Among the many fearsome adversaries in Elden Ring, few strike as much curiosity and terror as Varg the Accursed. As an NPC invader and notable character associated with late-game challenges, Varg has built a reputation not just for his brutality, but for the lore and mystery surrounding him. Found in a hidden corner of the Lands Between, this formidable foe offers a deep challenge to Tarnished adventurers who dare face him. Whether you’re hunting him for loot, lore, or the thrill of combat, understanding Varg the Accursed is key to conquering all Elden Ring has to offer.
Who is Varg the Accursed?
A Cursed Knight Shrouded in Mystery
Varg the Accursed is a red phantom invader that appears in the Crumbling Farum Azula, a treacherous late-game area filled with dragons, twisted architecture, and violent storms. While he’s not a mainline boss, Varg’s strength and aggression make him stand out. He wields the iconic Bull-Goat Set, reminiscent of the legendary Great Horned Tragoth, and his ferocity in battle makes him a memorable encounter.
Very little is known about Varg’s origins. He doesn’t speak, and no direct quest is tied to him, but the naming and visual cues imply that he may have once been a warrior who succumbed to madness or fell victim to a curse that now binds his soul to eternal conflict. His presence in Farum Azula suggests a connection to the old order and possibly the Crucible or dragons, though this remains speculative.
Where to Find Varg the Accursed
Location in Crumbling Farum Azula
To find Varg the Accursed, you must venture deep into Crumbling Farum Azula. He invades near the Dragon Temple Lift area, where many players may already be worn down by the enemies in the vicinity. As you traverse this deadly section, Varg will appear and immediately rush to engage, wearing full Bull-Goat armor and wielding a heavy weapon typically a colossal greatsword or hammer.
- Area: Crumbling Farum Azula
- Invasion Trigger: Near Dragon Temple Lift
- Type: Red Phantom NPC Invader
Be prepared with healing flasks, buffs, and a strategy before triggering the invasion zone, as Varg’s aggression can catch the unprepared by surprise.
Combat Strategy: How to Defeat Varg
Understand His Aggression
Varg the Accursed is relentless in his attacks. He charges without hesitation and uses stamina-heavy moves, often chaining them together. His armor gives him extremely high poise, meaning light weapons will bounce off him unless you’re using a heavy stagger build or are skilled with parries.
Best Builds Against Varg
Depending on your playstyle, here are a few effective build strategies to deal with Varg:
- Magic Users: Kite and punish from range. Use fast-casting sorceries or incantations, and always keep a distance. Watch for gaps after his heavy swings.
- Strength Builds: Try to match his aggression. Use heavy weapons to break his poise. Weapons like Greatswords, Hammers, or Colossal weapons are effective if you time your hits right.
- Dexterity Builds: Focus on dodging and quick retaliation. Bleed builds like Uchigatana or Reduvia can chip away at his health despite the armor.
Watch for Environmental Hazards
The area where you fight Varg is cramped and surrounded by ledges. It’s very possible to roll off the platform if you’re not careful. Try to keep the fight centered and avoid getting backed into corners or near drop-offs.
Loot and Rewards
What You Get From Defeating Varg
Varg the Accursed drops several valuable items upon defeat. Most notably, players can acquire the full Bull-Goat Set, one of the heaviest and most defensive armor sets in the game. This includes:
- Bull-Goat Helm
- Bull-Goat Armor
- Bull-Goat Gauntlets
- Bull-Goat Greaves
Additionally, you may obtain a significant number of runes, often enough to level up depending on your progress in the game. While he doesn’t drop a unique weapon, the gear alone makes the battle worthwhile, especially for tanky builds that want maximum poise and damage resistance.
Is Varg Related to Great Horned Tragoth?
Possible Lore Connection
The Bull-Goat Set is originally tied to the NPC Great Horned Tragoth, who appears earlier in the game. Some fans speculate that Varg the Accursed could be a corrupted version of Tragoth or someone who followed his legacy. The term Accursed hints at a fall from grace or punishment, perhaps as a result of abandoning his oaths or succumbing to chaos in Farum Azula.
Though no concrete lore directly connects Varg to Tragoth, the similarities in armor and fighting style are hard to ignore. This leaves room for interpretation, adding to the mystery and appeal of this optional but memorable foe.
Tips for Easier Victory
- Summon Spirit Ashes: Using tanky summons like Lhutel the Headless or the Mimic Tear can help draw aggro and give you room to breathe.
- Use Fire or Lightning: Varg’s armor resists physical damage, but elemental attacks like fire and lightning can chip away at his health more effectively.
- Buff Before Triggering: Apply any damage buffs, weapon enchantments, or healing enhancements before entering his invasion zone. Every advantage helps.
- Watch His Patterns: Like most invaders, Varg repeats certain attack combos. Learn his rhythm and counter during recovery frames.
Why Varg the Accursed Matters
Even though Varg is not tied to a major questline or boss route, he symbolizes the kind of optional content that Elden Ring does so well an unexpected challenge that rewards curious and prepared players. His presence adds depth to Farum Azula’s lore, and the reward of the Bull-Goat armor is a practical incentive for those building heavy melee characters.
Moreover, encounters like this one encourage exploration, theory-crafting, and immersion into the game’s atmosphere. Varg is not just a tough fight he’s a storytelling tool that adds to the world’s richness, even without dialogue or cutscenes.
Varg the Accursed in Elden Ring is one of those hidden gems that make the game’s world feel vast and alive. He is brutal, mysterious, and unforgettable. Whether you’re drawn in by his lore, the promise of powerful gear, or the thrill of a challenging duel, Varg delivers on every front. Make sure to prepare thoroughly, study his movements, and enjoy one of the game’s most intense and atmospheric encounters. For players who thrive on exploration and combat mastery, facing Varg the Accursed is an experience not to be missed.