Conquering Astel, Naturalborn Of The Void: Weaknesses And Strategies

by Jhon Lennon 69 views

Hey, Tarnished! Ready to dive into the cosmic horrors of Elden Ring? One of the toughest bosses you'll face is undoubtedly Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. This interdimensional beast is a real pain, especially with its gravity attacks and devastating area-of-effect spells. But don't worry, guys! We're here to break down Astel's weaknesses and give you some solid strategies to obliterate it. Let's get to it!

Understanding Astel, Naturalborn of the Void: The Cosmic Threat

First things first, let's get acquainted with this freaky boss. Astel, Naturalborn of the Void isn't your average fire-breathing dragon or hulking knight. This thing is a celestial being, a cosmic entity that warps space and time, and it's here to mess up your day in the Lands Between. The boss looks like a giant, insect-like creature, with a massive, glowing head and multiple appendages. Its attacks are primarily based on gravity magic, which can pull you in, slam you down, and generally make your life miserable. Understanding Astel's attack patterns is key to surviving this fight. Its attacks have quite the reach, so learning the timing to dodge is crucial. Knowing when to strike and when to back off will make the difference between victory and being sent back to the Site of Grace.

Astel's presence is marked by its imposing size and the eerie, otherworldly environment of its boss arena. The arena itself is a key component of the fight, offering a challenging space to maneuver while dodging attacks and finding openings to strike. The ethereal glow and the sound effects add to the atmosphere of a battle against an entity that's beyond the comprehension of ordinary humans. Being familiar with these tells and timings can help you react accordingly, giving you a crucial advantage. Additionally, Astel can teleport, further complicating the fight. This teleportation makes predicting his next move very tricky, so staying alert is essential.

The Arena: Your Battlefield

The arena where you fight Astel, Naturalborn of the Void is just as important as the boss itself. It's a large, open space, but it's not without its hazards. The main thing you need to keep in mind is the boss's range and the potential for getting caught in AoE (Area of Effect) attacks. Being aware of the arena's boundaries will prevent you from accidentally rolling off the edge during a gravity attack. It's not a small space, but Astel's massive size and long-range attacks can quickly limit your mobility if you're not careful. The open space allows for some maneuvering, but it also means there are fewer obstacles to use for cover.

Astel's Attacks: Know Your Enemy

Astel's attack patterns are where things get tricky. The boss has a variety of attacks, including:

  • Gravity Spikes: Creates a series of gravity spikes that erupt from the ground. They're a pain because they have a wide reach and can easily catch you if you're not paying attention.
  • Gravity Beam: A massive beam of gravity energy that it shoots across the arena. Very deadly, so dodge or get ready to tank some damage.
  • Meteor Shower: Astel summons a rain of meteors that fall from the sky. These meteors are also very damaging. So, keep an eye out and dodge.
  • Close-Range Swipes: Its claws and appendages can deliver some nasty close-range swipes. Always stay aware of its proximity to you.
  • Teleport: Astel can teleport, which can throw off your rhythm. Be prepared to readjust your strategy if Astel disappears.

Learning how to dodge these attacks is essential. Pay close attention to the boss's movements and learn the timing of each attack. Dodging is key to survival, as getting hit by these attacks can quickly drain your health.

Astel's Weaknesses: Exploiting the Void

Alright, let's get down to the good stuff: Astel's weaknesses. Despite its imposing presence, the boss isn't invincible. Knowing these weaknesses can significantly increase your chances of success. It's not just about brute force; it's about smart combat.

Vulnerabilities

  • Magic Resistance: The boss is not as resistant to physical damage as you might think. Astel is more susceptible to physical attacks than magic. So, weapons that deal high physical damage are very effective.
  • Stagger Potential: Astel is vulnerable to being staggered. If you can deal enough damage quickly, you can interrupt its attacks and create openings. Weapons with high poise damage are excellent for this. Heavy weapons like the Greatsword can be very effective if you can land your hits.
  • Certain Spells: While Astel has high magic resistance, specific spells can still deal significant damage. Also, spells that inflict status effects like frost can be particularly effective. Experimenting with different spells can help you discover which ones are most effective in your case.

Exploitable Strategies

  • Melee Combat: Get up close and personal. Astel's melee attacks are often slower and more telegraphed, giving you opportunities to attack. Be ready to dodge, and try to stay behind or to the side of Astel to avoid its frontal attacks.
  • Ranged Attacks: If you prefer ranged combat, keep a safe distance and be ready to dodge its gravity attacks. The goal is to maximize the openings while maintaining a safe distance. Using ranged attacks can be a bit more challenging, but it gives you some control over the battle.
  • Summons: Don't hesitate to summon Spirit Ashes or cooperative players. A good summon can distract Astel and create openings for you to attack. This is particularly helpful in the fight.

Effective Strategies for the Fight

Now, let's talk about the actual fight. Here are some strategies to help you bring down Astel, Naturalborn of the Void:

Pre-Fight Preparations

Before you even think about entering the arena, make sure you're properly prepared. That means:

  • Leveling Up: Make sure you're at a suitable level. Aim for at least level 80-100, depending on your build.
  • Weapon Upgrades: Upgrade your weapons to the highest level possible. This significantly increases your damage output.
  • Flasks: Ensure you have enough health and FP (Focus Points) flasks.
  • Armor: Wear armor that provides good physical and magic resistance.
  • Talismans: Equip talismans that boost your damage output, defense, and stamina regeneration.

Phase 1: Close-Quarters Combat

In the first phase, your goal is to stay close to Astel and deal as much damage as possible. Focus on dodging its attacks and getting behind it or to its side. Watch out for those swipes and the gravity spikes. That's when you have the best chance to strike. Keep up the pressure and watch for your openings.

  • Staying Close: Staying close reduces the likelihood of getting hit by its long-range attacks.
  • Dodging: Learn the timing of its attacks and dodge accordingly.
  • Staggering: Aim for staggering the boss to create openings.

Phase 2: Dealing with the Big Attacks

In the second phase, Astel will start using more powerful attacks, including the gravity beam and the meteor shower. Stay vigilant and dodge these attacks. If you have any summons, now is the time to use them to distract Astel and create openings. Once you learn the timings and dodge patterns, it is a matter of patience.

  • Dodge the Big Attacks: Learning the timing for dodging these is the key to surviving.
  • Use Summons: Spirit Ashes or other players can provide the distraction you need.
  • Maintain Distance: Don't get greedy, and keep a safe distance when the boss is about to unleash a devastating attack.

Weapon and Build Recommendations

Your choice of weapon and build can significantly affect your success. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Strength Builds: Strength builds with heavy weapons like the Greatsword or the Colossal Greatsword are effective due to their high poise damage and ability to stagger Astel.
  • Dexterity Builds: Dexterity builds with fast weapons can also be effective, especially if you focus on dodging and critical hits.
  • Intelligence Builds: While Astel resists magic, certain spells can still deal significant damage. Focus on frost spells or other status effects.
  • Faith Builds: Faith builds with incantations that deal holy damage can be useful. Holy damage is quite effective against the boss.
  • Recommended Weapons: Consider weapons like the Moonveil, Blasphemous Blade, or Giant-Crusher (for strength builds).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Let's go over some frequently asked questions:

What level should I be to fight Astel?

It is recommended to be between levels 80 and 100, though this can vary depending on your build and skill.

Where can I find Astel?

You can find Astel, Naturalborn of the Void in the Grand Cloister area of the Lake of Rot, accessed via the Ainsel River.

What are the best Spirit Ashes to use?

The Mimic Tear and Black Knife Tiche are great choices, as they can deal significant damage and distract Astel.

What should I do if I keep getting hit by the gravity beam?

Practice dodging! The timing can be tricky, but once you learn it, you'll be able to dodge the beam consistently. Also, consider using talismans that boost your magic resistance.

Can I summon other players to help?

Yes, you can summon other players for co-op. This can make the fight much easier, especially if you're struggling.

Conclusion: Mastering the Cosmos

Conquering Astel, Naturalborn of the Void is a significant achievement in Elden Ring. With the right strategies, weapon choices, and a bit of practice, you'll be able to overcome this cosmic entity and continue your journey to become the Elden Lord. Keep experimenting, keep learning the attack patterns, and most importantly, keep enjoying the game, Tarnished! Good luck, and happy hunting!