Facing the Ulcerated Tree Spirit in Elden Ring is no small feat, as this grotesque, tree-like monster presents a daunting challenge for even the most seasoned Tarnished. With its erratic movements and devastating attacks, it can easily turn the tide of battle in its favor. However, armed with the right strategies and an understanding of its weaknesses—particularly to fire damage—players can transform this intimidating encounter into a triumphant victory. Whether you choose to tackle this optional boss solo or with allies, our guide will provide you with essential tips to navigate its chaotic onslaught and emerge victorious from the depths of the Lands Between.
You encounter the first variant of this boss at the very beginning of the game, near the Stranded Graveyard. You need two Stonesword Keys to insert them into the imp statue and unlock the dungeon.
Ulcerated Tree Spirit in Mountaintops of the Giants:
The second variant of the boss can be found in Mountaintops of the Giants – more specifically, in the Giant’s Mountaintop Catacombs.
Ulcerated Tree Spirit on Mt. Gelmir:
Another version of the boss is on Mt. Gelmir , east of the Site of Grace, The Road of Inquity.
Putrid Tree Spirit in Caelid:
The last variant of the Tree Spirit, which differs in one attack from the others, is in Caelid, more specifically in the War-Dead Catacombs.
Reward for defeating
Defeating the Ulcerated Tree Spirit in Elden Ring rewards players with valuable items that enhance their gameplay experience. Upon victory, players can expect to receive the Spirit Ashes of the Ulcerated Tree Spirit, which can be summoned to aid in future battles. Additionally, players will gain a significant amount of runes, which are essential for leveling up and purchasing items throughout the game. This boss encounter not only tests players’ combat skills but also provides them with resources that are crucial for progressing through the challenging world of the Lands Between.
For defeating the Ulcerated Tree Spirit in Limgrave, you will receive a Golden Seed and the ashes of Banished Knight Oleg.
For defeating the Ulcerated Tree Spirit in Mountaintops of the Giants, you will receive a Golden Seed and Glovewort Picker’s Bell Bearing .
For defeating the Ulcerated Tree Spirit on Mt. Gelmir you will receive a Cerulean Crystal Tear and a Leaden Hardtear.
For defeating the Putrid Tree Spirit in Caelid, you will receive a Golden Seed and Spirit ashes of Redmane Knight Ogha.
General tips
When preparing to face the Ulcerated Tree Spirit in Elden Ring, there are several general tips that can significantly enhance your chances of victory. First, fire damage is the boss’s primary weakness, so equipping weapons or items that inflict fire damage, such as Fire Grease or Fire Pots, is crucial. Additionally, consider summoning allies, whether other players or spirit ashes, to help distract the boss and divide its attention. It’s also advisable to maintain a safe distance when the boss’s mouth glows, as this indicates a powerful area-of-effect attack is imminent. Finally, mastering the timing of dodges against its slow but devastating arm sweeps can provide opportunities for counterattacks, making the fight more manageable.
- First, do not panic! Ulcerated Tree Spirit is a boss that moves fast in all directions, making it seem his every move is an attack. That’s completely wrong. What’s important is to dodge the actual attacks.
- A heavy shield and high enduranceare enough to avoid any damage from him. If you have trouble dodging, consider equipping a shield that will block most of the damage.
- Dodge to the left. It’s much easier to dodge his attacks to the left side. Doing them to the right can also be successful, but it is much more difficult to do, especially during an attack when he catches your character with his mouth.
- While he is rolling on the ground, watch his tail and head. These are his parts that are responsible for attacking. Also, keep a distance when he starts rolling.
- However, when his moves are normal, stay close to him. Thanks to this, there is a greater chance that he will not hit you.
- When the boss jumps into the air, prepare to dodge – he will open his mouth to catch you and deal a lot of damage.
- Ulcerated Tree Spirit is weak against fire and frostbite. If you have incantations, spells, or weapons that inflict these effects, it’s worth equipping them.
- Gravity Sorceries will stun him very quickly! If you have one, use them. Thanks to this, you will be able to perform a critical hit when the boss falls to the ground.
- When his health drops to 50%, he will make a powerful explosion. However, the effect of it depends on the enemy’s variant. In the case of the Ulcerated variant, it will be a burst of lightning. On the other hand, the Putrid Tree Spirit will spread a scarlet rot.
How to defeat?
To defeat the Ulcerated Tree Spirit in Elden Ring, players should focus on exploiting its significant weakness to fire damage. Equip weapons or items that deal fire damage, such as Fire Grease or Fire Pots, to maximize your offensive capabilities. The battle consists of two phases; in the first phase, the boss primarily uses physical attacks, while in the second phase, it unleashes devastating holy-based attacks. It’s crucial to learn its attack patterns—watch for telltale signs like its mouth glowing yellow, which indicates a powerful area-of-effect attack is imminent. Summoning allies or using tanky Spirit Ashes can also divert the boss’s attention, making the fight more manageable. Stay mobile, dodge its sweeping attacks, and strike when opportunities arise to emerge victorious against this challenging foe.
Before entering any boss arena, be prepared to dodge. The boss can immediately charge in your direction. The main thing to remember is not to panic and avoid unnecessary dodges.
When you are in front of the boss, he will start using his hands instead of rolling around the arena. He can make a few sweeps, but these attacks are visibly indicated and easy to avoid. When he finishes attacking, start striking.
The most dangerous move is his rolling on the floor. You have to keep a greater distance when he does it. Watch out mainly for the tail and head. His first roll is not dangerous if you are away from it. On the other hand, the second one usually has a longer range.
In the second phase of the fight watch out for the burst. When the boss’s health drops to 50%, he will start creating lightning bolts (or rot, if it’s the Putrid variant of the boss). Move away from him immediately, and it’s best to keep your distance when you notice his HP is close to half. The explosion deals a lot of damage and knocks you down. The boss will then take the initiative and attack when you start to get up, and it’s very easy to make a mistake.
What are the best weapons to use against the Ulcerated Tree Spirit
When facing the Ulcerated Tree Spirit in Elden Ring, selecting the right weapons can significantly enhance your chances of victory. Here are the best options to consider:
Best Weapons Against Ulcerated Tree Spirit
| Weapon Type | Recommended Weapons | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Melee Weapons | – Greatswords (e.g., Claymore, Colossal Sword) | High damage output, suitable for close combat. |
| – Fire-infused weapons (e.g., Fire Grease) | Coating weapons with fire increases damage due to the boss’s weakness. | |
| – Two-handed weapons | Allows for stronger attacks and can stagger the boss. | |
| Ranged Weapons | – Sorceries (e.g., Rock Sling, Comet Azur) | Effective for dealing damage from a distance. |
| – Dragon Communion Incantations (e.g., Dragonfire) | Inflicts fire damage, which is particularly effective. | |
| – Fire Pots | Useful for quick bursts of fire damage. | |
| Spirit Ash Summons | – Any summon that can distract the boss | Provides an opportunity to deal damage while avoiding attacks. |
Key Strategies
- Fire Damage Focus: The Ulcerated Tree Spirit is notably weak against fire and frostbite, making fire-based weapons and spells highly effective.
- Mobility: Maintain distance when possible, especially during its powerful area-of-effect attacks, and utilize dodging techniques to avoid its devastating melee strikes.
- Upgrade Your Gear: Ensure your weapons are upgraded to at least +6 to maximize effectiveness during the fight.
By equipping fire-based weapons or spells and employing effective dodging strategies, you can turn the tide against this formidable foe.
What are the best sorceries to use against the Ulcerated Tree Spirit
When battling the Ulcerated Tree Spirit in Elden Ring, certain sorceries can give you a significant advantage due to the boss’s weaknesses. Here are the best sorceries to use against this formidable foe:
Best Sorceries Against Ulcerated Tree Spirit
| Sorcery | Description | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Sling | A powerful gravity-based spell that hurls large rocks at enemies. | Stuns the boss, allowing for critical hits. |
| Comet Azur | A high-damage sorcery that unleashes a massive beam of energy. | Great for dealing significant damage from a distance. |
| Night Comet | A stealthy spell that creates a projectile that is less detectable by enemies. | Useful for hitting the boss while avoiding attention. |
| Dragonfire | An incantation that breathes fire in a cone, dealing fire damage over time. | Highly effective due to the boss’s weakness to fire. |
| Agheel’s Flame | Another fire-based incantation that summons a dragon’s flame attack. | Deals substantial fire damage, enhancing your offense. |
Strategy Tips
- Utilize Fire Damage: The Ulcerated Tree Spirit is particularly weak to fire, so incorporating fire-based spells will maximize your damage output.
- Stun and Critical Hits: Use Rock Sling to stun the boss, creating opportunities for critical hits, which can drastically reduce its health.
- Maintain Distance: Keep your distance while casting spells to avoid the boss’s aggressive melee attacks and area-of-effect abilities.
By leveraging these sorceries effectively, you can turn the tide of battle against the Ulcerated Tree Spirit and secure your victory.
