What Weapons Do Tree Sentinels Use in Elden Ring?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Tree Sentinels in Elden Ring are formidable, heavily armored knights who serve as guardians of the Erdtree. These imposing figures are known for their relentless aggression and powerful attacks. They are often the first major challenge many players encounter in the Lands Between. A key element of their threat lies in their chosen weaponry, which is both intimidating and effective.
The primary weapons utilized by Tree Sentinels are a halberd and a greatshield. They wield these with a practiced proficiency, making them a significant hurdle for early-game players. Let’s break down each of these weapons and how they contribute to the Tree Sentinel’s fighting style.
The Halberd: A Weapon of Reach and Power
The halberd is a polearm weapon that boasts a long reach and the ability to deliver both sweeping and thrusting attacks. The Tree Sentinel uses its halberd to keep players at a distance, preventing them from getting too close. The attacks are deliberate and powerful, capable of dealing considerable damage if they connect. The halberd is not just used for direct attacks; it’s also instrumental in the Tree Sentinel’s sweeping blows, which can catch players off guard, and its charging thrust attack.
The Tree Sentinel’s halberd is typically gold in color, reinforcing its association with the Erdtree’s golden aura. Notably, every halberd attack from a Tree Sentinel can be parried, creating an opportunity for players who master this skill. However, the timing can be difficult, and relying on parries can be risky for players who are not confident in their timing.
Halberd Attack Variations
The Tree Sentinel utilizes a variety of halberd attacks. These include:
- Underhand Swings: A sweeping attack that starts from the Tree Sentinel’s side and moves towards their front.
- Charging Attack: The Sentinel lowers its halberd and charges at the player, a move that is parryable, but hard to time.
- Leap Attack: A jump attack that slams the halberd into the ground. This is also parryable.
The Erdtree Greatshield: Defense and Offense
The greatshield that the Tree Sentinel carries isn’t just for defense; it’s an integral part of its offensive arsenal. Specifically, the Tree Sentinels utilize the Erdtree Greatshield. This shield, described as a “weighty greatshield forged of gold,” is more than just a hunk of metal. It allows the Tree Sentinel to dispel sorceries, and when dispelling, it counters with a golden beam that deals holy damage. This makes the Tree Sentinel dangerous to both melee and spell-focused builds. The Erdtree Greatshield embodies the Tree Sentinels’ role as “living ramparts of the Erdtree.” It’s a testament to their status as the standard to which all defenders of the Erdtree aspire.
Greatshield’s Offensive Capabilities
The Erdtree Greatshield is not just a defensive tool; it also serves some offensive purposes:
- Shield Bash: The Tree Sentinel can bash with the shield, creating a fast attack that can disrupt and push players away.
- Sorcery Dispel & Counter: As mentioned, the shield can dispel sorceries and counter with a powerful beam of holy damage.
Combatting the Tree Sentinel’s Arsenal
Understanding the weapons of the Tree Sentinels is crucial for effective combat. These knights are not to be underestimated, especially in early stages of the game. To counteract their power, players should:
- Exploit Weaknesses: Tree Sentinels have no resistance to lightning attacks and are susceptible to damage types other than slashing.
- Utilize Bleed and Poison: Weapons that deal bleed damage like Reduvia and the Moonveil Katana are effective, as are weapons that inflict poison damage.
- Master Parries: Learning the timing for parrying the Tree Sentinel’s attacks, especially its charging and leap attacks, is advantageous.
- Use Spirit Ashes: Summoning Spirit Ashes can provide distractions, allowing players to get in hits more safely.
- Utilize Torrent: Fighting on horseback (Torrent) can significantly improve a player’s chances of success by aiding in maneuverability.
By understanding their weapon of choice and vulnerabilities, players can turn the tide against these golden guardians. The combination of a long-reaching halberd, defensive greatshield, and holy counter makes Tree Sentinels a force to be reckoned with. Learning to counter their attack pattern and weapon mechanics is key to overcoming them in Elden Ring.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of damage does the Tree Sentinel deal?
The Tree Sentinel deals physical damage with its halberd, but also deals holy damage when it dispels sorceries with its greatshield. Its shield bash also deals physical damage.
2. Is the Tree Sentinel’s Greatshield obtainable by the player?
Yes, the Erdtree Greatshield is obtainable by players. It is located in the minor erdtree cathedral in the Altus Plateau.
3. Can I poison the Tree Sentinel?
Yes, you can poison the Tree Sentinel by using items or spells that inflict poison damage. The Poison Mist incantation is an effective way to do so.
4. What are the Tree Sentinel’s weaknesses?
The Tree Sentinel has no resistance to lightning damage, low resistance to most melee damage (other than slashing), and is vulnerable to bleed and poison damage.
5. Can you parry the Tree Sentinel?
Yes, nearly every halberd attack from the Tree Sentinel is parryable. However, the timing can be tricky for normal swings. Focus on parrying the charging and leap attacks.
6. Do Tree Sentinels respawn?
No, Tree Sentinels do not respawn after being defeated, allowing players to freely explore areas once cleared of this enemy.
7. Is it necessary to fight the Tree Sentinel early in the game?
No, the initial Tree Sentinel in Limgrave is not mandatory. Players can choose to avoid it or engage it at a later point.
8. What is the best strategy for defeating the Tree Sentinel as a warrior?
As a warrior, it’s beneficial to use spirit ashes as a distraction, fight on horseback, and utilize Rowa Raisins to heal Torrent if necessary. Learning the timing for parries is also beneficial.
9. Can you cheese the Tree Sentinel?
Yes, it is possible to cheese the Tree Sentinel by using the archway at the Church of Elleh. This allows players to be out of melee range but still able to attack.
10. What should I do if my weapons are struggling against the Tree Sentinel?
If your weapons are not dealing significant damage, try switching to weapons that deal lightning damage, or inflict bleed or poison. Avoid slashing-based weapons.
11. Is the Tree Sentinel considered a difficult boss?
The Tree Sentinel is not inherently difficult, but its location at the start of the game makes it a challenging first encounter for many new players. It serves as a harsh learning experience.
12. Can you defeat the Tree Sentinel without using Torrent?
Yes, it is possible to defeat the Tree Sentinel without Torrent, but it may be more challenging due to reduced maneuverability.
13. Is the Draconic Tree Sentinel different from the standard Tree Sentinel?
Yes, the Draconic Tree Sentinel is a different encounter, possessing different attacks and resistances. It is located near the capital outskirts and is optional. It has high health and uses lightning-based attacks.
14. Can I enter the capital without defeating the Draconic Tree Sentinel?
Yes, it is not necessary to defeat the Draconic Tree Sentinel to enter Leyndell, Royal Capital. You can progress through Deeproot Depths if you want to bypass it.
15. What are the key takeaways when fighting Tree Sentinels?
The key points to remember are to exploit their lightning weakness, utilise bleed and poison, master parries, use spirit ashes for distractions, and utilise Torrent for mounted combat to outmanoeuvre their attacks.