The Tree Sentinel performs a similar training role in Elden Ring to the Vanguard in Demon's Souls or the Asylum Demon in Dark Souls.
However, since Elden Ring is an open-world game, the formula changes a bit -- and you have the option of skipping the boss entirely.
To take on this boss, head to the First Stem in Limgrave. The Tree Sentinel can be found to the northeast, on the road between the Church of Elleh and the Gatefront Ruins.
Preparation
Farming tons of Runes wasn't really an option in the time-limited demo, so we had to compensate through gameplay and being adequately prepared.
The Blood Wolf class has a bit of an advantage in this fight, since it's possible to enchant your weapon directly with Ashes of War: Thunderbolt. The Tree Sentinel appears vulnerable to this element. The Enchanted Knight may also have an advantage through spells, but given the Sentinel can return spells, this class may not be the most ideal.
You should buy Lone Wolf Ashes from Merchant Kalé as soon as possible. You can find him in the Church of Elleh in Limgrave.
Follow the yellow light to reach the next Point of Grace and unlock Melina, level gains, and the ability to summon your mount. Also remember to pick up the map fragment in the middle of the ruins.
Focus on improving Stamina over other stats, as dodging and blocking will mean you survive more than two hits.
You should tour local dungeons such as Groveside Cave and Stormfoot Catacombs to gain levels and gear. You'll also find the Ash of War: Glintsword Arch in the latter, a powerful tool.
If you want to improve your chances of success, you can also go to the Murkwater Catacombs in Western Limgrave. Follow the water north-east from Agheel Lake to get there. Inside, you'll find the Northern Mercenary Ashes. You'll need 100 FP to summon this Spirit, so you may need to invest a few points into the Mind stat.
Rest at the Site of Grace near the Tree Sentinel, then summon your spirits. If you're patient enough, approach quietly from behind. This will allow you to open with a charged two-handed attack.
Combat
If you're playing a melee class, the secret to the Tree Sentinel fight is to always position yourself behind the boss, or on the opposite side of where it's going to attack. Keep your attacks to one or two before moving, and you should avoid the worst it has to offer. Be patient, and learn its patterns.
There will still be times where you need to dodge, such as when he gallops away and charges back. You'll need to perfect your timing here, or if you're an class like Enchanted Knight, a solid shield to block.
It's especially important to be wary of the boss' jump attacks and shield blows. The area of affect is much larger than one might expect, and you'll either have to dodge (with the right timing) or make sure you're well away.
If you're playing a caster, beware. If not in the midst of an attack animation, the Sentinel will activate its shield, identifiable by a golden glow. Any spells that land during this time will be reflected at full force, which obviously isn't ideal.
After dealing enough damage, it'll crumple to the ground. You can either take the opportunity to attack freely, or search for the spots emitting a golden glow, using R1 for a devastating critical hit.
Other Strategies
- Climbing onto a high object, such as the pillars of the church, will allow you to bombard the Sentinel with spells or ranged projectiles almost without risk. Not the most glamorous of victories, but a victory nonetheless.
- This boss can also be used as a tutorial for combat on horseback. Managing movement between attacking and fleeing behind its back before it has a chance to attack you.
Rewards
For your victory, you'll be rewarded with Runes and the Ash of War: Holy Ground, which is a large AoE heal. The Prophet class starts with this on the Rickety Shield.
