Astel, Naturalborn Of The Void: Leveling Up Your Build
Hey guys! So you're looking to take down Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, huh? Awesome! This boss fight in Elden Ring is one of the coolest and most visually stunning in the game. But let's be real, he can be a real pain in the butt. This guide is all about helping you level up your build to give you the best chance of victory. We'll dive into what stats to focus on, what weapons and spells work well, and some general tips and tricks for the fight itself. Get ready to turn Astel into a pile of cosmic dust! Let's get started.
Understanding Astel: The Cosmic Threat
Before we even think about leveling, let's break down Astel. Knowing what you're up against is half the battle, right? Astel is a gigantic, insect-like creature with a devastating arsenal of attacks. Think of him as the cosmic embodiment of nope. He deals primarily magic damage, which means you'll want to focus on magic resistance. His attacks are also incredibly varied, ranging from sweeping claw swipes to gravity-based attacks that can pull you in or slam you down. He's got a powerful laser beam, and he can even teleport around the arena. Annoying, I know.
Key Attacks and Strategies
Astel has some signature moves you need to watch out for. His teleportation can be disorienting, so try to keep track of where he vanishes to. When he raises his claws, prepare for a gravity attack, dodge rolling is your best friend here. If you see him charging up a beam, get ready to move, because it will melt your health bar pretty fast. If you're a melee build, you'll need to be especially patient, waiting for openings between attacks to get your hits in. Timing your dodges is absolutely critical. For ranged builds, staying at a safe distance is key, but be wary of his gravity attacks that can pull you in. And for any build, keep your eyes on the visual cues and be ready to react! So, to recap, the core gameplay strategies are based on the following:
- Dodge, Dodge, Dodge: Learn to recognize his attack patterns and time your rolls. This is more crucial than anything else.
- Positioning: Keep a medium distance, giving you time to react to his attacks.
- Magic Resistance: Because he is a magic-based boss, build up resistance in your armor or use consumables that grant it.
Stat Allocation: Building for Victory
Now, let's talk about the actual leveling part. What stats should you focus on to beat this cosmic beast? The answer depends a bit on your chosen playstyle, but there are some core stats that are essential for almost every build. I'll cover the most popular build types here and give you a solid plan to follow. The perfect stat build is the most important part of this guide!
Melee Builds: Strength and Vigor
If you're a melee player, you'll want to prioritize Strength and Vigor. Strength determines your damage output with heavy weapons, and Vigor increases your health, which you will definitely need against Astel's big hits. Here's a general guideline for these melee-focused stats:
- Vigor: Aim for at least 40-50 Vigor. More health equals more survivability, period. With this, you can withstand any hit he may have.
- Strength: Pump this up to the required amount for your chosen weapon (check the weapon's stat requirements). For maximum damage, shoot for 50-60 Strength.
- Endurance: Stamina is important for dodging and attacking. Put enough points in Endurance to handle your attacks.
- Mind: Because you will want to use weapon arts, try to keep your mind at the very least 20, but not more than 30.
- Magic Resistance: Put enough points in armor, and use consumables such as magic resistance.
Spellcasters: Intelligence and Mind
For sorcerers and incantation users, Intelligence is your primary damage stat, while Mind determines your FP (Focus Points) pool, which you'll need to cast spells. You'll also want some Vigor, because even ranged characters can get caught out by Astel's attacks. Here's how to distribute your points:
- Intelligence: Aim for at least 60-80 Intelligence for maximum spell damage. This is how you will defeat Astel, by doing more damage to him.
- Mind: Invest in Mind to have a good FP pool for casting spells. Aim for around 30-40 Mind, depending on how much you cast.
- Vigor: You will want to stay alive, so aim for 30-40 Vigor.
Hybrid Builds: Quality or Hybrid
Quality builds (those that invest in both Strength and Dexterity) or hybrid builds (that mix melee with magic) require a more balanced approach. You'll need to spread your points across multiple stats, so prioritize these:
- Vigor: Always the most important! Get this to at least 40.
- Strength/Dexterity/Intelligence/Faith: Depending on your build, allocate points into these. For quality builds, aim for at least 40 in both Strength and Dexterity. For hybrid builds, balance your damage stats based on your chosen spells and weapons.
- Mind: Always a must to cast spells and use weapon arts.
Weapon and Armor Recommendations
Choosing the right weapons and armor is essential for this fight. Here are some suggestions based on the build you're going for.
Melee Weapon Recommendations
- Giant-Crusher: This is an amazing strength weapon. This hammer has extremely high damage that can be inflicted on Astel.
- Blasphemous Blade: A greatsword with decent reach and the ability to heal you when you attack enemies. This is an all around good weapon.
- Moonveil Katana: It is a katana with high damage and has the weapon art Transient Moonlight which allows you to deal high damage.
Ranged Weapon Recommendations
- Carian Regal Scepter: It is a powerful staff for sorcerers that scales very well with Intelligence.
- Staff of Loss: This is a staff that will enhance your invisibility spells.
Armor Recommendations
- Armor with high magic resistance: This is the most important thing to look out for in the fight.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Alright, let's go over some general tips to make the fight easier:
- Summons: Don't be afraid to summon some spirit ashes! The Mimic Tear is amazing for this fight, as it can mimic your build and apply pressure on Astel. Lhutel the Headless is also a great option.
- Magic Resistance: Use consumables like the Magic Scorpion Charm, and equip armor pieces with high magic resistance to mitigate damage.
- Stay Focused: Don't get greedy with your attacks. Astel punishes recklessness. Wait for openings and stick to your strategy.
- Learn Attack Patterns: The more you fight Astel, the more you'll learn its attacks and timing. This will help you get those dodges down!
- Be Patient: Don't get discouraged if you die a few times. Astel is a tough boss, and it's all about learning its moves and finding the right strategy for your build.
Conclusion: You Got This!
Alright guys, that's it! Hopefully, this guide will help you level up your character and take down Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. Remember to focus on your stats, choose the right equipment, and stay patient. This battle is going to be epic. Good luck, Tarnished! You've got this!