Do You Have to Beat Castle Sol in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
No, you do not have to beat Castle Sol in Elden Ring to complete the main storyline. It’s an optional dungeon, but a significant one. While you don’t need to conquer its icy ramparts and fearsome boss, Commander Niall, doing so opens up a crucial pathway to the Consecrated Snowfield, a vital step in accessing a late-game area and potentially unlocking a different ending. Let’s delve into the details and explore why you might want to brave this challenging fortress.
Why Castle Sol Matters (Even Though It’s Optional)
Castle Sol isn’t just another dungeon filled with loot and challenging enemies. It holds a piece of the Haligtree Secret Medallion (Left). This medallion is required to activate the Grand Lift of Rold and reach the Consecrated Snowfield. The Consecrated Snowfield, in turn, is the gateway to Miquella’s Haligtree, a late-game area housing one of the most challenging bosses in the game: Malenia, Blade of Miquella. If you are looking to challenge yourself against the strongest the Lands Between has to offer, or you seek to acquire powerful late-game items, then completing Castle Sol becomes almost necessary.
The Challenges of Castle Sol
It’s worth noting that Castle Sol is widely considered one of the hardest optional areas in Elden Ring. Prepare yourself for a brutal gauntlet featuring:
- Lion Guardians: Powerful, agile beasts that don’t respawn once defeated.
- Oleg Knights: Ghostly apparitions that can teleport and strike with surprising speed.
- Multiple Banished Knights: Always a tough enemy, but found in abundance within the castle walls.
- Commander Niall: A formidable boss accompanied by two spectral Banished Knights, demanding tactical prowess and strong build.
Preparing for Castle Sol
Before you even think about tackling Castle Sol, it’s recommended to be at least level 80-90 and have weapons upgraded to at least +18 or +7 for Somber weapons. Focus on building a character that can deal bleed damage, as Commander Niall is particularly vulnerable to this status effect. Strong spirit ashes like the Mimic Tear, Lhutel the Headless, or Ancient Dragon Knight Kristoff are also incredibly helpful for this fight.
Conquering Commander Niall
The final boss of Castle Sol, Commander Niall, is a test of patience and strategic thinking. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
- Phase 1: The Knights: Niall starts by summoning two spectral Banished Knights. Focus on taking them down first. Consider using the Bewitching Branch to charm one of the knights and turn them against Niall.
- Phase 2: Niall’s Fury: Once the knights are defeated, Niall becomes much more aggressive, using powerful wind-based attacks and frostbite buildup. Keep your distance, time your dodges carefully, and exploit his openings.
- Bleed is Your Friend: Remember, Niall is weak to bleed. Weapons like Bloodhound’s Fang or any weapon with a bleed infusion will significantly shorten the fight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Castle Sol
Is Castle Sol mandatory for any endings in Elden Ring?
No, completing Castle Sol is not strictly required for any of the main endings. However, reaching Miquella’s Haligtree, accessible through the Consecrated Snowfield which Castle Sol unlocks, opens up content and items that might be relevant depending on your specific goals.
What level should I be to enter Castle Sol?
A good rule of thumb is to be around level 80-90 before venturing into Castle Sol. This ensures you have enough health, stamina, and weapon upgrades to survive the onslaught of enemies.
What is the best weapon to use in Castle Sol?
Weapons that inflict bleed damage are highly effective against Commander Niall and many of the other enemies in Castle Sol. Bloodhound’s Fang is a particularly strong choice, but any weapon with a bleed infusion will be beneficial.
Are the Lion Guardians in Castle Sol difficult to defeat?
Yes, the Lion Guardians are powerful enemies with fast attacks and high damage output. However, they don’t respawn after being defeated, so taking them down once removes them from the area permanently.
Does Commander Niall have any specific weaknesses?
Yes, Commander Niall is particularly weak to bleed damage. He also has a high resistance to Frostbite, Scarlet Rot, and Poison.
What Spirit Ashes are best for fighting Commander Niall?
Summons that can draw aggro and survive for a decent amount of time are ideal. Mimic Tear, Lhutel the Headless, and Ancient Dragon Knight Kristoff are all excellent choices.
Can I skip Commander Niall and still get the Haligtree Secret Medallion?
No, Commander Niall guards the left half of the Haligtree Secret Medallion. You must defeat him to obtain it.
What is the Eclipse Shotel found in Castle Sol?
The Eclipse Shotel is a legendary curved sword found in Castle Sol. While it has decent damage, its weapon art, Death Flare, is generally considered underwhelming due to its limited effectiveness against enemies. Many consider the Eclipse Shotel Is Elden Ring’s Worst Legendary Weapon.
Is it worth using the Bewitching Branch on the Spectral Knights?
Yes, using the Bewitching Branch to charm one of the spectral knights is a highly effective strategy. This turns the knight against Commander Niall, freeing up space for you to maneuver and dealing extra damage.
What is the best way to deal with the Oleg Knights in Castle Sol?
The Oleg Knights can be tricky due to their teleportation ability. Try to anticipate their movements, dodge their attacks, and punish them when they reappear. Using ranged attacks can also be effective.
What comes after Castle Sol in terms of progression?
After completing Castle Sol, you can use the Haligtree Secret Medallion at the Grand Lift of Rold to access the Consecrated Snowfield. This leads to Miquella’s Haligtree and ultimately to the fight against Malenia.
How difficult is Commander Niall compared to other Elden Ring bosses?
Commander Niall is considered a challenging boss, primarily due to the presence of his spectral knights. Managing multiple enemies simultaneously can be difficult, requiring careful positioning and strategic use of spirit ashes.
What rewards do I get for beating Castle Sol?
Besides the Haligtree Secret Medallion (Left), you will also receive Commander Niall’s Greaves, Commander Niall’s Armor, Commander Niall’s Gauntlets, Commander Niall’s Helm and a Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.
How does knowledge of game mechanics impact the enjoyment of games like Elden Ring?
Understanding the game’s mechanics, like enemy weaknesses, status effects, and optimal weapon choices, can greatly enhance the player experience. It empowers players to make informed decisions, overcome challenges, and feel a sense of mastery. Exploring these mechanics is a form of games-based learning, allowing players to acquire knowledge through active engagement. The Games Learning Society understands the importance of these mechanics and the enjoyment of the game. Explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Where is Castle Sol located in Elden Ring?
Castle Sol is located in the Mountaintops of the Giants region. It is a prominent landmark situated towards the north of the region, easily recognizable due to its icy exterior.
Conclusion: To Sol, or Not to Sol?
While not mandatory for completing Elden Ring, conquering Castle Sol is highly recommended for players seeking a challenging experience, access to late-game areas, and the opportunity to acquire powerful items. Prepare yourself, strategize, and brace yourself for a brutal but rewarding journey. Good luck, Tarnished!