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Elden Ring has many fascinating bosses in its densely packed world of the Lands Between, but none are quite as beautifully horrific as Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. This optional boss is located in the depths of the Grand Cloister and packs a punch. While not the most challenging boss in Elden Ring's catalog, it sure sits near the upper half of that list.

RELATED: Elden Ring: How To Defeat Rennala, Queen Of The Full Moon

Even as an optional boss, we suspect Astel will go down in history as one of FromSoftware's best boss encounters due to the atmosphere and aesthetic alone. It also helps that the fight's mechanics and challenge are tight and rewarding, which is really all you can ask for in these titles.

Astel, Naturalborn of the Void Overview

Astel, Naturalborn of the Void boss fight in Elden Ring

Astel, Naturalborn of the Void Overview

Location

Grand Cloister, Lake of Rot

Optional

Yes

Summons

Players and Spirit Ashes

Drops

  • 80,000 Runes
  • Remembrance of the Naturalborn

Weak To

  • Magic and Incantations
  • Holy
  • Rot
  • ???

Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, is a Legend Boss part of Ranni, the Witch's questline. While this is an optional boss in the grand scheme of things, it is a mandatory battle if you wish to continue Ranni's story. To get to Astel, you will need to reach Grand Cloister, nestled deep within the Lake of Rot and a high-level area. For this particular fight, we suggest being at least Level 55-60.

If you emerge victoriously over Astel, you will be paid handsomely with 80,000 Runes and the Remembrance of the Naturalborn, which can be exchanged for items via Enia at the Roundtable Hold.

Astel, Stars Of Darkness Overview

Astel, Stars of Darkness in Elden Ring

Astel, Stars of the Darkness Overview

Location

Yelough Anix Tunnel, Consecrated Snowfield

Optional

Yes

Summons

Players and Spirit Ashes

Drops

  • 120,000 Runes

Weak To

  • Magic and Incantations
  • Holy
  • Rot
  • ???

Astel, Stars of Darkness is located in the southwest region of the Consecrated Snowfield, deep within the Yelough Anix Tunnel. This encounter is completely optional and isn't required to advance any character arc or side quest. Though, if you decide to take this boss on, be sure to be around Level 80-90, as the Consecrated Snowfield, in general, has harder-hitting enemies.

Unlike Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, the Stars of Darkness version of Astel is not a Legend Boss and doesn't drop a Rememberance as a result. However, you will get 120,000 Runes out of it, which isn't too bad at this stage of the game. Other than that, they share broadly the same stats and attacks. So, if you can beat one of them, the other shouldn't give you much trouble.

Astel Attacks

Astel, Naturalborn of the Void's Shockwave Attack

Astel possesses many brutal attacks that will trip you up the first few attempts but has well telegraphed and easy to counter moves. For the most part, that is. There are a small number of attacks in Astel's arsenal that will completely blindside you, leaving you to feel defeated, cheated, and shamed. But, hopefully, we can explain the best way to prepare and react to its more "unfair" moves.

Battle Strategy

Astel, Naturalborn of the Void's arena in Elden Ring

This encounter will indeed cause you issues whether you're a melee or ranged focused character in Elden Ring, but Astel has many weaknesses and ways to exploit them if you play your cards carefully.

While Astel doesn't possess many unfair or poorly telegraphed moves, they all still hit incredibly hard and will end you faster than you know it if you aren't careful. Overall, once you learn Astel's patterns, how to exploit them, and what it is weak to, you should be good to go!

Melee Strategy

Player Character using Melee Combat against Astel, Naturalborn of the Void in Elden Ring

For melee users, we strongly recommend using either the Halo Scythe or any of the Holy Damage Ashes of War to amplify your damage output tenfold. Regardless of your weapon of choice, however, the best strategy for besting Astel is to dodge through its many ranged and AoE-based attacks until you get up close and personal. Here, you will have ample opportunity to land several attacks on its head until it teleports away. When it does that, wait to see if it teleported across the arena or above you, and react accordingly. Once Astel moves across the battlefield, rinse and repeat until the battle is over.

Furthermore, if you want to see what the Mimic Tear Ashes is all about, then pair it with your Halo Scythe and watch the magic unfold as you and your mimic spam Miquella's Ring of Light into Astel's face, forcing it into submission. Seriously, if you have the means to upgrade the Mimic Tear Ashes and your Halo Scythe, we strongly recommend doing so if you're struggling with this encounter. This combination will end the battle before it even begins.

Ranged Strategy

Casting a Magic Incantation in Elden Ring

Due to Astel having pretty nasty mid to long-range attacks, we recommend staying a bit closer to it this battle unless you are extremely confident in your rolling game. However, one benefit you magic-wielders have is the ability to maintain a "sweet spot" and continuously pelt Astel with Magic or Incantation until it teleports. This will only work when somewhere in the close to mid-range distances and baiting Astel's tail attack. However, once the meteor phase comes into play, you will have to change things up slightly.

We also recommend using Spirit Ashes, but only for mere distraction. Having a Spirit Ash pull Astel's focus will allow you to cast many uncontested spells and attacks, which is always a plus. However, if you're entirely against Spirit Ashes, we also urge you to use Holy or Rot-focused Magic or Incantations, as they seem to deal the most damage on Astel.

General Tips

Astel, Naturalborn of the Void attacking with its pincers in Elden Ring
  • Be Level 55-60 or higher (Astel, Naturalborn of the Void)
  • Be Level 80-90 (Astel, Stars of Darkness)
  • If able, use Mimic Tear Ashes paired with the Halo Scythe for unreal damage.
    • We recommend having both the Ashes and Weapon leveled to at least 6+
  • Use Holy or Rot Damage if possible to maximize damage.
  • Ranged users should try staying close this encounter as Astel's mid and long-ranged attacks are its strongest.

Next: Elden Ring: Complete Guide And Walkthrough