Elden Ring: Astel, Naturalborn Of The Void Boss Guide

by Jhon Lennon 54 views

Alright, gamers, gather 'round! Today, we're diving deep into the cosmos to tackle one of Elden Ring's most dazzling and deadly bosses: Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. This cosmic horror is not just a visual spectacle; it's a serious test of your skills, patience, and build. So, buckle up, Tarnished, and let's get ready to rumble in the stars!

Who is Astel, Naturalborn of the Void?

Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, guys, is this absolutely insane boss found in the Grand Cloister after you ride a coffin across the Lake of Rot in the Ainsel River area or as the end boss of the Ranni The Witch questline through the Deep Ainsel Well. This creature is like something straight out of a cosmic horror movie, with its glittering body, massive wings, and gravity-defying attacks. It's not just a tough fight; it's an experience, a true test of whether you're ready to become Elden Lord. Astel is a powerful being with a variety of attacks that can catch you off guard if you're not prepared. Knowing its moveset and weaknesses is key to victory. Trust me, you don't want to go in blind against this one. I remember my first encounter – I got absolutely demolished because I didn't know what to expect. But hey, that's how we learn, right?

Location and How to Access

Finding Astel can be a bit of a journey. There are actually two versions of this fight. One is through the Ranni the Witch questline and the other is located at the end of the Ainsel River area. If you are following Ranni's quest, you will find him through the Deep Ainsel Well, which is accessed via Renna's Rise. This tower is only accessible after you've progressed far enough in Ranni's questline. Once inside, you'll find a portal that takes you directly to Astel. If you are tackling him in the Ainsel River area, you will need to traverse the Lake of Rot. This involves dealing with Scarlet Rot buildup, so make sure you have items to counteract that (like Preserving Boluses). Once you reach the Grand Cloister, ride the coffin to the boss arena. No matter which route you take, be prepared for a tough fight. Astel is not a pushover, and you'll need to bring your A-game to take him down.

Preparing for the Fight: Gear and Stats

Before you even think about stepping into the arena, let's talk preparation. Your gear and stats can make or break this fight. Astel hits hard, so you'll want to optimize your setup for both damage output and survivability.

Recommended Stats

  • Vigor: Aim for at least 40-60. You need enough health to survive Astel's powerful attacks. Getting one-shot is no fun. Trust me, I've been there. More than once.
  • Mind: If you're a magic user, pump up your Mind to have enough FP for your spells. Running out of FP mid-fight is a death sentence.
  • Endurance: Stamina is crucial for dodging and attacking. Don't neglect this stat. Being able to roll away from danger is just as important as dealing damage.
  • Intelligence/Faith/Strength/Dexterity: Depending on your build, allocate points accordingly. Just make sure you meet the requirements for your chosen weapons and spells.

Weapon Choices

  • Melee Builds: Fast-attacking weapons like katanas, curved swords, or dual blades can be effective. The goal is to get in, deal damage, and get out before Astel can retaliate. Weapons with bleed buildup are also a solid choice. Rivers of Blood or Bloodhound's Fang are excellent options.
  • Magic Builds: Sorceries like Rock Sling or Comet Azur can deal significant damage from a distance. Just be mindful of your FP consumption and Astel's ability to close the gap quickly. Rock Sling is particularly useful because Astel is weak to physical damage.
  • Faith Builds: Incantations like Black Flame or Lightning Spear can be effective. Black Flame deals percentage-based damage, which is great against bosses with high health pools. Lightning Spear offers good range and damage.

Armor and Talismans

  • Armor: Focus on armor with good physical and magic resistance. Poise isn't as important in this fight, as you'll mostly be dodging. Prioritize protection over fashion. Though, let's be real, looking good while defeating a cosmic horror is a nice bonus.
  • Talismans:
    • Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery. Essential for maintaining your ability to dodge and attack.
    • Erdtree's Favor: Boosts HP, stamina, and equip load. A great all-around talisman.
    • Marika's Soreseal/Scarseal: Increases Mind, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane, but also increases damage taken. Use with caution.
    • Ritual Sword Talisman: Increases attack power when HP is full. Great for burst damage, but requires you to stay at full health.

Summons

Summons can be incredibly helpful in this fight. They can draw Astel's aggro, giving you opportunities to heal or deal damage. Some of the best summons for this fight include:

  • Mimic Tear: A clone of yourself that can use your weapons and spells. Incredibly versatile and powerful.
  • Black Knife Tiche: A fast and agile summon that deals good damage and can dodge attacks effectively.
  • Lhutel the Headless: A tanky summon that can absorb a lot of damage and teleport around the arena.

Astel's Moveset and How to Counter Them

Okay, now for the nitty-gritty. Knowing Astel's moveset is crucial to survival. This boss has a variety of attacks, ranging from physical slams to magical blasts. Let's break down the most common attacks and how to dodge them.

  1. Gravity Slam: Astel raises its head and slams it down, creating a gravity wave. This attack has a wide area of effect and can be difficult to dodge. How to Counter: Roll towards Astel as it slams its head down. The timing is tight, but you can roll through the attack if you time it correctly.
  2. Wing Sweep: Astel sweeps its wings across the arena. This attack has a long range and can knock you down. How to Counter: Roll towards Astel and under its wings. This will allow you to avoid the attack and get in close for some damage.
  3. Teleport: Astel teleports to a different location in the arena. This can be frustrating, as it can disrupt your rhythm. How to Counter: Keep your camera locked on to Astel and be ready to dodge its next attack. It often follows up the teleport with a Gravity Slam or Wing Sweep.
  4. Cosmic Beam: Astel charges up a beam of cosmic energy and fires it across the arena. This attack deals massive damage and has a long range. How to Counter: Run perpendicular to the beam and dodge roll at the last second. Alternatively, you can hide behind one of the pillars in the arena.
  5. Gravity Orbs: Astel summons several gravity orbs that float around the arena. These orbs explode after a short delay, dealing damage in a wide area. How to Counter: Keep moving and dodge roll away from the orbs as they explode. Focus on avoiding the orbs rather than attacking Astel during this phase.
  6. Pincer Attack: Astel lunges forward with its pincers, attempting to grab you. If caught, you'll take significant damage. How to Counter: Roll to the side as Astel lunges. This attack has a relatively long windup, so you should have plenty of time to react.
  7. Nebula Breath: Astel breathes a cloud of nebula energy that lingers in the air. This cloud deals continuous damage if you stand in it. How to Counter: Avoid standing in the nebula cloud. Keep moving and reposition yourself to avoid taking damage.

Battle Strategy: Tips and Tricks

Alright, now that you know what you're up against, let's talk strategy. Here are some tips and tricks to help you take down Astel, Naturalborn of the Void.

  • Stay Mobile: Don't stand still! Astel's attacks are designed to punish stationary targets. Keep moving and dodging to avoid taking damage.
  • Target the Head: Astel's head is its weak spot. Focus your attacks on the head to deal maximum damage. However, be careful not to get greedy. Get in, deal damage, and get out before Astel can retaliate.
  • Use Summons Wisely: Summons can be incredibly helpful, but don't rely on them too much. Use them to draw aggro and create openings for you to attack. But be ready to step in and take over if your summon dies.
  • Manage Your Stamina: Stamina management is crucial in this fight. Don't spam attacks or dodges. Conserve your stamina and only use it when necessary.
  • Learn the Attack Patterns: Astel's attacks are telegraphed, so pay attention to its movements and learn the attack patterns. The more familiar you are with its moveset, the easier it will be to dodge and counter.
  • Take Breaks: If you're struggling with the fight, take a break. Sometimes, stepping away for a few minutes can help you clear your head and come back with a fresh perspective.

Melee Strategy

If you're a melee build, your strategy will revolve around getting in close, dealing damage, and getting out before Astel can retaliate. Fast-attacking weapons with bleed buildup are ideal for this fight.

  • Stay close to Astel: This will make it easier to dodge its Wing Sweep and Gravity Slam attacks.
  • Focus on the head: Deal as much damage as possible when you have an opening.
  • Use jump attacks: Jump attacks can stagger Astel, creating opportunities for critical hits.

Magic Strategy

If you're a magic build, your strategy will revolve around dealing damage from a distance while avoiding Astel's attacks. Sorceries like Rock Sling or Comet Azur are excellent choices for this fight.

  • Maintain your distance: This will give you more time to react to Astel's attacks.
  • Use Rock Sling: Astel is weak to physical damage, and Rock Sling deals significant physical damage from a distance.
  • Conserve your FP: Running out of FP mid-fight is a death sentence. Use Cerulean Tears to replenish your FP when necessary.

Rewards for Defeating Astel

So, what do you get for all this hard work? Well, defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void nets you a significant amount of runes and the Astel, Naturalborn of the Void Remembrance. You can exchange this Remembrance for powerful items or runes at the Roundtable Hold. Additionally, you'll gain access to new areas or progress further in Ranni's questline, depending on which version of Astel you fought. Think of the runes as a nice bonus, but the real reward is the satisfaction of overcoming a challenging boss and progressing further in the game.

Conclusion

Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, is a challenging but ultimately rewarding boss fight in Elden Ring. By understanding its moveset, preparing your gear and stats, and employing the right strategies, you can overcome this cosmic horror and emerge victorious. So, go forth, Tarnished, and may the Greater Will be with you! Good luck, and happy hunting!