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Is Killing Grafted Scion Worth It? A Comprehensive Elden Ring Guide

The Grafted Scion, a monstrous amalgamation of limbs and weaponry, is often the first challenging boss players encounter in Elden Ring. This optional boss appears in the tutorial area and then reappears later in Stormveil Castle. So, the burning question is: Is killing the Grafted Scion worth it? The straightforward answer is: it’s worth it for the rewards and the practice, but it’s not essential for game progression. While defeating the Grafted Scion on your first encounter might feel incredibly rewarding, and will net you its gear, the game isn’t fundamentally altered by either winning or losing to it in the opening moments. This article delves deeper, explaining the implications, rewards, and strategic considerations of facing this formidable foe.

The Grafted Scion: An Overview

The Grafted Scion is a field boss that appears in a few locations throughout the Lands Between. Primarily, it is found in Stormveil Castle, making it a recurring challenge. This boss is characterized by its grotesque appearance – a mass of grafted bodies wielding two swords and a greatshield. Its attacks are varied and can be punishing, forcing players to learn proper timing and positioning.

Rewards for Defeating the Grafted Scion

Regardless of when you defeat it, the Grafted Scion offers the same set of rewards: the Ornamental Straight Sword and the Golden Beast Crest Shield. These items provide distinct advantages:

Ornamental Straight Sword: A unique straight sword with decent damage output and a distinct skill that lets the player use its attacks rapidly.
Golden Beast Crest Shield: A greatshield that provides a high level of physical and some magic damage reduction, ideal for those leaning toward a more defensive playstyle.

These rewards, while useful, are not game-breaking and can be obtained at any time the player defeats the Grafted Scion. The primary benefit of beating it early is the boost in confidence and early access to these items, which can make the opening hours a bit easier.

Is the Grafted Scion a Main Boss?

No, the Grafted Scion is not a main boss. It’s an optional encounter that does not affect the main story progression or influence any of the game’s endings. Players are free to avoid the Scion if they choose, though it can provide good practice for more difficult encounters to come. The story advances even if you fail at the initial encounter, so don’t feel pressured to defeat it on your very first playthrough.

Strategic Considerations: When to Fight the Grafted Scion?

The game’s design makes it clear that defeating the Grafted Scion in the very beginning is a challenging and often unnecessary task. Here’s a breakdown of when and why you might want to face it:

Early Game (Tutorial): While it is technically feasible to defeat the Scion in the tutorial area, it’s designed to be a tough challenge that many players will likely lose. There’s no significant reward for defeating it during the tutorial compared to beating it later. You will get the boss’s items, but they are not required to progress.
Mid-Game (Stormveil Castle): Encountering the Grafted Scion again in Stormveil Castle is far more advantageous. By this time, players will have had more time to level up, gain better equipment, and develop a better grasp of the game’s combat mechanics. This makes the fight considerably more manageable.
Late-Game: While you can theoretically fight the Grafted Scion in a number of areas, waiting that long is not usually recommended. This is due to how many opportunities and locations there are to fight it earlier.

The main takeaway is that fighting the Grafted Scion is a matter of choice and personal timing. There’s no need to stubbornly bang your head against it at the tutorial if it’s causing too much frustration.

Weaknesses and Strategies

Understanding the Grafted Scion’s weaknesses can make the fight much easier. Here’s what you should know:

Resistances: It has a high resistance to Magic, Lightning, Fire, and Holy damage. This means you need to rely on other damage types.
Weakness: The Scion is weak to slashing damage. Weapons like swords and katanas can be highly effective against it.
Strategy: A key strategy to defeating the Grafted Scion is to attack its legs and avoid its large sweeping attacks. You can also utilize ranged attacks to keep it at bay. Consider using consumables that boost damage or defenses, and remember, patience is key.

The Bigger Picture: Elden Ring Boss Encounters

The Grafted Scion is a microcosm of Elden Ring’s broader design philosophy regarding boss encounters. Here are some relevant facts:

Optional Bosses: The game is filled with numerous optional bosses, which greatly enhance the experience, provide valuable rewards, and pose a fun challenge. The Grafted Scion is one of these many optional bosses.
Mandatory Bosses: However, only 12 bosses are mandatory to complete the main storyline. This emphasizes the freedom players have to navigate the world and engage with content at their own pace.
Replayability: The option to revisit optional bosses encourages exploration and replayability. This can help players farm for specific items or runes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Grafted Scion and related Elden Ring topics:

Can you refight the Grafted Scion? Yes, you can fight the Grafted Scion multiple times throughout the game. Its most common place is in Stormveil Castle once you progress into the open world.
What happens if you beat the Grafted Scion on your first try? You receive the Ornamental Straight Sword and the Golden Beast Crest Shield, but there’s no other special reward or change in the game.
What are grafted scions weak to? Defensively, grafted scions resist Magic, Lightning, Fire, and Holy damage but are weak to slashing damage.
What are the best weapons to use against scions? Weapons that deal slashing damage are optimal. Alternatively, keeping your distance with ranged weaponry such as a sniper, can help you defeat this foe.
What is the best starting class for Elden Ring? For beginners, the Vagabond is generally considered the most forgiving start due to its high Strength, Vigor, and Endurance. However, the best starting class is usually the one that best suits the play style the player is trying to achieve.
When should I fight the Grafted Scion? Ideally, players should consider fighting the Grafted Scion after leveling up a bit and obtaining better equipment, usually sometime after exploring Limgrave, or entering Stormveil castle.
Is the Grafted Scion the first boss you encounter? Yes, it is often the first real boss players encounter in the tutorial area, though there are other, much easier creatures beforehand.
How many bosses are mandatory in Elden Ring? There are 12 mandatory bosses required to complete the main story. The rest are optional.
Who is the hardest boss in Elden Ring? Many players consider Malenia, Blade of Miquella, to be the most challenging boss due to her aggressive attacks and regenerative abilities.
What is the first optional boss in Elden Ring? The Tree Sentinel is often regarded as the first optional boss encounter players will likely find after the tutorial, being out in the open world of Limgrave.
What happens if you refuse Melina? You cannot progress past Morgott without Melina’s aid, as she provides the necessary item to use the Great Lift of Rold.
Can Melina become your maiden? No, Melina acts as your maiden but is not one in the traditional sense.
What level should I be for Caelid? Caelid is recommended for players around level 60-70 to avoid excessive frustration.
Is the Wretch a good starting class? The Wretch is the most difficult starting class, designed for players looking for the most extreme challenge due to its low starting stats and equipment.
Does killing or dying to Grafted Scion affect the game’s ending? No, neither outcome influences the game’s ending. It is purely an optional, skill-testing encounter.

Conclusion: A Worthy Challenge, Not a Crucial One

In conclusion, while defeating the Grafted Scion offers worthwhile rewards and a great test of skill, it isn’t essential for game progression. The game is designed so that you can succeed, whether you beat the Grafted Scion in the tutorial or later, as its rewards remain the same. Ultimately, the decision to engage with the Grafted Scion, and when, is a matter of player choice and strategic judgment. Don’t get stuck on the challenge, just do it when it feels appropriate for you. Good luck, Tarnished!

Is killing Grafted Scion worth it?