Where to Beat Astel in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
Astel, a terrifying and magnificent creature, is a boss that many Tarnished in Elden Ring will encounter at some point during their journeys. However, the question of where to beat Astel isn’t as straightforward as it might seem, as there are actually two variations of this boss. This article will clearly explain where to find each Astel encounter, and offer helpful insights about the battles.
Astel, Naturalborn of the Void: Location and How to Reach It
The first Astel most players will likely encounter is Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, a Legend Boss. This formidable foe is found at the end of a challenging journey through some of the game’s most treacherous areas.
The Lake of Rot and Nokstella
To reach this specific encounter, you need to progress through Ranni the Witch’s questline. Your path will eventually lead you to the Ainsel River, a sprawling underground complex that introduces you to the Lake of Rot, a hazardous area filled with the deadly Scarlet Rot status effect. Navigation through the Lake of Rot requires careful planning and often the use of items that temporarily alleviate the effects of the rot.
At the end of this grueling path, within Nokstella, Eternal City, you’ll find the Grand Cloister. This is the location where you’ll face Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. Alternatively, you can bypass a good portion of Ranni’s quest by finding a coffin in the Deeproot Depths that will transport you directly to the Ainsel River and, eventually, to the Grand Cloister.
Preparation and Recommended Level
Before you brave this fight, it is advised to be at least level 55-60. Ensure that your weapon is sufficiently upgraded and that you have a good stock of healing items and items to deal with Scarlet Rot. This will be a tough fight and the level recommendation is the bare minimum. The use of summons can significantly aid you in this encounter.
Astel, Stars of Darkness: A Separate Encounter
The second Astel encounter is with Astel, Stars of Darkness, a Field Boss. This variant of Astel is located in a completely different area, further into the game. It is an optional boss that you don’t necessarily need to defeat to progress in Elden Ring.
Yelough Anix Tunnel
Astel, Stars of Darkness is located inside the Yelough Anix Tunnel, an icy cave in the Consecrated Snowfields. This region is only accessible once you’ve made significant progress in the game, typically after reaching the Mountaintops of the Giants. The fight takes place after you enter the boss room after opening a wooden gate; Astel will materialize from a portal. This location does not require the same level of progression through quests, making it possible to encounter this boss independent of the first encounter.
No Story Necessity
While Astel, Stars of Darkness is an optional boss, defeating this particular variant does provide rewards, experience, and a good challenge. There is no direct reward related to Ranni’s questline unlike the first fight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Astel, providing additional clarity and valuable information for your Elden Ring journey.
1. Is it necessary to beat both Astels?
No, defeating Astel, Stars of Darkness, in the Yelough Anix Tunnel is entirely optional. However, you must defeat Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, in the Grand Cloister to progress with Ranni’s questline and achieve the ‘Age of Stars’ ending.
2. What rewards do you get for defeating Astel?
Defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, grants you 80,000 Runes and the Remembrance of the Naturalborn. This remembrance can be exchanged with Enia at the Roundtable Hold for powerful items. Defeating Astel, Stars of Darkness gives you runes and a powerful weapon.
3. What are Astel’s weaknesses?
Astel is weak to both Poison and Scarlet Rot. Certain spirit ashes can be very useful for applying these status effects. Bleed is also an effective damage type.
4. What are some recommended Summons for the Astel fight?
The Mimic Tear Ashes or any tanky summon that can draw the boss’s attention are very useful. Latenna’s spirit ash can also deal significant damage, provided it is not targeted. The Spirit Jellyfish is also a useful summon for applying poison.
5. What should my level be before fighting Astel?
For Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, a recommended level is 55-60. For Astel, Stars of Darkness you may want to be much higher, as the Consecrated Snowfields are very late game.
6. What is the Dark Moon Ring I find after defeating Astel?
The Dark Moon Ring is found in the chest after defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. This ring is essential to continue Ranni’s questline.
7. Is Astel a hard boss?
Yes, Astel, Naturalborn of the Void is considered a hard boss with unique punishing attacks both at range and close-up.
8. Can you use summons in the Astel fights?
Yes, summons are very useful in both Astel fights. They can distract the boss and deal extra damage.
9. How many runes does Astel Remembrance provide?
The Remembrance of the Naturalborn grants 30,000 runes when consumed and 80,000 runes when killing the boss itself.
10. Does Astel have any resistances?
Astel is highly resistant to most status effects but susceptible to Bleed, Poison, and Scarlet Rot.
11. Is Astel a Fallingstar Beast?
It is theorized that the Fallingstar Beast is an early life stage of beings like Astel and the Malformed Star.
12. What is Ranni the Witch’s questline and why is it relevant?
Ranni the Witch’s questline is a long questline that requires navigating several different areas. It is relevant because it is the only way to encounter and defeat Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, which leads to the ‘Age of Stars’ ending.
13. What is the significance of the Yelough Anix Tunnel?
The Yelough Anix Tunnel is a late-game area in the Consecrated Snowfields that houses Astel, Stars of Darkness.
14. How can you reach the Consecrated Snowfields?
The Consecrated Snowfields can be reached by finding the two halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion, and then using it to take the Grand Lift of Rold.
15. Is there a specific order I should fight the bosses?
While not entirely linear, the game does have a recommended boss order, and Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, usually falls relatively late in the main boss progression. However, Astel, Stars of Darkness, can be encountered much later and isn’t tied to the main boss progression.
Conclusion
Both Astel encounters present significant challenges in Elden Ring. Knowing where to beat Astel, understanding its weaknesses, and being prepared for its attacks are crucial for victory. Whether you’re pushing through Ranni’s questline or simply looking for a late-game challenge, facing Astel will test your skills and reward your efforts. Good luck, Tarnished!