In the Miquella area, specifically at Haligtree Canopy, Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree is a powerful boss. A powerful and deadly late-game boss, she uses both powerful magic and fast melee attacks. This boss is a more formidable version of Royal Knight Loretta from Caria Manor with a few new tricks up her sleeve. Here's how to defeat her.
Location
•Haligtree Promenade: Loretta is found in Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree, an area you must access to proceed towards Malenia. You'll need to navigate through the Haligtree, which involves progressing through the game significantly.
Preparation:
•Level: It's recommended to be around level 100-120 due to her aggressive moveset and substantial health pool.
Equipment:
•Weapons: Weapons that can inflict status effects like Bleed or Frost could be beneficial due to her large health pool.
•Shields: If you're using a shield, one with good magic damage negation like the Carian Knight Shield might help since many of her attacks are magic-based.
•Spirit Ashes: Utilize spirits like the Mimic Tear or any that can provide a distraction, allowing you to attack or heal.
Phase 1 Boss Strategy
•Ranged Attacks: Loretta uses magic like Glintstone Pebble or a more significant salvo of magic missiles. These can be dodged by rolling into them or to the side at the right moment.
•Melee Attacks: She wields a polearm with reach. When she's on her horse, she can close distances quickly.
•Horse Charge: Dodge to the side when she charges.
•Polearm Swings: These can be parried, but if you're not confident in parrying, dodging towards her and to the side where the weapon isn't can position you for a counter-attack.
Phase 2 Boss Strategy
•Increased Aggression: She becomes more aggressive, with enhanced speed and possibly new or varied attacks.
•Magic Enhancements: She might enhance her attacks with more magic, making her patterns slightly different and more dangerous.
General Tips 
•Dodging: Precision in dodging is key. Time your rolls to avoid getting caught in her combo attacks.
•Positioning: Try to stay to her side or back when possible to avoid frontal attacks and prepare for counter-attacks.
•Use of the Environment: While the fight area might not have many obstacles, using any available space to create distance for healing or to avoid her spells can be beneficial.
•Patience: Given her health and damage output, patience is crucial. Attack when you're sure there's an opening, and don't get greedy with hits.
Rewards:
Defeating Loretta grants you Runes, Loretta's War Sickle, or Loretta's Mastery (a sorcery), along with progression in the game.
Additional Tips
•Summoning: If you find the fight challenging, using a Furlcalling Finger Remedy to summon help can make managing her attacks easier due to the split attention.
•Magic Users: Spells like Lightning Spear can be effective if you're a faith build, given their straight trajectory and her relatively large hitbox when on horseback.
Conclusion
With Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree, you'll need to balance aggression with defense, and carefully time your dodges, but you can overcome her powerful spells and swift attacks with the right preparation and strategy. Tarnished, good luck on your journey!
