Elden Ring: Sites of Grace (Lake of Rot) – list of all

In the shadowy depths of Elden Ring lies the Lake of Rot, a treacherous expanse where the very waters threaten to consume the unprepared. As players navigate this perilous terrain, they must contend not only with the relentless Scarlet Rot that seeps into their veins but also with formidable foes lurking in the murky depths. This guide unveils essential strategies and locations within the Lake of Rot, ensuring that even the most daring Tarnished can emerge victorious from its clutches. Prepare to uncover hidden treasures, face daunting bosses, and master the art of survival in one of Elden Ring’s most enigmatic locales.

Among other things, Sites of Grace serve as checkpoints. If you die, you will respawn at the Site of Grace with which you have most recently interacted with.

While exploring the underground region of the Lake of Rot, you will be able to discover 2 Sites of Grace.

What are the best strategies to defeat the Dragonkin Soldier in the Lake of Rot

To defeat the Dragonkin Soldier in the Lake of Rot, players can employ several effective strategies tailored to their playstyle, whether melee, ranged, or using spirit summons.

General Strategies

1. Arena Preparation: Before engaging, activate the switches near the monoliths to create solid platforms around the Dragonkin Soldier. This prevents you from falling into the Scarlet Rot and provides a safer fighting ground.
2. Starting Advantage: The Dragonkin Soldier begins the fight asleep, allowing you to land several hits before it fully wakes up. Take advantage of this moment to deal significant damage early on.
3. Spirit Summons: Utilizing spirit ashes can distract the boss and provide additional damage. The Spirit Jellyfish or Latenna’s Spirit Ash can be particularly effective, allowing you to maintain distance while dealing damage.

Melee Strategies

• Close Combat: Position yourself near the Dragonkin Soldier’s legs to avoid most of its attacks. This minimizes the risk from its long-range swipes and allows you to counterattack after it misses with its sweeping moves.
• Watch for Attacks: Be cautious of its two-hand ground slams and other heavy attacks that create shockwaves. Back off when it raises its hands to initiate these moves and counterattack afterward.
• Dodging Techniques: When it performs a charge attack or prepares for a powerful slam, roll towards its legs to avoid damage and get in quick hits during its recovery phase.

Ranged Strategies

• Maintain Distance: For ranged players, stay at a medium distance to observe the Dragonkin Soldier’s attack patterns. Use spells or ranged weapons while keeping an eye on its movements to dodge incoming attacks effectively.
• Cheese Method: A popular tactic involves luring the Dragonkin Soldier to the edge of a cliff or elevated area where it cannot reach you. From there, you can cast spells without retaliation, making this a low-risk approach5.

Additional Tips

• Immunity Items: Equip items like Preserving Boluses to mitigate Scarlet Rot effects during the fight. High Immunity gear will also help reduce rot buildup when navigating the Lake of Rot.
• Level Recommendations: Aim for character levels between 30-35 for initial attempts, but higher levels (80+) are advisable for this challenging encounter.

By combining these strategies and adapting your approach based on your character build, you can effectively conquer the Dragonkin Soldier in the Lake of Rot and claim valuable rewards.

What are the best weapons to use against the Dragonkin Soldier

To effectively combat the Dragonkin Soldier in the Lake of Rot, selecting the right weapons can significantly enhance your chances of victory. Here are some of the best weapon choices and their advantages:

Best Weapons Against the Dragonkin Soldier

1. Fire Affinity Weapons
   • Recommendation: Fire-based weapons, such as those infused with fire damage, are particularly effective against the Dragonkin Soldier. The use of the Red-Hot Whetblade to enhance fire damage is advised. Weapons like the Flame of the Redmanes can also deal substantial damage due to their fire affinity, which seems to exploit the boss’s weaknesses.
2. Bandit’s Curved Sword
   • Type: Melee
   • Advantages: This weapon is favored for its speed and reach, allowing players to deliver quick hits while maintaining a safe distance from the Dragonkin Soldier’s powerful attacks. Its curved nature helps in hitting the legs, where the boss is most vulnerable.
3. Katanas (e.g., Moonveil)
   • Type: Melee
   • Advantages: Katanas like the Moonveil are excellent for players focusing on dexterity and intelligence builds. They offer high damage output and can be paired with spells like Night Maiden’s Mist for added damage while keeping distance from the boss4.
4. Greatswords (e.g., Claymore)
   • Type: Melee
   • Advantages: Greatswords provide a balance between power and speed, making them suitable for dealing heavy damage while allowing for quick dodges. They are effective in stagger-locking the Dragonkin Soldier if timed correctly.
5. Ranged Weapons/Spells
   • Recommendation: For ranged players, spells like Rock Sling, Comet, or even incantations can be used effectively from a safe distance. These allow you to avoid most of the Dragonkin Soldier’s attacks while dealing consistent damage.

Additional Tips

• Focus on attacking its legs to avoid hitting its armored chest, which can deflect your strikes.
• Utilize spirit summons like Spirit Jellyfish Ashes to distract the boss while you attack.
• Keep an eye on your stamina and health, especially if you’re using melee weapons close to the boss.

By choosing weapons that capitalize on fire damage or provide a good balance of speed and strength, you can maximize your effectiveness against this formidable foe.