Facing the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella in Elden Ring is a daunting challenge that tests the mettle of even the most seasoned Tarnished. This formidable boss, lurking in the depths of the Ainsel River, combines brute strength with devastating elemental attacks, making every encounter a thrilling battle of wits and reflexes. With its sweeping strikes and the ability to unleash frost-infused lightning in its second phase, players must employ clever strategies to exploit its weaknesses while navigating a treacherous arena. Whether you’re a melee fighter or prefer ranged spells, mastering the tactics to defeat this dragon-like warrior will not only grant you valuable rewards but also solidify your status as a true champion of the Lands Between.
Locations
The Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella is located in the Ainsel River, a subterranean region accessible via the Ainsel River Well in West Liurnia. To reach this formidable boss, players should start at the Ainsel River Downstream Site of Grace. From there, they must navigate through a series of tunnels filled with Giant Ants, ultimately leading to a spacious cave where the Dragonkin Soldier awaits. Although this boss is optional and not required for game progression, defeating it rewards players with valuable items, including the Frozen Lightning Spear incantation and a substantial amount of Runes.
The Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella can be found in the Ainsel River region. The closest site of grace is Ainsel River Downstream – it is marked with 3 on our map.
From that starting point, jump down to the tunnel leading south. You will find yourself in a cave full of giant ants . From there you need to access another tunnel north from your position. At the end of it, you will find yourself in a cave, where, after approaching the great throne, the boss battle begins.
Here you will find information on how to get to the Ainsel River.
Dragonkin Soldier in the Siofra River
Another instance of the Dragonkin Soldier battle is found in the Siofra River region. To get to him, travel to the Worshipers’ Woods site of grace . It is marked with 2 on our map.
From there, head south to a structure (as shown in the screenshot above) and climb to its top (you’ll do so thanks to a fallen column). There you will find a teleporter that will take you to the location you need .
From there, head northwest , where you will find the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella lying in the water on the plateau.
Here you will find information on how to get to the Siofra River.
Dragonkin Soldier in Lake of Rot
Another instance of Dragonkin Soldier battle takes place in Lake of Rot. To get there, travel to Lake of Rot Shoreside site of grace (marked with 1 on our map) and proceed to the eastern part of the map. This is where you’ll find a button thanks to which platforms will surface creating a place for you to conduct the battle. . Before embarking to deal with the boss, prepare a supply of Preserving Boluses – you’ll need them to deal with the stacked scarlet rot status.
Here you will find information on how to get to Lake of Rot.
Reward for defeating
Defeating the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella in Elden Ring yields significant rewards that enhance your gameplay experience. Upon victory, players receive 12,000 Runes, which can be used to level up and improve character abilities. Additionally, you will obtain the Frozen Lightning Spear incantation, a powerful spell effective against groups of enemies and particularly useful for Faith builds. This incantation allows players to unleash a striking attack imbued with ice lightning, making it a valuable asset in both early and later stages of the game. Furthermore, defeating this boss also unlocks a Site of Grace in the area, providing a crucial checkpoint for further exploration and adventure.
For defeating the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella, you will receive Runes (12,000) and the Frozen Lightning Spear incantation .
For defeating the Dragonkin Soldier in the Siofra River, you will receive Runes (16,000) and a Dragon Halberd .
For defeating the Dragonkin Soldier in the Lake of Rot, you will receive Runes (58,000) and the Dragonscale Blade katana .
General tips
To effectively tackle the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella in Elden Ring, consider these general tips. Positioning is key: stay close to the boss’s left knee to avoid many of its sweeping attacks, allowing you to land hits while minimizing damage taken. Dodge timing is crucial; learn the attack patterns and roll in the direction of its swings to evade effectively. Use ranged attacks if you’re struggling in melee, as this can help you maintain distance while dealing damage. Additionally, summoning Spirit Ashes can provide valuable assistance during the fight, distracting the boss and allowing you to focus on attacking. Finally, remember to exploit its weaknesses—targeting its legs can yield better damage output compared to aiming for its armored chest.
- Using Ashes and allies in this battle is allowed.
- When it comes to Siofra River instance, you can do battle with Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella while mounted. Remaining instances have to be fought on foot.
- Bleeding, poisoning, and frostbite can be imposed in every instance of the Dragonkin Soldier encounter. The Lake of Rot variant is immune to Scarlet Rot, while others are not.
- When fighting Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella, we recommend equipping items that offer ice, lightning and physical damage resistances. When it comes to the standard version, focus on physical protection.
- The Dragonkin Soldiers’ weak points are their head . In the case of the Nokstella version, reaching it can be difficult – in this case, it is best to attack the opponent’s back.
- Dragonkin Soldiers most often attack with their front paws, whose swing affects a large area . Their moveset is well telegraphed, with well-timed dodges being enough to avoid taking damage.
- When it comes to the Nokstella version, in the second phase, the enemy imbues his attacks with ice and lightning magic. Being hit means a frostbite status placed. As a result, have a supply of Thawfrost Boluses .
- In the Nokstella variant, watch out for an attack where the enemy throws magic spears. They affect a large area, so it is a good idea to stop targeting the opponent when that happens and run away as far as possible.
- Dragonkin soldiers are most vulnerable to physical damage . Magic is less useful during this encounter.
How to defeat?
To effectively defeat the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella in Elden Ring, players should adopt a strategic approach that leverages the boss’s attack patterns. Initially, focus on dodging its sweeping arm attacks by rolling in the same direction as the strike. Positioning is crucial; attacking from behind its left knee minimizes the risk of being hit while allowing for consistent damage. As the fight progresses into the second phase, watch for its charged lightning attacks, which can inflict Frostbite. Timing your dodges is essential, especially when it throws bolts of lightning across the arena. Utilizing items like Thawfrost Boluses can help manage Frostbite status effects. Overall, patience and positioning are key to overcoming this formidable foe, ensuring a rewarding victory that grants valuable runes and the Frozen Lightning Spear incantation.
After entering the arena, you will have a moment to use items that offer advantage in combat, for example, Exalted Meat, which increases physical damage. You can also use ashes, but we recommend a helper with high durability and mobility.
Once your opponent starts attacking, quickly get behind him. By staying close to his legs, you will avoid many attacks, as this enemy often attacks with his front paws. However, watch out to not get next to his stomach – hitting him there may prove difficult.
Due to the large size of the enemy, avoid targeting him . The most vulnerable spot is the opponent’s head, but staying on it means that you expose yourself to front paw attacks. The enemy basically attacks with his hands all the time, so avoid staying close to them.
No matter where you are, keep a close eye on your opponent. He targets you very quickly and constantly places himself towards you, so you need to be ready to dodge before impact.
as being struck means being stunned or even falling to the ground. There is a risk that once you get struck by the combo, you may lose all your HP as you’re constantly hit without having a chance to get back on your feet.
Once you take half of your opponent’s HP, the second phase of the fight will begin . In case of Nokstella version, the opponent will start wielding magic (of ice and lightning schools) When you notice that he is about to throw magic spears, run as far as possible.
Also, watch out for the frostbite status that stacks with each hit. Having a supply of Thawing Boluses will make matters easier .
What are the best strategies for dodging the Dragonkin Soldier’s attacks
To effectively dodge the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella’s attacks in Elden Ring, consider the following strategies:
General Strategies
- Stay Close: Position yourself near the Dragonkin Soldier’s legs. Most of its attacks are designed to hit at a distance, allowing you to avoid damage while attacking its lower body. This tactic, often referred to as “Ankle Biter,” minimizes your exposure to its more devastating moves.
- Dodge Timing: When the Dragonkin Soldier swings its arms, roll in the same direction as the swipe. This technique can help you avoid damage and create opportunities for counterattacks, especially if you time your dodges correctly.
Specific Attack Patterns
- Arm Swings: For broad arm swings, dodge forward and stay close to its legs. If you notice it preparing for a two-handed slam, back off and jump attack as it finishes its move.
- Charge Attacks: If you’re too far away, the Dragonkin Soldier may initiate a charge attack. Watch for its telltale roar and prepare to dodge sideways or sprint away from the incoming strike.
- Lightning Attacks (Phase 2): In its second phase, the Dragonkin Soldier uses lightning-infused attacks that can inflict Frostbite. When it begins charging up for these moves, quickly move out of the affected area or roll to avoid the lightning strikes that follow its attacks.
Ranged and Melee Considerations
- Melee Tactics: For melee builds, focus on hitting its legs or back rather than its chest to avoid glancing blows against its armor. After dodging an attack, quickly reposition to continue your assault without getting caught in follow-up strikes.
- Ranged Strategy: If using ranged attacks, maintain a medium distance to observe its movements and react accordingly. This distance allows you to see when it’s safe to attack while being prepared to dodge any long-range strikes.
By mastering these strategies and understanding the Dragonkin Soldier’s attack patterns, you can significantly improve your chances of victory in this challenging encounter.
What are the best ways to use Spirit Jellyfish Ashes during the fight
Using Spirit Jellyfish Ashes during the fight against the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella can significantly enhance your chances of victory. Here are the best strategies for effectively utilizing this spirit summon:
Distraction and Tanking
- Draw Aggro: The Spirit Jellyfish has a high health pool, making it an excellent distraction for the Dragonkin Soldier. Summon it at the start of the battle to divert the boss’s attention away from you, allowing you to focus on dodging its powerful attacks while the Jellyfish engages it.
- Positioning: Place the Spirit Jellyfish in a location where it can safely attack the Dragonkin Soldier without being immediately targeted. This helps to keep the boss occupied, giving you opportunities to counterattack when it is distracted.
Poison Damage
- Poison Projectiles: The Spirit Jellyfish attacks with a poison projectile that can build up over time, inflicting damage on the Dragonkin Soldier. This gradual damage can be particularly effective during lengthy fights, as it allows you to chip away at the boss’s health while focusing on dodging and positioning yourself strategically.
- Timing Attacks: While the Jellyfish is distracting the boss, use this opportunity to land heavy or critical hits when the Dragonkin Soldier is vulnerable. After dodging its attacks, quickly reposition yourself to take advantage of openings created by the Jellyfish’s assaults.
Synergizing with Other Strategies
- Combine with Ranged Attacks: If you’re using a ranged build, summon the Spirit Jellyfish and attack from a distance. This allows you to maintain pressure on the Dragonkin Soldier while minimizing your risk of getting hit. The Jellyfish can absorb some damage, giving you more room to maneuver.
- Utilize Other Spirit Ashes: If you have access to other strong spirit summons like Lhutel the Headless or tanky options like Kaiden Mercenary, consider using them in conjunction with the Spirit Jellyfish for a balanced approach that combines distraction and damage output.
By implementing these strategies with Spirit Jellyfish Ashes, you can create a more favorable combat environment against the Dragonkin Soldier, allowing for both offensive and defensive maneuvers during this challenging fight.
