Unveiling Astel’s Weaknesses: A Comprehensive Guide to Elden Ring’s Cosmic Horror
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What Damage Type is Astel Weak Against?
Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, is one of the more challenging and intimidating boss encounters in Elden Ring. Understanding its vulnerabilities is crucial for any Tarnished hoping to conquer this cosmic horror. The most effective way to damage Astel lies in exploiting two key weaknesses: Scarlet Rot and Holy/Rot-focused magic or incantations.
While the boss doesn’t have a singular damage type that it’s overwhelmingly weak to like some other Elden Ring bosses, the application of Scarlet Rot is often cited as the closest thing to “cheesing” the fight. Specifically, spells or incantations like Rotten Breath can inflict this devastating status ailment. Once inflicted, Scarlet Rot will steadily chip away at Astel’s health, allowing you to focus on dodging its powerful and varied attacks.
Additionally, Holy and Rot-focused magic and incantations are significantly effective against Astel, dealing more damage compared to other types. This suggests that Astel has some level of vulnerability to the underlying powers of the Outer Gods and their associated energies.
Strategies for Exploiting Astel’s Weaknesses
Knowing the weakness is one thing; putting it into practice is another. Here’s how you can best take advantage of Astel’s vulnerabilities:
Utilizing Scarlet Rot
- Rotten Breath: Start the fight by immediately applying Rotten Breath or a similar rot-inflicting ability. Retreat to a safe distance and allow the Scarlet Rot to do its damage.
- Repeat as Needed: As the Scarlet Rot status wears off, reapply it. Maintain a balance between attacking and re-inflicting the rot status.
- Patience is Key: The rot damage is consistent and significant, so be patient and play defensively while the status is active.
Leveraging Holy and Rot-focused Magic and Incantations
- Choose the Right Spells: Opt for spells or incantations with holy or rot damage, such as Ancient Dragon Lightning Strike, Death Lightning, or Ekzykes’s Decay.
- Utilize Spirit Ashes: Summoning Spirit Ashes to distract Astel can provide you ample opportunities to cast spells and incantations uncontested. This is especially useful for casting spells with long casting animations.
- Maintain Range: If using spells, keep your distance to maximize your casting windows while avoiding Astel’s devastating melee attacks.
Additional Combat Tips
- Aim for the Head and Limbs: Hitting Astel’s head or limbs results in more damage compared to hitting its body.
- Dodge the Cosmic Laser: Observe Astel’s head closely to anticipate and avoid its powerful Cosmic Laser attack.
- Run from the Gravity Wave: Astel’s Gravity Wave attack covers a wide area. Running out of its range is crucial for survival.
- Avoid Frostbite: Frostbite weapons and spells are not effective against Astel. Instead, rely on fire-based or magic damage that isn’t tied to Frost.
- Weapon Level: Your weapon upgrade level significantly affects damage output. Aim for a minimum of +19/+22 weapon level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Astel
Here are some frequently asked questions about Astel to further clarify the nuances of the encounter:
1. Is Astel immune to any damage type?
While not completely immune, Astel exhibits resistance to Frostbite damage. Therefore, relying on frost-based weapons or spells will be ineffective.
2. At what level should I fight Astel?
It’s recommended to be at character level 110 or above, ideally between 115-120, for a smoother experience, although your weapon upgrade level is even more crucial.
3. How many times do you fight Astel in Elden Ring?
You encounter Astel twice during the game: once as Astel, Naturalborn of the Void in the Grand Cloister of the Lake of Rot and a second as an optional boss in the Yelough Anix Tunnel.
4. Does Astel have magic damage?
Yes, Astel’s attacks utilize both Physical and Magic damage. However, the magic portion is only slightly boosted by certain charms such as the Magic Scorpion Charm.
5. Is Astel a Fallingstar Beast?
It is heavily implied that Astel is a more mature form of the Fallingstar Beast. The Malformed Star also shares the same head, strengthening the connection in lore.
6. Why is it essential to defeat Astel?
Defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, in the Grand Cloister is necessary for completing Ranni’s questline and unlocking the ‘Age of Stars’ ending.
7. What rewards do you get for killing Astel?
Upon defeat, you receive 80,000 runes and the Remembrance of the Naturalborn, which can be traded for the Ash of War: Waves of Darkness or the unique Flail weapon, Bastard’s Stars.
8. What’s the best weapon for Astel?
The weapon Wing of Astel, which can be found in a chest at the Uhl Palace Ruins, is specifically designed for this fight and deals significant damage.
9. How do I progress after defeating Astel?
After defeating Astel, you must go to the Academy of Raya Lucaria Grand Library and open a chest using the Discarded Palace Key gained from Blaidd’s Shadow. This unlocks the next stage of Ranni’s questline.
10. Is Spirit Ashes useful against Astel?
Yes, Spirit Ashes are incredibly useful for drawing aggro and providing opportunities for you to unleash spells or attacks uncontested.
11. What damage is Radagon weak to?
Radagon is very weak to Fire Damage, making flame-based weapons, skills, and spells extremely effective.
12. What is the Full-Grown Fallingstar Beast weak to?
The Full-Grown Fallingstar Beast is highly resistant to Physical damage, Frostbite, and Bleed but weak to Elemental damage, especially Magic and Fire.
13. How many Runes does the Remembrance of the Naturalborn give you?
The Remembrance of the Naturalborn provides a standard of 30,000 runes if you choose to consume it.
14. What is the best weapon for the Full-Grown Fallingstar Beast?
Weapons such as Moonveil katana and Starscourge Greatsword are highly effective due to their ability to deal magic damage and stun the boss.
15. Does Astel always appear as a boss?
The first Astel encounter is a mandatory boss for those seeking Ranni’s ending. The second encounter in the Yelough Anix Tunnel is optional.
Conclusion
By understanding Astel’s weaknesses and applying the appropriate strategies, you can conquer this formidable foe in Elden Ring. Scarlet Rot and Holy/Rot-focused magic and incantations are your most reliable allies in this challenging encounter. Remember to utilize Spirit Ashes, maintain distance, and equip yourself with powerful weapons to stand a better chance of survival. Good luck, Tarnished!