Are There Two Astel Bosses in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes, there are two distinct Astel encounters in Elden Ring, but they aren’t exactly the same. You’ll face a boss called Astel, Naturalborn of the Void and another variant known as Astel, Stars of Darkness. While they share many similarities in appearance and attack patterns, their roles within the game and locations differ significantly. This article will explore these two encounters in detail, answer common questions, and provide everything you need to know about these cosmic horrors.
Astel, Naturalborn of the Void
This is the primary Astel encounter and is a mandatory boss for those wishing to complete Ranni’s questline and achieve the ‘Age of Stars’ ending. Astel, Naturalborn of the Void is a Remembrance boss, meaning you’ll get a powerful reward upon defeating it. This fight is found deep within the Grand Cloister, a hidden area accessed after navigating the treacherous Lake of Rot, located beneath the Eternal City of Nokstella.
Why is Astel, Naturalborn of the Void important?
Defeating this particular Astel is essential for progressing through Ranni’s quest. The battle takes place in a secluded area accessible only after overcoming other challenging locations like Nokron and the Lake of Rot. Once you defeat it, you can access the next area through an elevator located behind the arena. This area leads to the next step of Ranni’s quest and is not available unless you possess the Dark Moon Ring in your inventory.
Astel, Stars of Darkness
This version of Astel is considered a Field Boss and is completely optional. You’ll find Astel, Stars of Darkness within the Yelough Anix Tunnel, an icy cave in the Consecrated Snowfields. Unlike Naturalborn of the Void, defeating Stars of Darkness is not required for any major questline progression. However, this battle offers rewards such as the unique spell Meteorite of Astel.
Is Astel, Stars of Darkness more difficult?
While its attack patterns are very similar to the Naturalborn of the Void, Astel, Stars of Darkness generally deals more damage, making it a challenging encounter. Many players find it a bit harder due to the confined spaces within the Yelough Anix Tunnel.
Key Differences Between the Two Astels
Although both bosses are variants of the same creature, there are some critical distinctions to keep in mind:
- Location: Astel, Naturalborn of the Void is found in the Grand Cloister after the Lake of Rot, while Astel, Stars of Darkness is in the Yelough Anix Tunnel in the Consecrated Snowfields.
- Questline Relevance: Naturalborn of the Void is crucial for Ranni’s questline, while Stars of Darkness is entirely optional.
- Rewards: Naturalborn of the Void drops the Remembrance of the Naturalborn, while Stars of Darkness drops the Meteorite of Astel sorcery.
- Difficulty: While both are challenging, Stars of Darkness can be considered slightly more difficult due to its increased damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does either Astel have a second phase?
No, neither Astel boss has a second phase. Both fights are straightforward with no cutscene transitions or health bar resets.
2. What is the recommended level for fighting Astel?
For Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, a level of 55-60 is recommended. However, your weapon upgrades and overall build will also influence the fight.
3. What are Astel’s weaknesses?
Both Astel variants are weak to poison and Scarlet Rot. Using weapons or spells that inflict these status effects can be highly effective.
4. Can I cheese Astel?
While there are no surefire cheese methods, you can exploit their vulnerability to Scarlet Rot. Using a spell like Rotten Breath and then focusing on dodging can make the fight manageable.
5. Is Astel a secret boss?
Yes, Astel, Naturalborn of the Void is located in a secret area accessible after navigating multiple hidden zones, making it a secret encounter.
6. What are the rewards for defeating Astel?
Defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void rewards you with 80,000 Runes and the Remembrance of the Naturalborn. This remembrance can be traded for the Ash of War: Waves of Darkness or the unique Flail weapon, Bastard’s Stars.
7. What is the Meteorite of Astel?
The Meteorite of Astel is a powerful Gravity Sorcery obtained by defeating Astel, Stars of Darkness. It summons a void that launches a hail of meteorites.
8. What is the Ring of Oath after killing Astel?
After defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void and progressing through the barrier, you’ll reach the Grand Cloister. This area is key for continuing Ranni’s quest. You do not receive a physical ring. The progress made is what opens up the future areas.
9. Did Astel destroy Farum Azula?
The lore suggests that Astel’s destructive path caused damage to Farum Azula, suggesting that it may have crashed through it to reach the underworld.
10. Can I use Spirit Ashes against Astel?
Yes, using Spirit Ashes, especially tanky summons like the Mimic Tear or Latenna, can be very helpful by drawing Astel’s attention.
11. Which Eternal City did Astel destroy?
According to the lore, Astel destroyed Nokron, taking away its sky in the process.
12. What is the best weapon to use against Astel?
The Wing of Astel is a great weapon to use, as it can unleash quick shockwaves and perform Nebula, a cosmic weapon art. This weapon itself is found within the Uhl Palace Ruins after gaining access to the Ainsel River.
13. Where does Ranni go after I defeat Astel?
After defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, Ranni moves to the Cathedral of Manus Celes in the Moonlight Altar. You will need the Discarded Palace Key from Blaidd’s Shadow located at the Academy of Raya Lucaria Grand Library to access this area.
14. How many runes does the Remembrance of the Naturalborn give you?
If you choose to consume the Remembrance of the Naturalborn, you’ll receive 30,000 runes. It is more recommended to trade it with Enia for the weapons instead.
15. Are Fallingstar Beasts related to Astel?
The game suggests a connection between Fallingstar Beasts and Astel. It is theorized that the lifecycle of a Fallingstar Beast ends with its transformation into an Astel, similar to how an antlion becomes a winged beast.
Conclusion
While seemingly identical at first glance, Astel, Naturalborn of the Void and Astel, Stars of Darkness are two distinct encounters that serve different purposes in Elden Ring. The former is an integral part of Ranni’s questline, while the latter provides a challenging optional boss fight. By understanding their differences, weaknesses, and rewards, you will be better prepared to face these formidable cosmic entities. Remember to take advantage of their vulnerability to poison and Scarlet Rot, and utilize powerful summons to overcome these daunting challenges in your journey through the Lands Between.