Is Commander O’Neil Immune to Scarlet Rot? A Deep Dive into Elden Ring’s Swamp General
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Yes and no. While Commander O’Neil is highly resistant to Scarlet Rot, he is not entirely immune. The large pools of Scarlet Rot in the Swamp of Aeonia will have no effect on him, but the erupting geysers of Scarlet Rot can damage him. He must be walking through the geyser when it erupts to take damage. This means you can theoretically inflict Scarlet Rot on him, but it’s a far less effective strategy than other options.
Understanding Commander O’Neil: The Swamp General
Commander O’Neil is an optional, but very dangerous, boss found in the Swamp of Aeonia in Caelid. He’s a towering figure clad in armor and wielding a massive Halberd. He’s not alone either, as he continuously summons spectral soldiers to aid him in battle. He serves as a significant roadblock for players attempting Millicent’s questline, as defeating him yields the Unalloyed Gold Needle, a crucial item for progression. Unlike other bosses in Elden Ring, his arena is not enclosed, so you are able to ride Torrent outside it, adding a layer of potential strategy to the fight.
Why Scarlet Rot Isn’t Your Best Bet
While technically vulnerable, relying on Scarlet Rot as your primary damage source against Commander O’Neil is risky and inefficient. Here’s why:
- Relying on the Geysers: His erratic movement and the unpredictable nature of the geysers make it difficult to consistently hit him with the erupting Scarlet Rot. It becomes a tedious game of cat and mouse.
- Alternative Weaknesses: Commander O’Neil possesses other, more pronounced weaknesses that are easier to exploit. These strategies will result in a significantly faster and more consistent victory.
- More Efficient Rot Options Exist: Even if you’re committed to inflicting Scarlet Rot, spells and incantations like Rotten Breath are far more reliable.
- Opportunity Cost: Focusing on Scarlet Rot could mean overlooking other more viable strategies, which could make the fight needlessly longer and more difficult.
Effective Strategies for Defeating Commander O’Neil
Forget the Scarlet Rot geysers. Here are the strategies that will actually work for you:
- Magic and Ranged Attacks: If you are a magic user, then keep your distance and attack him from horseback. This is one of the most effective methods for those who have chosen to play Elden Ring as a magic user.
- Summoning Allies: Summoning spirits is a viable method when fighting Commander O’Neil.
- Utilize the Environment: The battlefield offers limited cover, but you can use the slight elevation changes to your advantage.
- Hit-and-Run Tactics: For melee builds, prioritize quick attacks followed by strategic retreats to avoid his powerful swings.
- Don’t be Greedy: He has long reach and can punish you if you attack him too many times in a row.
Essential Gear and Items
- Weapon: A weapon with high physical damage and good range is ideal. Consider weapons with skills that allow you to easily close the gap.
- Armor: Equip armor with good physical defense to mitigate the damage from his attacks.
- Flask of Wondrous Physick: Consider using a mix that boosts your physical damage output and enhances your survivability.
- Spirit Ashes: Choose ashes that can draw his aggression, allowing you to deal damage more safely.
- Horse: Torrent is a useful asset against Commander O’Neil because the battlefield in which he appears isn’t enclosed.
FAQs: Demystifying the Fight Against Commander O’Neil
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about defeating Commander O’Neil:
1. What rewards do you get for killing Commander O’Neil?
Defeating Commander O’Neil grants you the Commander’s Standard (a powerful halberd) and the Unalloyed Gold Needle, a key item for Millicent’s questline.
2. Is Commander O’Neil an optional boss?
Yes, Commander O’Neil is an optional boss. You don’t have to defeat him to complete the main storyline.
3. What is the best level to fight Commander O’Neil?
A recommended level for facing Commander O’Neil is around level 60-80, with weapons upgraded to +15 or higher.
4. Can you summon help for the Commander O’Neil fight?
Yes, you can summon both spirit ashes and (if playing online) other players to assist you in the battle. An NPC (Polyanna, Adopted Daughter) can be summoned for this fight if you speak to Sage Gowry first.
5. What is Commander O’Neil weak to?
Commander O’Neil is particularly vulnerable to Physical damage, especially with the strike damage type. Magic is also an effective method for damaging Commander O’Neil.
6. Is Commander O’Neil weak to bleed?
No, Commander O’Neil is not particularly weak to bleed damage. His resistance to hemorrhage is relatively high.
7. Is Commander O’Neil weak to Frostbite?
No, Commander O’Neil is not weak to Frostbite. He has a high resistance to it.
8. How do I start Millicent’s questline?
To begin Millicent’s questline, first speak with Sage Gowry in his shack in Caelid. After exhausting his dialogue, you’ll need to find and retrieve the Unalloyed Gold Needle by defeating Commander O’Neil.
9. Where is Commander O’Neil located?
Commander O’Neil is found in the Swamp of Aeonia in the Caelid region.
10. Is Commander O’Neil the same as Commander Niall?
No, they are two different bosses. While similar in appearance and fighting style, Commander Niall is located in Castle Sol in the Mountaintops of the Giants. They each also have their own unique weaknesses.
11. What are the best Spirit Ashes to use against Commander O’Neil?
Spirit Ashes that can tank are particularly helpful for this fight, allowing you to deal damage more safely.
12. Can Commander O’Neil’s summoned soldiers be affected by Scarlet Rot?
Yes, Commander O’Neil’s summoned soldiers are also vulnerable to Scarlet Rot.
13. Is there a cheese strategy for Commander O’Neil?
While not a true “cheese,” utilizing ranged attacks and maintaining distance on horseback is a popular method to trivialise this fight.
14. How difficult is the Commander O’Neil fight compared to other Elden Ring bosses?
Commander O’Neil is generally considered to be a mid-difficulty boss. He can be challenging at lower levels but is manageable with the right strategy and gear.
15. What should I do after defeating Commander O’Neil?
After defeating Commander O’Neil, return the Unalloyed Gold Needle to Gowry in his shack. This will progress Millicent’s questline.
Commander O’Neil, while resistant to Scarlet Rot, is not insurmountable. By understanding his weaknesses, utilizing effective strategies, and preparing with the right gear, you can defeat him and claim your rewards. Remember that the best approach is often a combination of ranged attacks, spirit summons, and a good understanding of his attack patterns. Good luck, Tarnished!
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