Celeste is a precision platformer by Maddy Makes Games, built by Matt Thorson and Noel Berry and released on 25 January 2018. Madeline climbs a mountain with three tools: a jump, a wall grab limited by stamina, and a single air dash that only recharges when she touches ground or a crystal. Every screen is a self-contained problem, deaths restart the screen instantly, and the game counts your deaths without ever punishing them. An Assist Mode ships in the options menu and lets you change speed, stamina, dash count and invincibility, and Chapter 9, Farewell, was added free in September 2019.
Boss fights are where Celeste tests everything you've learned. This guide covers strategies for bosses across all areas, organized by progression order. For general combat techniques, see our combat guide.
Boss Difficulty Overview
| Area | Difficulty | Recommended Role | Key Weapons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forsaken City | Easy | Strawberry completionist | Wall climb |
| Old Site | Moderate | Strawberry completionist | Wall climb |
| Celestial Resort | Hard | Story climber | Dash |
| Golden Ridge | Very Hard | Story climber | Dash |
| Mirror Temple | Extreme | Story climber | Dash |
Forsaken City Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Chapter 1 Recommended role: Strawberry completionist with Wall climb
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Madeline has a single dash by default, aimed in any of eight directions, and it refills when she lands, grabs a refill crystal or touches certain surfaces. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use One air dash with eight directions to create safe windows.
- Wall climb is enough to handle everything here.
Old Site Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Chapter 2 Recommended role: Strawberry completionist with Wall climb
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of Climbing on a stamina meter. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- Climbing on a stamina meter is critical for these fights.
- Farm Wall climb upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Strawberry completionist if your current setup isn't working.
Celestial Resort Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Chapter 3 Recommended role: Story climber with Dash
Strategy
Mid-game bosses are the major skill check. They combine multiple mechanics and punish players who rely on a single strategy.
Key tips:
- You need both One air dash with eight directions and Assist Mode toggles in the options mastery.
- Dash makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
Golden Ridge Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Chapter 4 Recommended role: Story climber with Dash
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Dash at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
Mirror Temple Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Chapter 5 Recommended role: Story climber with Dash
Strategy
Endgame bosses are the ultimate test. They require mastery of all combat systems and an optimized build.
Key tips:
- Top-tier build with best-in-slot gear is mandatory.
- Master every mechanic. See our combat guide.
- These fights reward patience and pattern recognition above all else.
General Boss Tips
- Learn before you fight: Spend your first attempt observing attack patterns. Don't try to win on attempt one.
- Match your build: Some bosses favor certain builds over others. Don't be afraid to switch.
- Upgrade your weapons: A max-upgraded Dash trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use One air dash with eight directions: The core combat mechanic is your best defensive tool in every boss fight.
- Check the walkthrough: Our walkthrough tells you when you're ready for each boss.
More Celeste Guides
- Celeste Celeste Overview
- Celeste Best Builds
- Celeste Tier List
- Celeste Walkthrough
- Celeste Beginner's Guide
- Celeste Tips & Tricks
- Celeste Weapons Guide
- Celeste Combat Guide
- Celeste Maps & Locations
- Celeste Crafting Guide
- Celeste Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Celeste, check out these related guides:
- Helldivers 2 Boss Guide: action game with similar mechanics
- Black Myth: Wukong Boss Guide: action game with similar mechanics
- Monster Hunter Wilds Boss Guide: action game with similar mechanics
