Defeating Astel: Key Weaknesses in Elden Ring’s Reign of Night

Astel’s Weaknesses in the Reign of Night Campaign

The Reign of Night expansion adds a fresh layer of mystery to Elden Ring, and at its heart lies the towering foe known as Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. Players who have struggled with Astel’s relentless void attacks will find that a handful of specific tactics can tip the scales. Understanding which damage types pierce its armored hide and how to exploit its attack patterns is the first step toward a clean victory.

Why Holy and Fire Damage Matter

Astel’s flesh is infused with void energy, which makes it surprisingly susceptible to both Holy and Fire. Holy-infused weapons—such as the Godrick Sword blessed with the Sacred Blade talisman—deal extra damage when the boss raises its massive claw. Fire, on the other hand, disrupts the dark aether that fuels Astel’s ranged blasts, especially when you time a well‑placed flame attack during its charging animation.

If you lack a dedicated Holy weapon, a basic Sacred Seal paired with a strong spell like the Lightning Spear can still chip away at the boss’s health. Just remember to switch to a fire‑based weapon—like the Reduvia infused with the Flameblade stone—for the brief windows when Astel gathers void energy before a major strike.

Target the Tail for a Stagger Opportunity

The most reliable opening appears when Astel whips its long, serpentine tail across the arena. A heavy attack to the tail not only deals decent damage but also has a chance to stagger the beast, temporarily suspending its offensive rhythm. A staggered Astel pauses its void roar, allowing you to land a flurry of hits or cast a potent spell without interruption.

Timing is crucial. The tail swing’s wind‑up is about a second long; a well‑timed roll followed by a charged heavy attack usually guarantees the stagger. Players who rely solely on light attacks often miss this cue, leaving them vulnerable to Astel’s retaliatory vacuum blast.

Dodging the Void Blast: Positioning Tips

Astel’s signature attack—Void Blast—creates a expanding black sphere that pulls nearby players inward. The safest counter is to stay just beyond the blast’s outer edge, then dash sideways as the sphere contracts. This movement not only avoids damage but also positions you opposite the boss, where its next melee swing is weaker.

For ranged builds, a well‑timed arrow or bolt shot during the Void Blast’s charge can interrupt the animation, causing the sphere to dissipate prematurely. The trick is to keep your distance, watch the visual cue of Astel’s hand glowing violet, and fire a quick shot before the sphere fully forms.

Use Summons Sparingly but Strategically

Spirit summons can distract Astel enough to create openings, but they also draw its void attacks, potentially wiping out your helper. A balanced approach is to summon a single, high‑damage spirit—like the Mimic Tear equipped with a lightning-infused weapon—right after you stagger the tail. The spirit will absorb the next void blast, buying you precious seconds to unleash a heavy combo.

If you prefer multiplayer assistance, a well‑coordinated partner can take the brunt of the charge while you focus on exploiting the boss’s elemental weaknesses. Communication is key; otherwise, both of you might end up caught in the same vacuum.

Inventory Essentials Before the Fight

• Flame‑enhanced weapon: Any weapon upgraded with a Fire stone, preferably a large‑sized sword or greataxe.
• Sacred seal or Holy spell: Lightning Spear, or the Sacred Blade miracle if you favor miracles.
• Stamina‑boosting talismans: The Carian Filigreed Crest for sorceries, and the Green Turtle Talisman for melee stamina.
• Healing items: Golden Seeds and Flask of Crimson Tears, stocked to at least three uses per fight.

Common Missteps to Avoid

Many newcomers attempt to brute‑force Astel with pure physical damage, only to be caught in the relentless void pulls. Another frequent error is spamming fire spells without pausing for the boss’s charge cues—this wastes FP and leaves you open to counter‑attacks. The smartest players weave together bursts of Holy damage, timed heavy hits on the tail, and quick retreats during the Void Blast.

FAQ

What is the best weapon for cutting through Astel’s defense?

Combining a Holy‑infused weapon with fire damage generally yields the highest overall damage. If you lack either, prioritize a weapon that can be quickly switched between the two damage types during the fight.

Can I defeat Astel without summons?

Yes, solo players can succeed by focusing on the tail stagger, maintaining proper distance during the Void Blast, and alternating Holy and Fire attacks. Summons are a convenience, not a requirement.

How many attempts does the Reign of Night boss normally take?

The difficulty varies by build, but most players clear Astel within three to five attempts when they apply the described strategies.

Do any armor sets reduce the void pull damage?

Armor sets that boost resistance to magical damage—such as the Carian Knight set—provide modest reduction to the pull effect, but they don’t eliminate it entirely. Pairing such armor with a high stamina reserve is the most effective defense.