Elden Beast’s Bane: Spells That Crush The Final Boss
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The Elden Beast, the final boss of Elden Ring, is a formidable foe with significant resistance to many forms of damage. However, certain spells are demonstrably effective against it. Specifically, spells dealing Physical damage, Fire damage, and those inflicting Scarlet Rot or Frostbite are the most viable options for mages looking to triumph over this celestial being. Black Flame spells, while technically Fire damage, are particularly strong due to their percentage-based health drain.
Understanding Elden Beast’s Resistances
Before diving into specific spells, it’s crucial to understand the Elden Beast’s damage resistances. It boasts high resistance to Holy damage, moderate resistance to Magic and Lightning damage, and low resistance to Physical and Fire damage. This knowledge is key to selecting spells that will actually make a dent in its considerable health bar. Furthermore, the Elden Beast is susceptible to status effects like Scarlet Rot and Frostbite, making spells that inflict these effects a powerful strategy.
Top Spells for Elden Beast
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most effective spells, categorized by damage type and status effect:
Physical Damage Spells
While pure Physical damage spells are limited in Elden Ring’s magic system, some spells deal predominantly Physical damage or incorporate it as a component of their damage calculation.
- Rock Sling: This gravity spell deals significant Physical damage, especially when boosted by the Meteorite Staff. Its stagger potential is also a bonus.
Fire Damage Spells
Given Elden Beast’s weakness to Fire, these spells are highly effective.
- Black Flame: As mentioned earlier, this spell is arguably the best overall choice. Its percentage-based health drain bypasses the Elden Beast’s high defense, consistently dealing significant damage. Upgrades like Black Flame Protection add further utility.
- Black Flame Ritual: A powerful area-of-effect spell that deals continuous Black Flame damage, perfect for when the Elden Beast stays in one spot.
- Catch Flame: A surprisingly effective close-range spell, quick to cast and deals respectable Fire damage. Useful for opportunistic attacks.
- Giant Flame Take Thee: A high-damage single-target spell that benefits from the Flame, Grant Me Strength incantation.
Status Effect Spells: Scarlet Rot and Frostbite
These spells don’t necessarily deal direct damage, but they inflict debilitating status effects that significantly weaken the Elden Beast.
- Rot Breath: A powerful incantation that applies Scarlet Rot. Even though the Elden Beast doesn’t take direct damage from the incantation, the subsequent Scarlet Rot deals a percentage of its health over time. Cast it when the Elden Beast is vulnerable.
- Ekzykes’s Decay: Similar to Rot Breath, but with a wider area of effect.
- Adula’s Moonblade: This spell deals Magic damage, but more importantly, it applies Frostbite. The resulting damage boost and slowed movement make the Elden Beast easier to manage.
Considerations for Spellcasting Builds
- Faith vs. Intelligence: While Intelligence builds can utilize Rock Sling and Adula’s Moonblade, Faith builds are generally better suited for the Elden Beast due to their access to Black Flame spells and Rot Breath.
- Buffs: Utilizing buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength (for Fire spells) and talismans that boost spell damage can significantly increase your damage output.
- FP Management: The Elden Beast fight is long and requires efficient FP management. Consider equipping the Carian Filigreed Crest to reduce FP costs and using Cerulean Flasks strategically.
- Mimic Tear Ash: This summon can be invaluable for drawing aggro and allowing you to cast spells without being constantly targeted. Equip the Mimic Tear with a weapon that can inflict Frostbite to synergize with your spells.
FAQ: Elden Beast Spell Strategies
Here are some frequently asked questions about using spells against the Elden Beast:
1. Is Holy damage completely useless against the Elden Beast?
Yes, the Elden Beast has extremely high resistance to Holy damage, rendering Holy spells practically ineffective. Avoid using them.
2. Why is Black Flame so effective?
Black Flame deals Fire damage, but its primary strength lies in its percentage-based health drain. This bypasses the Elden Beast’s high defense, making it consistently effective regardless of your stats.
3. How often can I apply Scarlet Rot to the Elden Beast?
The Elden Beast has moderate resistance to status effects. You’ll need to reapply Scarlet Rot multiple times throughout the fight. Be patient and time your casts carefully.
4. Should I prioritize damage or status effects?
Ideally, a combination of both is best. Start by applying Scarlet Rot or Frostbite, then focus on dealing Fire damage with Black Flame or other Fire spells.
5. Which staff or seal is best for casting spells against the Elden Beast?
For Intelligence builds focusing on Rock Sling, the Meteorite Staff is excellent. For Faith builds, the Godslayer’s Seal is ideal for Black Flame spells, as it boosts Godslayer incantations.
6. Does the Elden Beast have any specific attack patterns I should be aware of when casting spells?
Yes, be wary of its Elden Stars attack, which is difficult to dodge. Create distance when it starts charging this attack. Also, pay attention to its teleportation patterns and reposition yourself accordingly.
7. What talismans are most useful for this fight?
- Radagon Icon: Shortens spell casting time.
- Carian Filigreed Crest: Reduces FP consumption of spells.
- Godfrey Icon: Enhances charged spells (relevant for some incantations).
- Ritual Sword Talisman: Increases spell damage when at full health (use with caution).
- Fire Scorpion Charm: Increases Fire damage, but reduces physical defense.
8. Is it possible to solo the Elden Beast with only spells?
Yes, it is absolutely possible, but requires patience, good FP management, and a well-optimized build. The Mimic Tear summon can significantly improve your chances.
9. How much Mind (FP) should I have for this fight?
Aim for at least 40 Mind to have a sufficient FP pool for sustained spellcasting. Consider allocating even more if you rely heavily on expensive spells like Black Flame Ritual.
10. Are there any consumables I should use?
- Cerulean Flasks: Essential for FP replenishment.
- Exalted Flesh: Increases Physical attack power (useful if incorporating Physical damage).
- Uplifting Aromatic: Provides temporary buffs to attack power and defense (use with caution due to aggro).
11. Can I use a weapon to supplement my spellcasting?
Yes, a weapon that inflicts Frostbite can synergize well with your spells. The Hoarfrost Stomp Ash of War is a good option to apply Frostbite quickly.
12. Does the Elden Beast’s resistance change in New Game Plus (NG+)?
Yes, the Elden Beast’s health and damage increase in NG+, but its resistances remain the same. The strategies outlined in this guide are still applicable.
13. How can I avoid the Elden Beast’s long-range attacks while casting?
Utilize the arena’s terrain to your advantage. Dodge-roll strategically to avoid projectiles and close the distance when necessary. The Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War can provide exceptional mobility.
14. Is it worth using Spirit Ashes other than the Mimic Tear?
While Mimic Tear is generally considered the best, other durable summons like Black Knife Tiche or Lhutel the Headless can also be effective at drawing aggro.
15. What level should I be before attempting to fight the Elden Beast with a spellcasting build?
Aim for at least level 120, with 60+ in your primary stat (Faith or Intelligence) and sufficient Vigor (40+) and Mind (40+) to survive and cast spells effectively.
By understanding the Elden Beast’s weaknesses and utilizing the right spells and strategies, you can overcome this challenging final boss and claim your place as Elden Lord!