The Soulslike community has been treated to a mix of wholesome humor and artistic creativity as an Elden Ring fan shared their six-year-old’s depiction of a grueling in-game boss fight. The child’s drawing recreates the battle against Commander Gaius, an optional boss from the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Known for its brutal difficulty and memorable foes, Elden Ring has a reputation for pushing players to their limits, and this child’s take hilariously captures the frustration of the fight—albeit with felt-tip pens and a sprinkle of innocence.
The image, posted to Reddit by SwedishShawnKemp, shows a vibrant, slightly chaotic scene featuring Commander Gaius and his colossal boar steed. The drawing also includes the game’s iconic battle UI and health indicators, but it’s the exaggerated expressions that steal the show. The boss exudes confidence while the Tarnished protagonist looks utterly defeated, embodying the sheer challenge of Elden Ring’s punishing gameplay.
This isn’t just a lighthearted moment—it’s a reflection of Elden Ring’s continued impact, two years after its 2022 release. The Game of the Year winner has become a touchstone for the gaming industry, and its 2024 DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, expanded on the dark fantasy world with new bosses, mechanics, and lore.
The drawing quickly sparked discussion on the Elden Ring subreddit. Some fans called it “fridge-worthy” art, a term reserved for precious, childhood masterpieces. Others jokingly accused the parent of drawing it themselves, referencing the cartoonish chaos of the scene. “No Tarnished has ever made it that far in the fight without taking damage,” one commenter quipped, noting the remarkable feat depicted in the child’s rendering.
One feature of the artwork that drew praise was the portrayal of Gaius’ Sword Lance, a weapon many found uniquely challenging in the game. Fans noted that even in its simplicity, the essence of the fight was perfectly captured—a testament to the child’s ability to reflect the mood and stakes of the moment.
For those unfamiliar, Commander Gaius is a Legend-type boss introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree. A skilled military tactician, Gaius trained alongside General Radahn, studying gravitational magic under an Alabaster Lord. Known as the Wild Boar Rider, he is part of the Albinaurics faction and commands respect with his black iron armor and devastating Sword Lance.
Gaius can be found in the depths of Shadow Keep, a treacherous area introduced in the DLC. Defeating him is no easy feat, but the rewards are worth the effort: players gain the Remembrance of the Wild Boar Rider, a consumable item, and a hefty 230,000 Runes.
Moments like this highlight Elden Ring’s lasting cultural footprint. Its dark, unforgiving world inspires not only gamers but also their families, as seen in this endearing piece of fan art. With discussions about whether DLC like Shadow of the Erdtree should be eligible for Game of the Year continuing to swirl, it’s clear that FromSoftware’s masterpiece still has plenty of stories to tell—and inspire.
Whether you’re a hardened Tarnished or a six-year-old wielding a box of markers, Commander Gaius proves one thing: Elden Ring’s boss battles remain unforgettable, no matter how you experience them.
