Where to Go After Beating the Tree Sentinel in Elden Ring: A Tarnished Traveler’s Guide
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You’ve felled the Tree Sentinel, that imposing, golden-clad guardian patrolling the starting area of Limgrave. Congratulations, Tarnished! Now, with your newfound runes and the Golden Halberd perhaps weighing down your inventory (or already equipped!), the burning question is: Where do you go next? The answer is multifaceted, depending on your playstyle and objectives, but the most direct route is to head north towards the Stormgate. This path leads to Stormveil Castle, the first major Legacy Dungeon, ruled by Godrick the Grafted. However, the vastness of the Lands Between offers many other tantalizing possibilities.
The Path to Stormveil Castle
The Stormgate is easily recognizable by its towering archway and the spectral figures of fallen soldiers lingering nearby. Be warned: the path to the Stormgate is fraught with dangers, including packs of Godrick Soldiers, Warhawks, and even a Troll. Consider summoning Torrent, your spectral steed, to traverse the landscape quickly and evade enemies, especially if you are still at a relatively low level.
Exploring Before Stormveil
While Stormveil Castle is the “main” path, rushing directly there might not be the wisest decision. Elden Ring rewards exploration, and Limgrave is teeming with secrets and opportunities to level up. Consider these alternative routes:
- West Limgrave: Explore the Church of Elleh, where you’ll encounter Merchant Kale and can potentially obtain the Spirit Calling Bell, essential for summoning spirit ashes. Venture further west towards the Agheel Lake, but be wary of the dragon, Flying Dragon Agheel.
- East Limgrave: Discover the Mistwood area, shrouded in fog and guarded by powerful Runebears. This region also houses the entrance to the Siofra River, an underground area accessible via an elevator.
- South Limgrave (Weeping Peninsula): This optional region can be accessed by crossing the Bridge of Sacrifice to the south of Limgrave. It’s a lower-level area, perfect for gaining experience and finding useful items before tackling Stormveil Castle.
Preparing for Stormveil Castle
Before entering Stormveil Castle, ensure you are adequately prepared. This includes:
- Leveling up: Spend your runes to increase your attributes, focusing on Vigor (HP), Endurance (Stamina), and your primary damage stat (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith).
- Upgrading your weapon: Visit a blacksmith, such as Hewg at the Roundtable Hold, to upgrade your weapons using smithing stones.
- Acquiring Spirit Ashes: Collect and upgrade spirit ashes to summon powerful allies during boss fights.
- Crafting: Learn crafting recipes and gather materials to create useful items like healing items, throwing knives, and buffs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it necessary to fight the Tree Sentinel?
No, the Tree Sentinel is entirely optional. You can bypass him and still progress through the game. However, defeating him early provides a significant boost in runes and a powerful weapon.
2. What level should I be to fight the Tree Sentinel?
It’s recommended to be at least level 15-20 before attempting to defeat the Tree Sentinel. However, skilled players can defeat him at lower levels using strategy and knowledge of his attack patterns.
3. Can I come back and fight the Tree Sentinel later?
Absolutely! The Tree Sentinel remains in Limgrave throughout the game, allowing you to return and challenge him whenever you feel ready.
4. What are some strategies for defeating the Tree Sentinel?
Common strategies include:
- Using Torrent to attack and evade.
- Exploiting openings after his attacks.
- Utilizing ranged attacks or magic.
- Summoning spirit ashes for assistance.
- Cheesing him by using the Church of Elleh’s archway.
5. What are the best early-game weapons besides the Golden Halberd?
Other excellent early-game weapons include the Lordsworn’s Straight Sword, the Twinblade, and various magic staffs and seals.
6. Where is the Roundtable Hold and how do I get there?
The Roundtable Hold is a hub area for Tarnished, accessible after encountering Melina and accepting her offer to guide you. She will transport you there after resting at a Site of Grace in a specific region (usually after defeating a major boss or exploring a significant area).
7. What are Sites of Grace and why are they important?
Sites of Grace are checkpoints throughout the Lands Between. They allow you to rest, level up, refill your flasks, memorize spells, and access fast travel. They are crucial for survival and progression.
8. How do I summon Spirit Ashes?
You need the Spirit Calling Bell, obtained from Renna the Witch at the Church of Elleh (at night). Once you have the bell and spirit ashes, you can summon them using FP (Focus Points) in areas marked with a small blue arch icon on the left side of the screen.
9. What is the purpose of crafting?
Crafting allows you to create essential items like healing items, status cures, throwing weapons, and temporary buffs using gathered materials. It’s a valuable skill for survival and resource management.
10. How do I upgrade my weapons?
You can upgrade your weapons at a blacksmith, such as Hewg at the Roundtable Hold, using Smithing Stones. These stones are found throughout the world, often in mines or guarded by enemies.
11. What is the best class for beginners in Elden Ring?
Classes like the Vagabond and Samurai are often recommended for beginners due to their balanced stats and access to melee weapons and armor. However, any class can be viable depending on your preferred playstyle.
12. Where do I find Smithing Stones early in the game?
Early Smithing Stones can be found in the Limgrave Tunnels dungeon, located near the Agheel Lake.
13. What is the significance of the Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears?
Golden Seeds increase the number of flasks you can carry, while Sacred Tears improve the amount of HP or FP restored by each flask. Both are crucial for survivability.
14. How does multiplayer work in Elden Ring?
Elden Ring features both cooperative and competitive multiplayer. You can summon other players to help you through difficult areas or engage in PvP battles using specific items like the Furlcalling Finger Remedy and Duelist’s Furled Finger.
15. I’m struggling with a particular boss. What should I do?
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons, spirit ashes, and strategies. Also, consider summoning other players for assistance or consulting online guides and communities for tips and tricks. Remember that perseverance and learning from your mistakes are key to success in Elden Ring. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) provides excellent resources on how game design fosters learning and problem-solving skills, which can be invaluable when tackling challenging games like Elden Ring.
The journey through the Lands Between is long and arduous, but with careful planning, exploration, and a willingness to learn, you will undoubtedly become a formidable Elden Lord. Good luck, Tarnished!