Conquer Astel: A Guide To Victory In Elden Ring

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey Tarnished! Are you struggling to take down Astel, Naturalborn of the Void in Elden Ring? Don't worry, you're not alone! This cosmic horror has given many players a run for their runes, but fear not, because with the right strategy and a bit of practice, you can send this celestial being back to the void from whence it came. This comprehensive guide will break down Astel's attacks, identify the best strategies, and offer tips to help you achieve victory. Let's dive in and learn how to defeat Astel, so you can get back to exploring the Lands Between!

Understanding Astel, Naturalborn of the Void

Before you can hope to beat Astel, you need to understand your enemy. Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, is a challenging boss located in the Lake of Rot, accessed through the Grand Cloister. This boss is a towering, otherworldly creature composed of a massive, star-like body with multiple limbs and a gaping maw. It deals primarily magic damage, with some physical attacks mixed in. One of the most important things to take into account is the magic damage, since it can hit very hard! Also, its attacks are often delayed, making it essential to learn their timing. Patience and observation are key. Astel is known for its teleportation ability, which allows it to move around the arena quickly, keeping you on your toes. Its attacks cover a wide area, and some can even pull you in, making it a very dangerous foe. This is a battle of attrition and persistence; you need to stay focused, learn his moves, and time your attacks and dodges precisely. You'll encounter Astel at different locations, including the Grand Cloister and the Yelough Anix Tunnel. The strategy remains the same in both battles, so once you've mastered the fight, you can apply your knowledge wherever you find him.

Key Attack Patterns and Tips to Survive

Astel's attacks are unique and often visually stunning, but they can be deadly if you don't know what to expect. Here's a breakdown of some of his most common moves and how to deal with them:

  • Gravity Spikes: Astel summons numerous gravity spikes from the ground. These appear in a circular pattern, and they deal significant damage. The best way to avoid this is to watch where the spikes are appearing and dodge away. Timing is important; dodge right before the spikes erupt.
  • Teleportation: Astel teleports frequently, disappearing and reappearing at different locations in the arena. Be ready to readjust your positioning when this happens. When Astel disappears, quickly look around to locate where it's reappearing. The teleports can be followed by a swift attack, so stay alert.
  • Star Barrage: Astel launches a series of projectiles at the player. These can be dodged, but the timing can be tricky. Rolling is the best way to avoid them, but you can also use cover if available, such as the pillars in the arena. Stay patient and get ready to dodge many of those projectiles!
  • Grab Attack: This is one of Astel's most dangerous attacks. The creature will attempt to grab the player, dealing massive damage and often resulting in instant death. When Astel rears up to grab, dodge backward to avoid this attack. Dodging at the right moment is essential!
  • AoE (Area of Effect) Attacks: Astel has various AoE attacks that cover a wide area. Watch for visual cues before these attacks land and dodge accordingly. These attacks often involve a large explosion of gravity or energy around Astel.

Mastering these attack patterns is critical to surviving the fight. Pay close attention to Astel's movements, and learn the timing of each attack. Dodge into the attacks, which will make you invulnerable while the attack lands!

Preparing for the Battle: Equipment and Stats

Knowing how to fight Astel is only half the battle. You also need to make sure you're properly equipped and your stats are optimized. This can mean the difference between a quick victory and a long, frustrating struggle.

Character Build and Stats

  • Vigor: A high Vigor stat is crucial for surviving Astel's attacks. Aim for at least 40 Vigor to ensure you can withstand multiple hits.
  • Mind: Mind is important if you use spells or skills. Ensure you have enough FP (Focus Points) to cast your spells or use weapon skills consistently.
  • Endurance: This stat affects your stamina and equipment load. You'll need enough stamina to dodge frequently and attack. A higher Endurance will improve your stamina recovery and allow you to wear heavier armor.
  • Strength/Dexterity/Intelligence/Faith/Arcane: The distribution of these stats will depend on your chosen build. Intelligence is particularly important if you are using magic. Strength and Dexterity are for melee builds. Faith and Arcane are for builds that use incantations or bleed builds.

Armor and Talismans

  • Armor: Choose armor that provides good magic resistance, as Astel's attacks deal primarily magic damage. Heavy armor with high magic resistance is ideal, but make sure your equipment load isn’t too high.
  • Talismans: Several talismans can significantly improve your chances of victory. Consider using the Crimson Amber Medallion for increased HP, the Cerulean Amber Medallion to increase your FP, and the Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear for the Flask of Wondrous Physick. The Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman is also very helpful as it greatly increases physical damage negation.

Weapons and Spells

  • Weapons: For melee builds, fast-hitting weapons are generally effective. Weapons with high damage output and the ability to apply status effects are great too! Since Astel is resistant to many elements, consider using weapons with physical damage or effects such as bleed.
  • Spells/Incantations: Magic users will want to focus on spells that deal high damage while maintaining distance from Astel. Consider spells such as Comet Azur or Loretta's Greatbow for ranged attacks. Always use spells which you're familiar with!

Strategies for Success: Tactics and Techniques

Now that you're prepared, let's look at how to approach the fight and implement effective strategies.

Melee Combat Strategies

If you're a melee build, you'll need to be aggressive but also patient.

  • Stay Close: Try to stay close to Astel to maximize your attack opportunities. This will also make it easier to react to its attacks.
  • Attack Openings: Look for openings after Astel performs its attacks. The openings are limited, but they exist. Attack when it's vulnerable. When Astel finishes an attack, there's often a brief window for you to land a hit.
  • Dodging and Timing: Master the art of dodging. Roll through the attacks when possible, and learn the timing of each attack to maximize your invincibility frames. Rolling into the attacks may be beneficial, as well as rolling away from them.
  • Staggering: If possible, use weapons that can stagger Astel. Staggering can interrupt attacks and give you a chance to deal critical damage.

Ranged Combat Strategies

For ranged builds, the key is to maintain distance and capitalize on openings.

  • Keep Your Distance: Use the arena to your advantage, and maintain a safe distance from Astel. This will give you more time to react to its attacks.
  • Spell Selection: Choose spells that can deal high damage from a distance, like Comet Azur or Loretta's Greatbow.
  • Positioning: Keep the pillars between yourself and Astel to block some of his attacks. This will give you a chance to heal or cast spells safely.
  • Mana Management: Ranged builds consume a lot of FP. Ensure you have enough FP to cast your spells or use skills consistently. Use the Cerulean Tears for quick FP recovery.

General Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips to help you conquer Astel.

  • Patience is Key: Astel's attacks are often delayed, and the fight can be long. Stay patient and don't get greedy with your attacks.
  • Learn the Teleport: The Teleport can be difficult to predict. Try to learn the different spots Astel can teleport to. When he disappears, quickly scan the area to anticipate where he will reappear.
  • Use Spirit Summons: If you're struggling, consider summoning spirit ashes to help distract Astel. These can provide you with additional attack opportunities and draw some of the boss's attention away from you.
  • Use the Environment: If there are pillars in the arena, use them to block attacks and create openings for yourself.
  • Practice: The more you fight Astel, the better you will become at predicting its moves and timing your attacks.

Final Thoughts: Victory Over the Void

Defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, is a significant accomplishment in Elden Ring. It's a test of your skills, your build, and your understanding of the game's mechanics. Remember to stay calm, learn Astel's attacks, and don't be afraid to experiment with different strategies. By following these tips and strategies, you'll be well on your way to sending this cosmic horror back to the void from which it came. Good luck, Tarnished, and may the Elden Ring guide your way!