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Do You Really Need to Beat Astel in Elden Ring? The Definitive Answer

Yes and no. Whether you need to defeat Astel, Naturalborn of the Void in Elden Ring hinges entirely on your desired ending. If you’re aiming for the Age of Stars ending, intricately tied to Ranni the Witch’s questline, then facing this cosmic horror is absolutely mandatory. However, if you’re content with any of the other endings, you can safely bypass this challenging boss.

Astel, Naturalborn of the Void: An Overview

Astel is more than just another tough boss; he’s a key to unlocking one of Elden Ring’s most fascinating storylines. He lurks at the end of the Grand Cloister, deep within the Lake of Rot, a truly oppressive area in the game. He’s a grotesque fusion of insect and alien, wielding powerful gravity-based attacks that can easily devastate unprepared Tarnished. Understanding his importance within the narrative context, and whether you need to fight him is critical.

Why Astel Matters

Astel’s significance stems from his connection to the Eternal Cities and Ranni’s overarching plot. Lore suggests Astel (or others of his kind) destroyed one or more of the Eternal Cities, obliterating their sky. By defeating him, you pave the way for Ranni’s chosen destiny, influencing the fate of the Lands Between. If this cosmic drama doesn’t pique your interest, then maybe he isn’t all that necessary!

Alternative Endings: Bypassing Astel

If Ranni’s ending isn’t your goal, then you’re free to pursue other paths. The Elden Lord ending (and its variations) doesn’t require you to engage with Astel at all. You can focus on defeating the main bosses and claiming the Elden Ring without ever venturing into the Lake of Rot to fight Astel. Furthermore, you can aim for the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending, which also does not require fighting Astel.

Strategies and Considerations for Facing Astel

If you’ve decided to take on Astel, preparation is key. He’s a formidable opponent, but not invincible. Here’s what you need to consider:

Level Recommendations: Aim to be around level 110-120 before tackling Astel. Weapon upgrades are also crucial; a weapon at +19/+22 or higher will significantly improve your chances.
Weaknesses: Astel is vulnerable to Poison and Scarlet Rot. Consider using weapons or incantations that inflict these status effects. The Spirit Jellyfish summon can be effective in applying Poison, but it might struggle to hold Astel’s attention.
Attack Patterns: Learn Astel’s attack patterns, especially his Cosmic Laser and Gravity Wave. Dodging these attacks is crucial for survival.
Target Prioritization: Focus your attacks on Astel’s head. Damaging his head will stagger him more quickly, creating opportunities for critical hits.
Summons: Consider using a powerful summon to draw Astel’s aggro, allowing you to deal damage more safely.

Astel, Naturalborn of the Void: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, to further clarify his role and the fight itself:

What rewards do I get for defeating Astel? You receive 80,000 Runes and the Remembrance of the Naturalborn. This Remembrance can be traded for Ash of War: Waves of Darkness or the unique Flail weapon, Bastard’s Stars.
Is Astel weak to Frostbite? No, avoid using Frostbite weapons or spells against Astel. He’s resistant to frost damage.
Where can I find Astel? He’s located at the end of the Grand Cloister in the Lake of Rot, accessible after progressing through Ranni’s questline.
What happens after I beat Astel? A locked door will be before you. This is where the conclusion of Ranni’s questline will take place. To unlock the room ahead, you must travel to the Academy of Raya Lucaria Grand Library and open the chest in that room, using the Discarded Palace Key you gained from Blaidd’s Shadow.
Can I summon help for the Astel fight? Yes, you can summon other players or spirit ashes to assist you in the fight. This can significantly ease the difficulty.
What level should I be to fight Astel? Ideally, aim for level 110-120 with a weapon upgraded to at least +19/+22.
Why is Astel in Elden Ring’s lore? He’s connected to the destruction of the Eternal Cities and serves as a key obstacle in Ranni’s questline.
Are there other Astel-like creatures in Elden Ring? Yes, there’s Astel, Stars of Darkness, found in the Yelough Anix Tunnel. While similar, it’s not the same boss and doesn’t influence Ranni’s ending.
What if I’m struggling with Astel’s teleportation? Pay attention to the sound cues and visual indicators when Astel teleports. Try to anticipate his next location and position yourself accordingly.
Can I respec my stats before fighting Astel? Yes, you can respec your stats by using a Larval Tear at Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon. This allows you to optimize your build for the fight.
Does the Mimic Tear ash work well against Astel? The Mimic Tear is a strong summon but may struggle against Astel’s powerful attacks. Consider other summons that can inflict status effects or deal ranged damage.
What kind of damage does Astel deal? Astel primarily deals Magic and Physical damage. Equip armor and talismans that provide resistance to these damage types.
Is there a way to cheese Astel? There are some strategies that make the fight easier, such as using specific summons or exploiting his AI, but no foolproof “cheese” method exists.
What are the 6 endings of Elden Ring? The endings include the Age of Stars (Ranni’s ending), several variations of the Elden Lord ending, and the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending.
How important are Spirit Ashes when fighting Astel? Spirit Ashes are very important. They can provide a diversion, deal damage, and overall make the fight much more manageable.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to fight Astel rests on your chosen path in Elden Ring. If Ranni’s Age of Stars ending calls to you, then this cosmic encounter is unavoidable. Prepare well, understand his weaknesses, and face him with courage, Tarnished! If not, feel free to explore the other corners of the Lands Between and forge your own destiny. The world of Elden Ring is vast and intricate. Learning about the game is exciting and there are many organizations that delve into topics such as this. The Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores the many facets of gaming, including the learning aspects. Be sure to check out what they have to offer!

Do I need to beat Astel?