
Summons can dramatically reduce the difficulty of this encounter. Mimic Tear is an excellent choice, especially for builds with strong survivability or status effects. Black Knife Tiche is another top-tier option, as her mobility and damage-over-time abilities work well against Romina's large hitbox.
Effective Weapons
Romina is vulnerable to bleed and frost-based pressure. Weapons such as the Barbed Staff-Spear and the Royal Greatsword excel here, allowing players to apply status effects while maintaining solid damage output.
Useful Spells
Several spells stand out during this fight. Flame, Cleanse Me is essential for managing Scarlet Rot buildup. Offensive options like Swarm of Flies and Impenetrable Thorns deal excellent damage, while Frozen Lightning Spear and Dragonice exploit elemental weaknesses and slow Romina's momentum.
Talismans That Help
Equipping the right talismans can make a significant difference. The Sacred Scorpion Charm and Lightning Scorpion Charm boost elemental damage, while the Godfrey Icon enhances charged spells and skills. To counter Scarlet Rot, the Immunizing Horn Charm is highly recommended.
Items and Preparation
Scarlet Rot management is critical. Bring Preserving Boluses to cleanse rot buildup—these can be crafted after acquiring the Armorer's Cookbook. For your Flask of Wondrous Physick, consider the Holy-Shrouding Cracked Tear or Lightning-Shrouding Cracked Tear depending on your damage type. The Cerulean Hidden Tear is also invaluable for sustained spellcasting during long damage windows.
Rewards and Progression
Defeating Romina, Saint of the Bud is mandatory to continue Shadow of the Erdtree, making this fight a major milestone. In addition to advancing the story, players earn a substantial amount of Elden Ring Runes and gain access to powerful Elden Ring Items that enhance both combat potential and build diversity.
Final Thoughts
Romina, Saint of the Bud is a haunting blend of tragedy and corruption, serving as one of Shadow of the Erdtree's most memorable encounters. Her relentless Scarlet Rot pressure and fluid movement demand preparation, adaptability, and patience. With the right summons, rot management tools, and elemental strategies, players can overcome this twisted saint and claim the rewards that await beyond the Church of the Bud.
