Is There a Way to Cheese the Tree Sentinel in Elden Ring?
Yes, there are several ways to cheese the Tree Sentinel in Elden Ring. These methods typically involve exploiting the game’s AI or environment to defeat the boss without engaging in a direct, challenging fight. While opinions vary on whether using these strategies constitutes “cheesing,” they undeniably offer alternative routes to victory for players struggling with this early-game behemoth.
Understanding the Tree Sentinel
The Tree Sentinel is an optional boss encountered almost immediately after exiting the Stranded Graveyard in Limgrave. Mounted on a heavily armored steed and wielding a massive halberd and shield, it represents a significant difficulty spike for new players. Its aggressive attack patterns, high damage output, and substantial health pool make it a formidable opponent, particularly for those with low-level characters and limited resources. Understanding its attack patterns is critical, but sometimes, simpler methods are sought.
Cheese Strategies: Bending the Rules of Engagement
Several cheese strategies have emerged within the Elden Ring community to circumvent the Tree Sentinel’s difficulty. These methods typically involve manipulating the environment, utilizing specific weapon skills, or employing AI exploits.
The Poison Strategy
One popular method involves using items or skills that inflict poison on the Tree Sentinel. Repeated application of poison can steadily chip away at its health, allowing players to defeat it without directly engaging in prolonged combat. Early access to poison arrows or the Poison Mist Ash of War can be particularly effective. The key is to apply the poison and then maintain a safe distance, allowing the effect to do its work.
The Strategic Ledge
Certain locations near the Tree Sentinel’s patrol route offer opportunities for strategic positioning. By luring the Sentinel towards a ledge or cliff, players can exploit its AI and potentially cause it to fall off, resulting in an instant kill or significant damage. This method requires careful maneuvering and precise timing.
The Early Game Power Spike
This method is less about a simple exploit and more about overwhelming the Tree Sentinel with superior firepower. After extensive exploration early on, many players are able to quickly acquire upgrades, a better weapon, and perhaps a spirit ash to assist with the battle. While not strictly a cheese, coming back with a significantly more powerful build certainly makes the fight considerably easier.
Stealth and Ambush
This method relies on taking advantage of the game’s stealth mechanics, if only a little. By hiding in the bushes around the Tree Sentinel’s patrol route, you may be able to land one or two ranged attacks before the Sentinel notices you. The value of this is that the Sentinel can become “stuck” on the edge of the bush or terrain, which can then allow you to repeatedly attack it, without fear of retaliation. This method requires patience and a keen eye for terrain.
Ethical Considerations: Cheese vs. Legitimate Strategy
The use of cheese strategies in Elden Ring raises questions about the ethics of gameplay. Some players argue that these methods trivialize the intended challenge and undermine the sense of accomplishment. Others contend that they are legitimate strategies that provide alternative avenues for overcoming difficult encounters. Ultimately, the decision to employ cheese strategies rests with the individual player.
Many Elden Ring veterans will suggest learning the moveset and properly defeating the Tree Sentinel. However, with the open-world nature of the game, and ability to return later with additional upgrades and levels, it is understandable why players seek to utilize the terrain and game mechanics to skip the early-game boss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cheesing the Tree Sentinel
1. Does cheesing the Tree Sentinel ruin the game?
Whether it ruins the game is subjective and depends on your playstyle. If you value overcoming challenges through skill, cheesing might diminish your enjoyment. If you prioritize exploration and progression, it might be a valid strategy to move forward.
2. What level should I be to legitimately fight the Tree Sentinel?
There’s no specific level, but most players recommend being around level 15-20 with a weapon upgraded a few times before engaging in a fair fight. Having a spirit ash available for summons can also make a big difference.
3. What is the best weapon for fighting the Tree Sentinel early on?
Any weapon you’re comfortable with can work, but weapons with a good balance of speed and damage, like the Longsword or Lordsworn’s Straight Sword, are solid choices. Upgrading your weapon at the Church of Elleh helps significantly.
4. Can I summon help for the Tree Sentinel fight?
Yes, you can summon other players for cooperative play if you have access to the Furlcalling Finger Remedy. This can make the fight considerably easier. You can also make use of Spirit Ashes for summons.
5. Are there any specific Spirit Ashes that are effective against the Tree Sentinel?
The Lone Wolves or the Raya Lucarian Soldier Ashes can be helpful as they distract the Sentinel and provide opportunities for you to attack.
6. Does the Tree Sentinel respawn after being defeated?
No, the Tree Sentinel is a one-time boss encounter. Once defeated, it will not respawn.
7. What rewards do I get for defeating the Tree Sentinel?
You receive the Erdtree Greatshield and 5,500 runes. The shield is particularly useful for blocking incoming damage, especially against mounted enemies.
8. Can I parry the Tree Sentinel’s attacks?
Yes, some of the Tree Sentinel’s attacks can be parried, but it requires precise timing and a shield with parry capabilities. It’s a risky strategy for beginners.
9. Is it possible to avoid the Tree Sentinel altogether?
Yes, the Tree Sentinel is an optional boss. You can simply ride past it and explore other areas of Limgrave.
10. Does the time of day affect the Tree Sentinel’s behavior?
No, the time of day does not influence the Tree Sentinel’s behavior or patrol patterns.
11. Are there any glitches that can instantly kill the Tree Sentinel?
While glitches can sometimes occur, they are often patched out by FromSoftware. Relying on established cheese strategies is generally more reliable.
12. Is it better to fight the Tree Sentinel on foot or on horseback?
Fighting on horseback offers greater mobility and allows you to perform hit-and-run tactics. However, it also makes you more vulnerable to certain attacks. Experiment to see which approach suits your playstyle.
13. What are the best armor sets for fighting the Tree Sentinel early on?
Armor sets that offer a good balance of protection and mobility are ideal. The default armor sets available at the start of the game are sufficient, but upgrading them is recommended.
14. Does the Tree Sentinel have any elemental weaknesses?
The Tree Sentinel does not have any significant elemental weaknesses. Physical damage is generally the most effective.
15. Is there any shame in cheesing the Tree Sentinel?
Absolutely not! Elden Ring is designed to be challenging but also allows for player agency in how they approach obstacles. If cheesing helps you progress and enjoy the game, then it’s a valid strategy. Have fun and play your way.