A Vision From Beyond: Unpacking Astel’s Design
The first time you lay eyes upon Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, a shiver runs down your spine. It’s not just the health bar that stretches across the screen, or the pulsing, dissonant music. It’s the sheer alien wrongness of the creature itself. This isn’t a dragon, a knight, or some twisted beast of the Lands Between. This is something other, something from beyond the stars, and its presence speaks to the profound cosmic horror underpinning Elden Ring’s rich tapestry. This article aims to dissect Astel, not just as a boss, but as a carefully crafted piece of lore, a challenging combatant, and a terrifying embodiment of forces beyond human comprehension. We’ll delve into its intricate design, dissect its perilous attack patterns, explore the narrative significance within Ranni’s questline, and offer strategies to aid you in conquering this cosmic terror.
Astel’s visual design is a masterclass in cosmic horror. Forget hulking muscle and brute force; this creature is all angles and ethereal energy. Imagine an enormous, insectoid being, elongated segments forming its body, each subtly shifting with an internal light. A color palette dominated by deep blues, purples, and abyssal blacks paints a picture of cold, alien space. It’s a stark contrast to the earthy tones prevalent across much of the Lands Between, instantly signaling that Astel is an anomaly, a visitor from somewhere… else.
Perhaps the most striking feature is its head. Where you might expect eyes or a face, you find a collection of crystalline structures, sharp and unnervingly geometric. These aren’t organic, they’re something grown, something formed under conditions utterly alien to our own. The multiple limbs, jointed and flexible, add to the unsettling feeling of watching something wrong. And then there are the wings, vast and almost translucent, hinting at the gravitational manipulation that defines Astel’s fighting style.
When you compare Astel to other cosmic entities in fantasy and gaming, the differences become clear. While some embrace grandiosity and godly power, Astel embodies a more subtle, insidious horror. It’s not necessarily about destruction, but about the slow, creeping realization that there are forces in the universe beyond our understanding, forces that can warp and corrupt the natural order. The design perfectly encapsulates this theme, making it one of Elden Ring’s most memorable and terrifying foes.
Echoes in the Dark: Astel’s Locations
You won’t find just one Astel in your journey across the Lands Between; these creatures of the void exist in multiple locations, subtly changing the context of each encounter. The most prominent, Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, awaits at the end of a long and arduous journey through the Lake of Rot. You must navigate the scarlet rot, a treacherous path that will deplete your health and test your patience before reaching the Grand Cloister. Within this cloister you must enter a coffin and be transported to the Astel encounter. The very location, a festering wound upon the earth, sets the stage for a confrontation with a being of otherworldly corruption.
There’s also the Astel, Stars of Darkness, found within the Yelough Anix Tunnel in the Consecrated Snowfield. While less narratively prominent, its presence here reinforces the idea that Astel isn’t a unique anomaly, but part of a larger cosmic invasion. The Yelough Anix Tunnel itself, a dark and claustrophobic space, adds to the tension of the fight. While some minor differences might exist in their precise stats or resistances, both Astel encounters share the same core moveset and challenge the player in similar ways.
Gravity’s Grasp: Understanding Astel’s Combat Style
Facing Astel is a test of patience, observation, and execution. Its attacks are telegraphed, but punishing, and its movement is unpredictable. Learning its tells and mastering your dodging skills is crucial for survival. Its repertoire is a terrifying blend of physical and magical attacks.
At close range, Astel will lash out with its claws, bite with its crystalline mandibles, and sweep its tail across the battlefield. These attacks are relatively easy to dodge with practice, but their speed and reach can catch you off guard. However, it is when it moves to mid-range that Astel truly becomes dangerous. Gravity bolts crackle with energy as they are unleashed, and nebula projectiles spread across the arena. These are harder to dodge, often requiring precise timing and a good understanding of the arena.
At long range, Astel becomes a master of misdirection. It can teleport short distances, reappearing behind you or to the side, leaving you vulnerable. It can create explosions of gravity, pulling you in before detonating, and launch orbs of pure gravity, which track your movement and explode on impact.
Perhaps the most terrifying ability is the grab attack. If Astel catches you, it will lift you into the air and crush you in its mandibles, dealing massive damage. Dodging this attack is paramount. Furthermore, Astel can create dark energy fields that pulse across the arena, inflicting damage and staggering you if you’re caught within them.
As for weaknesses, Astel is generally vulnerable to physical damage, particularly strike damage. Elemental damage types are more situational. Fire damage can be effective, while lightning damage is often less useful. Status effects like bleed and frostbite can also be applied, providing a significant advantage if you can build them up quickly. Knowing that the head can be damaged significantly helps with stance breaking opportunities, leading to critical hits.
Surviving the Void: Strategies for Victory
Defeating Astel requires a combination of smart tactics and skillful execution. Start by choosing a Spirit Ash summon. The Mimic Tear is always a strong choice, providing a distraction and dealing solid damage. Black Knife Tiche can also be effective, thanks to its high mobility and percentage-based health drain. Generally, summons with high health and good mobility are preferred.
Weapon choice is also critical. Weapons that deal strike damage, such as hammers and great hammers, are particularly effective. Weapons with good range and speed, like katanas and curved swords, can also work well, allowing you to quickly close the distance and punish openings. For mages, spells that deal physical or fire damage are the best option. Rock Sling and Flame Sling are excellent choices.
For armor and talismans, prioritize physical defense and resistance to magic damage. The Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman and the Magic Scorpion Charm can significantly boost your survivability and damage output, respectively. Also, talismans that boost your stamina recovery are essential, allowing you to dodge more frequently.
Dodging and positioning are the keys to success. Stay mobile, constantly circling Astel and looking for openings. Learn the timing of its attacks and practice your dodges until you can reliably evade them. When Astel teleports, be ready to roll immediately in the direction it reappears.
There are specific tactics for dealing with each of Astel’s major attacks. When it prepares to launch gravity bolts, dodge to the side at the last moment to avoid the blast. When it creates the dark energy fields, sprint out of the area to avoid being caught in the pulse. When it lunges for the grab attack, dodge backwards and to the side with precise timing.
For melee builds, focus on hitting Astel’s head whenever possible. This will stagger it, creating opportunities for critical hits. For magic builds, keep your distance and unleash your most powerful spells when Astel is vulnerable. Hybrid builds can switch between melee and magic, depending on the situation.
Echoes of the Greater Will: Astel’s Lore
Astel’s existence hints at a cosmic drama playing out beyond the scope of the Lands Between. The connection to the Greater Will and the falling stars suggests a history of celestial interference. Was Astel sent to the Lands Between as an agent of the Outer Gods, a force meant to disrupt the Golden Order? Its title, “Naturalborn of the Void,” implies it is a native to a place separate from the world.
Its role in Ranni’s questline solidifies its importance. Astel is not just a random boss; it is a crucial obstacle blocking the path to Ranni’s chosen destiny. Defeating Astel allows you to progress into the Moonlight Altar, which is essential for getting the Moonlight Greatsword and finishing her quest.
Ultimately, Astel is a reminder that the Lands Between are not isolated. They are connected to a larger cosmos, a universe teeming with forces both benevolent and malevolent. Its existence deepens the themes of cosmic horror and the corruption of the natural order, reminding us that even the most powerful beings in the Lands Between are mere pawns in a game played on a cosmic scale. Some speculate that Astel is a remnant of an attempt by an Outer God to influence the Lands Between, a failed incursion leaving behind a monstrous guardian. Other theories suggest it is a natural defense mechanism of the world itself, rejecting foreign entities.
A Lingering Nightmare: Astel’s Legacy
Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, is more than just a difficult boss in Elden Ring. It’s a meticulously designed creature, a challenging combatant, and a haunting reminder of the cosmic forces at play in the Lands Between. Understanding its design, mastering its attack patterns, and delving into its lore is essential for fully appreciating the depth and complexity of Elden Ring’s world. Astel’s lasting impact on players will always be of fear, challenge and ultimate sense of satisfaction upon its defeat. So, fellow Tarnished, what are your experiences when facing this terror of the void? Share your stories, your strategies, and your fears, as we continue to explore the mysteries of Elden Ring together.
