Elden Ring: How to Defeat Astel, Naturalborn of the Void in the Lake of Rot
Elden Ring is filled with bosses that test your patience, reflexes, and creativity, but few battles feel as alien and otherworldly as the encounter with Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. Found deep within the treacherous Lake of Rot, Astel is a cosmic horror that looks and fights unlike anything else in the Lands Between. This massive insectoid creature, wreathed in void energy and destructive magic, is as terrifying to behold as it is to fight.
For Tarnished brave enough to venture into the depths, this guide covers how to find Astel, the best ways to prepare, strategies for beating it, and the rewards you'll earn for your victory.
Who Is Astel, Naturalborn of the Void
Astel's origins are shrouded in mystery, but lore suggests that it is not of the Lands Between. This void-born abomination is believed to have descended from the stars, wreaking havoc upon civilizations by obliterating them with its cosmic powers. Its bizarre, insect-like form and glowing void aura highlight its alien nature, setting it apart even from other eldritch horrors scattered throughout the game.
Astel plays a major role in Ranni's questline. Defeating it is essential for advancing her storyline and unlocking one of Elden Ring's most significant endings. This makes Astel not only a memorable encounter but also a crucial milestone in your journey.
Where to Find Astel
Astel resides in the Grand Cloister, located deep within the Lake of Rot. Getting there is a trial in itself:
Progress through Ainsel River Main by defeating its enemies and navigating its caverns.
Make your way into the Lake of Rot, a massive scarlet swamp that builds up the deadly Scarlet Rot status effect as you traverse it.
Navigate the platforms, rot-covered enemies, and environmental hazards until you reach the Grand Cloister.
At the end of this descent, you'll find a coffin that serves as an elevator. Interact with it, and it will carry you down to the arena where Astel waits.
This journey is one of the most atmospheric and dangerous in the game, combining environmental hazards with cosmic dread before you even face the boss itself.
Preparing for the Fight
Astel is a mix of physical might and cosmic sorceries, so coming prepared is vital.
Recommended Level and Gear
Level: Around 80–100 is recommended for a balanced chance at victory.
Armor: Medium to heavy armor to survive its physical strikes, while balancing mobility for dodging spells.
Shields: Magic-resistant shields help against Astel's ranged attacks.
Talismans: The Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman or Spelldrake Talisman is useful to mitigate incoming damage.
Status Effects and Damage Types
Astel is highly resistant to magic but more vulnerable to physical damage, particularly slash and strike attacks.
Bleed weapons (katanas, curved swords, twinblades) can be effective for steadily shaving down its enormous health bar.
Holy damage and lightning spells can also perform well if you're running a Faith build.
Spirit Ashes and Summons
Unlike Radahn or Makar, Spirit Ashes are allowed here. Summons like Black Knife Tiche or Mimic Tear are especially effective, either dealing high damage or drawing aggro while you reposition.
Boss Fight Strategy
Astel is a spectacle of a boss fight, blending alien animations with devastating power. The key to victory lies in learning its patterns and punishing its long recovery times.
Phase One: Cosmic Blasts and Physical Strikes
In the first phase, Astel alternates between massive claw swipes, tail slams, and devastating ranged void magic.
Stay mobile. Astel's laser-like beams and void explosions can easily one-shot unprepared players, so dodging is essential.
Punish claw slams. After a slam or swipe, Astel leaves its head exposed—prime time to land heavy melee strikes.
Avoid tail attacks. Staying under Astel may seem safe, but its tail can sweep or slam suddenly. Keep moving to avoid getting trapped.
Phase Two: Teleports and Gravitational Fury
Once Astel's health drops below 50%, the fight escalates. It begins to teleport around the arena and unleashes stronger cosmic attacks.
Watch for teleports. Astel may vanish and reappear directly above you for a crushing grab attack. When it disappears, keep moving and look up to anticipate its location.
Survive the gravity wave. Astel can unleash a purple explosion that draws you in before detonating. Sprint or dodge out of its pull to avoid massive damage.
Stay aggressive but careful. Don't give Astel too much breathing room summons help here by keeping pressure on it while you strike opportunistically.
Rewards for Victory
Defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, yields some of the most memorable rewards in Elden Ring:
Remembrance of the Naturalborn – Can be exchanged for Astel's unique abilities, such as a powerful void-based sorcery or a devastating gravitational attack.
Runes – A generous sum to fuel your progression.
Progression in Ranni's Questline – Most importantly, Astel's defeat is required to advance Ranni's story, eventually unlocking the path to her ending.
The combination of lore, rewards, and the sheer spectacle of the fight make Astel one of the most significant bosses in the game.
Final Tips
Bring Scarlet Rot cures. The Lake of Rot leading to Astel is as deadly as the boss itself. Stock up on Preserving Boluses or equip gear that boosts rot resistance.
Use summons wisely. Spirit Ashes can make or break the fight let them distract Astel during its beam and teleport attacks.
Patience is key. Astel's punishing abilities demand caution. Avoid greedy combos and strike only when its long animations end.
Conclusion
The battle with Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, is one of Elden Ring's most unforgettable encounters. Combining cosmic horror design with devastating gameplay mechanics, it represents FromSoftware at its most imaginative. More than just a difficult fight, it's a pivotal moment tied directly to the game's lore and Ranni's questline.
By coming prepared, managing summons effectively, and carefully reading its attacks, Tarnished can overcome this alien terror. In doing so, they'll not only earn powerful rewards but also advance one of the most intriguing storylines in Elden Ring.
For those who dare to face the void, Astel is both a nightmare and a triumph waiting to be claimed.
In the Elden Ring game, players can collect various materials, items, and Elden Ring Runes as part of the core mechanics of the game. These materials and items can be used to craft, trade, and upgrade equipment. Gathering resources will be an important part of the gameplay, allowing players to enhance their characters and equipment and promote overall game development.If you want to quickly improve the character's combat power and get a better gaming experience, you can try to buy various materials, Runes and Elden Ring Items for sale.
The goods on MMOexp are updated daily by the staff with a reasonable and competitive price based on the market trend, offer the safest and cheap Elden Ring Items for PS/PC/Xbox, 365/24/7 online service and fast delivery. It is a large platform with good service, fast delivery, many items, and is safe and reliable.
