Once again inspired by the Cthullu stories, the developers of Elden Ring have concocted horror from the stars. But it's not an abomination from the void that's going to stop you from putting the ring on Ranni's finger, is it?
Where can I find Astel Naturalborn of the Void?
You don't strictly need to do Ranni's quests to encounter this boss, but you are going to have to kill him if you wish to pursue them. They will also make access to the area a little easier.
To reach Astel, defeating Radahn is almost mandatory. Reaching the area otherwise is possible, but it is terribly complicated, and accessible much later in the game. You must then defeat the Tear imitator, then the Valiant Gargoyles. The sequel requires you to cross many areas: you have to take the coffin of the room of the gargoyles in order to reach the Depths of Fondroot, then take the other coffin of the area, at the top of the waterfall. It will take you to the second part of Ainsel. Cross the area to reach the elevator that will take you down to the Rotten Lake. All that remains is to cross it and descend into the Grand Cloister, in which a final coffin awaits you.
Preparations
- Astel inflicts physical and magic damage, prepare your equipment accordingly.
- As often, prefer robust and ranged spirit summons if you want them to survive. An example is the Crystalline Dancer or Ancestral Disciple.
- This boss is quite resistant to physical damage, although this should not discourage you from using it. It is weak to Poison, Scarlet Rot, and various elements (magic, lightning).
Fight against Astel
This boss is dangerous at any distance, but it is more so from very far away. He then uses 2 notable attacks:
- Super Laser : Its mandibles will charge for a moment and then fire a terribly painful laser. It can be blocked, but it is better to dodge it.
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Tail Swipe : It uses its huge tail like a flail to attack you from above. It's pretty hard to see coming. If you're still far away, but he's not getting ready to fire a laser, that's probably what's happening. He tends to give a second tail swipe right after, don't let go and dodge.
Once you get close, he has more attacks, but they're relatively easy to dodge, at least if you don't stand in front of him. Characters in melee unfortunately don't have many options, while casters and archers can easily place themselves on his flanks, while being far enough away to naturally dodge his attacks.
- In melee, Astel will vary the attacks. One of the most common is a claw swipe that leaves a blue mist that will explode a moment later.
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A much more dangerous technique is the shock wave, he concentrates gravitational orbs in one or two of his hands before pressing them to the ground, which will create a gravitational wave. The number of orbs will determine the size of the area, it ranges from small to massive. The area will increase in size sequentially, so exit the melee and walk away.
Astel will regularly teleport after a few attacks, there are two possible destinations: either very far, which implies that he will use his laser and his tail. Is right above you, he will then launch an attack with his mandibles to grab you and chew you, which has a good chance of killing you.
Finally, at around 50% health, Astel will teleport away and then use an absolutely massive meteor shower above him. The only thing to do is stay far away and wait until things have calmed down. He uses this attack only once, the fight resumes normally then.
This guide has been translated from MGG France by bxakid and was originally written by Raiden Robin.
Here's a written and video guide on how to defeat the Fallingstar Beast in Elden Ring as one of the most iconic fight of the entire game.
