Introduction
Have you ever stared into the abyss and wondered what stares back? In the vast and perilous world of Elden Ring, that abyss takes the form of Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. This creature, a horrifying blend of insectoid horror and cosmic entity, is more than just a challenging boss fight; it’s a glimpse into the unsettling, often Lovecraftian lore that permeates the Lands Between. Found deep within hidden locales, Astel represents a profound mystery, a question mark hanging over the origins of power and the nature of the cosmos within Elden Ring. This article will delve into Astel’s lore, unravel its significance, and provide effective strategies for conquering this formidable foe, ensuring you’re prepared to face the void and emerge victorious. Prepare yourself, Tarnished, for a journey into the darkness that spawned Astel, Naturalborn of the Void.
Unveiling the Lore: Astel’s Cosmic Origins
Astel’s very existence raises unsettling questions. The title “Naturalborn of the Void” speaks volumes, suggesting an origin far removed from the earthly struggles of the Lands Between. The name implies an inherent connection to the void, a place of nothingness and potentiality from which it sprung. Some theories posit that Astel is a manifestation of the outer gods, cosmic entities that exert their influence on the Lands Between, manipulating events and warping reality. The falling stars, frequent occurrences in the Elden Ring world, could be related to Astel’s arrival, perhaps even the vehicles that brought it to this plane of existence. This association with the stars also connects to the Greater Will, one of the outer gods, and the influence it has over the Lands Between.
Perhaps Astel represents a failed attempt to create an Empyrean, a being destined to inherit the Elden Ring. This would explain its connection to key locations in the game, such as the areas guarding the path to Ranni, one of the potential Empyreans that the player can help achieve her destiny. The creature’s monstrous form, a far cry from the demigod figures vying for power, could signify the corruption that the outer gods bring to the world. It’s a terrifying reminder that power has a price, and the pursuit of celestial dominion may lead to irreversible mutations and the unleashing of unimaginable horrors.
Another prevailing theory suggests that Astel is connected to the Formless Mother, an Outer God that grants power through blood, and associated with Mohg, Lord of Blood. Blood is typically associated with life, but the “stars of darkness” could represent the perversion of the life force into a catalyst of entropy and destruction. This connection makes Astel a significant threat to not just the player, but the very essence of existence.
The fact that multiple Astel variants exist, such as Astel, Stars of Darkness, further deepens the mystery. Are these creatures simply different stages of the same being, or are they separate entities, each with its own unique purpose and connection to the void? The answers, as with much of Elden Ring’s lore, are left to the player to piece together, adding to the unsettling atmosphere and sense of cosmic dread that Astel embodies.
Locations: Where Nightmares Reside
Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, primarily resides within the Grand Cloister, a location accessed through the treacherous Lake of Rot in the Ainsel River. Reaching this area is a journey in itself, requiring players to navigate poisonous swamps and overcome various obstacles. The Lake of Rot, with its haunting beauty and inherent danger, perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere surrounding Astel, foreshadowing the cosmic horror that awaits.
The Grand Cloister serves as a significant gateway, guarding the path to Ranni’s questline and ultimately playing a crucial role in unlocking one of the game’s multiple endings. Why is Astel guarding this path? Is it acting as a protector, a barrier, or a test for those seeking to meddle with celestial powers? The answer to this question remains elusive, but its presence undoubtedly adds weight to the decisions players make within Ranni’s questline.
In contrast, Astel, Stars of Darkness, can be found in the Yelough Anix Tunnel, located on the Consecrated Snowfield. This area, characterized by its blizzards and challenging enemies, presents a different but equally perilous environment. Reaching this variant of Astel requires careful navigation and preparation, making the encounter feel like a culmination of the player’s journey through the Consecrated Snowfield. Its presence here is less directly tied to a specific questline, instead serving as a powerful optional boss that tests the player’s skills and provides valuable rewards. The different locations of the Astel variations hint at different purposes and perhaps different origins, further enriching the lore surrounding these enigmatic creatures.
Analyzing the Combat: Facing the Void’s Fury
Astel’s combat style is a testament to its alien nature. It favors ranged attacks, teleportation, and gravity magic, creating a dynamic and unpredictable encounter. Its attacks are visually stunning but incredibly dangerous, requiring players to be constantly aware of their surroundings and ready to react.
One of Astel’s defining characteristics is its high damage output and capacity for crowd control. Its gravity magic attacks, such as Gravity Orbs and Gravity Waves, can easily stagger players, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Its pincer attacks and swipe combos are also incredibly fast and can quickly deplete health bars. Astel’s ability to teleport and ambush players adds another layer of complexity to the fight, making it difficult to predict its next move.
Certain attacks are particularly dangerous and require specific strategies to avoid. The Nebula attack, a barrage of cosmic energy, can quickly overwhelm players who are not prepared. Its Teleport Grab, a devastating attack that instantly kills players at low health, is a constant threat. Learning to recognize the telltale signs of these attacks and mastering the timing for dodging them is crucial for survival.
While Astel is a formidable opponent, it does have weaknesses. It is generally vulnerable to physical damage, making melee builds a viable option. Certain status effects, such as bleed, can also be effective against Astel. However, it is resistant to magic damage and certain other status effects, so players should carefully consider their weapon and spell choices.
Strategies for Victory: Taming the Cosmic Beast
Defeating Astel requires a combination of skill, strategy, and patience. Effective spacing and timing are essential for avoiding its attacks. Utilizing Spirit Ashes can provide valuable support, distracting Astel and creating opportunities for players to attack. Summon options like Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche are excellent choices. Managing stamina and FP is also crucial, as players will need to be able to dodge attacks and cast spells effectively. Buffs and consumables can further enhance your capabilities, providing additional damage, resistance, or healing.
Melee players should focus on closing the distance safely and identifying openings for attacks. Rolling towards Astel after certain attacks allows for quick hits. High-damage weapons like colossal swords or katanas are particularly effective. Caster builds should prioritize maintaining distance and using spells with high damage output and range, like Comet Azur or Rock Sling.
The specific tactics for dodging each attack are crucial for survival. Rolling towards Astel during its Gravity Orbs attack can help you avoid being hit. Staying behind cover during its Nebula attack is essential for minimizing damage. Learning the timing for dodging its Teleport Grab is paramount. The Astel, Stars of Darkness fight is similar, but its tighter arena emphasizes the importance of close-quarters combat skills.
The differences between Naturalborn of the Void and Stars of Darkness necessitate slightly different strategies. Naturalborn has a higher health pool and hits harder, while Stars of Darkness focuses on teleporting more frequently in a smaller arena.
Rewards and Significance: Claiming Your Celestial Prize
Defeating Astel yields significant rewards. Players receive a large number of runes, which can be used to level up or purchase items. They also obtain key items, such as the Remembrance of the Naturalborn, which can be used to acquire powerful weapons or spells.
More importantly, defeating Astel advances Ranni’s questline, bringing players closer to unlocking one of the game’s multiple endings. The act of defeating Astel also has profound lore implications, suggesting that even cosmic horrors can be overcome by those with the strength and determination to face them. The fight against Astel is a testament to the player’s resilience and their ability to challenge the established order, even when that order is governed by forces beyond human comprehension.
Conclusion: Conquering the Void
Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, is more than just a challenging boss fight; it is a symbol of the cosmic horrors that lurk within the Lands Between. Its unique design, unpredictable combat style, and unsettling lore make it one of the most memorable encounters in Elden Ring. While defeating Astel requires skill and preparation, the rewards and lore implications make it a worthwhile endeavor. So, Tarnished, prepare yourself to face the void, master the strategies outlined in this guide, and emerge victorious against the cosmic beast known as Astel. The Lands Between, and your own destiny, awaits. Good luck!
