In the treacherous lands of Caelid, Commander O’Neil stands as a formidable optional boss in Elden Ring, guarding the path to vital quest items and rewards. This encounter, set against the backdrop of the Scarlet Swamp, demands not only skill but strategic planning, as O’Neil summons a horde of spectral soldiers to assist him in battle. Players must navigate through his relentless attacks and manage his minions effectively to emerge victorious. With the right tactics—such as utilizing mounts for mobility and focusing on eliminating O’Neil’s aides first—defeating this daunting foe becomes a thrilling challenge that paves the way for deeper exploration of Millicent’s questline. Prepare for a fight that tests your mettle and strategy in one of the game’s most captivating arenas.
Commander O’Neil is in Caelid. You’ll find the arena not far from Inner Aeonia site of grace. On this map , this site of grace is marked with 21. Head south to find Heart of Aeonia site of grace. . It becomes active once you win the encounter. On our map, this site of grace is marked with 20.
Reward for defeating
Defeating Commander O’Neil in Elden Ring yields significant rewards that are crucial for players looking to progress in specific questlines. Upon vanquishing this formidable optional boss, players will receive 12,000 Runes, which can be used to level up their character or purchase items. Additionally, the Commander’s Standard, a unique weapon, is dropped, offering players a new tool for combat. Most importantly, the Unalloyed Gold Needle is also obtained, which is essential for advancing Millicent and Gowry’s questline, making this encounter not only a test of skill but also a key step in unlocking further content within the game.
For defeating the boss named Commander O’Neil, you will receive Runes (12,000), Commander’s Standard and Unalloyed Gold Needle . The needle is an item required for the Millicent and Gowry questline.
General tips
General tips for defeating Commander O’Neil include several strategic approaches to manage the fight effectively. Utilize your mount, Torrent, to maintain mobility and avoid the Scarlet Rot damage prevalent in the arena. O’Neil summons additional enemies during the battle, so prioritize taking out these aides first to reduce pressure and avoid being overwhelmed. Be prepared with Preserving Boluses to counteract Scarlet Rot and focus on hit-and-run tactics, attacking when openings arise and retreating to safety. Consider using Spirit Ashes or summoning allies to distract O’Neil while you deal with his summoned minions. Lastly, keep an eye on his attack patterns, especially his powerful Scarlet Rot summon, and back away when necessary to avoid heavy damage.
- Commander O’Neil is vulnerable to all statuses except scarlet rot and death blight .
- Using a mount during this fight is advised , as it will protect you from Scarlet Rot status.
- Most of Commander O’Neil moveset deals physical damage, so protection against it is a priority. From time to time, he uses a Scarlet Rot attack, so have Preserving Boluses on the ready.
- Commander O’Neil summons aides twice . The first time at the start of the fight, and the second time after depleting some of his health. In both cases, take care the aides first, as they can hinder your attempts to hit the boss, especially when the first group mixes with the second one.
- Before the battle starts, you can sneak up to the boss and land a few strikes before the enemy enters the fight and summons helpers.
- The safest tactic for this battle is to deal a few hits and run away (when on a mount).
- You can use Spirit Ashes and Ashes of War, as well as summon an ally player during the encounter.
Melee build – how to fight?
To effectively engage Commander O’Neil with a melee build in Elden Ring, start by sneaking up on him to land a few initial attacks before the battle fully commences. This early damage can give you a crucial advantage as he summons his aides. Riding Torrent is highly recommended, as it allows you to maneuver quickly and avoid the Scarlet Rot that permeates the arena. Focus on eliminating O’Neil’s summoned aides first, as they can disrupt your attacks and deal significant damage. Once the aides are dispatched, concentrate your efforts on O’Neil, being particularly cautious of his devastating attacks, especially those that create a whirlwind effect. Timing your strikes with hit-and-run tactics will help you avoid damage while gradually whittling down his health. If you have weapons that inflict bleeding or frostbite, use them to enhance your damage output against him. Remember to stay mobile and watch for openings after he finishes his more powerful attacks to maximize your chances of victory.
Try to sneak up on the enemy before the fight starts. If you were able to reach him in time, you can hit him a few times before he manages to summon aides and enter the battle. It is better to fight mounted, as the arena’s surface applies Scarlet Rot status, although there are safe areas on it.
When the fight starts for good, consider focusing your attacks on the Commander’s aides . He will not bother you that much when you target the aides, and when they are gone, the fight becomes much easier. Aides’ attacks can stun you for a short moment, or even throw you off the mount. This is why you should eliminate them as soon as possible.
Once they are dealt with, you can fully focus on the Commander. Look out for an attack where a small whirlwind appears around his weapon . This means that in a moment he will trigger a tornado that builds scarlet rot status very quickly and deals quite a lot of damage.
So when you see him casting this attack, quickly back away. The whirlwind does not have a large range, so it will only hit you when you are directly next to the enemy.
The opponent will also accumulate energy around him from time to time . This will be followed by a very big blast,from which you better stay away from. When this attack concludes, the boss needs to catch a breather. This is a good time to land a few strong blows.
When an opponent’s HP drops below half, he summons a second wave of aides . This time, they will be slightly stronger, so taking care of them is definitely a priority. Also, if you didn’t take care of the previous group, you’ll now have to deal with two.
Finish off helpers so you can focus solely on the boss. If you have a weapon that induces bleeding or frostbite, consider using it – this way you’ll deprive the boss of his health points faster. There is only a single phase to this encounter, so remember – attack a few times, then back away. The boss will have a hard time hitting you if you skillfully circle around him.
What are the best strategies for using a mount during the fight
Using a mount effectively during the fight against Commander O’Neil in Elden Ring can significantly enhance your chances of victory. Here are some of the best strategies to employ:
1. Utilize Mobility
- Stay on the Move: Use your mount to remain agile and avoid O’Neil’s powerful attacks. Staying mobile allows you to dodge strikes while keeping an eye on his movements.
- Hit-and-Run Tactics: Approach O’Neil for quick strikes and then retreat to a safe distance. This minimizes damage while allowing you to chip away at his health.
2. Target Minions First
- Focus on Summoned Soldiers: Before engaging O’Neil directly, prioritize eliminating his summoned soldiers. This reduces the chaos and allows you to concentrate on the commander without distractions6.
- Use Your Mount’s Speed: Quickly maneuver around the battlefield to take out these minions, making it easier to face O’Neil one-on-one afterward.
3. Leverage Height Advantage
- Attack from Above: While mounted, you can strike down at O’Neil, which can provide a tactical advantage. This allows you to deal damage while being less vulnerable to his counterattacks.
- Avoid Ground Attacks: Keep your distance from the ground where O’Neil’s melee attacks are most effective. Staying mounted helps you maintain a safer position.
4. Manage Stamina Wisely
- Conserve Stamina for Dodging: Ensure you have enough stamina to dodge critical attacks, especially when he initiates his more powerful moves. A well-timed dodge can save you from significant damage.
- Balance Offense and Defense: While attacking, be mindful of your stamina usage; don’t overcommit if it leaves you vulnerable.
5. Use Terrain to Your Advantage
- Utilize the Environment: Use the terrain to create obstacles between you and O’Neil, making it harder for him to reach you while you plan your next move.
- Positioning Matters: Stay aware of your surroundings to avoid getting cornered or overwhelmed by his attacks and minions.
By employing these strategies, players can effectively use their mount to navigate the challenges posed by Commander O’Neil and ultimately secure victory in this intense encounter.
How can I improve my balance in the mount position
Improving your balance in the mount position is essential for maintaining control and executing techniques effectively. Here are some strategies to enhance your stability while mounted:
1. Maintain a Low Center of Gravity
- Tuck Your Feet: Keep your feet close to your opponent’s body to prevent them from bridging or escaping. This positioning helps you maintain a low center of gravity, which is crucial for balance.
- Lower Your Hips: Aim to keep your hips down towards your opponent’s abdomen. This not only secures your position but also distributes your weight evenly, making it harder for them to unseat you.
2. Practice Balance Drills
- Hands-Free Mount: Train by attempting to maintain the mount position without using your hands while your partner tries to buck you off. This drill helps develop core strength and balance.
- Dynamic Movement: Work with a partner who tries various escape techniques (like bridging or shrimping) while you focus on adjusting your weight and maintaining control. This will improve your ability to respond dynamically to their movements.
3. Focus on Weight Distribution
- Adjust Your Weight: Learn when to distribute your weight evenly and when to concentrate it in specific areas, such as when applying pressure for submissions or strikes.
- Stay Relaxed: Being tense can hinder your ability to feel and respond to your opponent’s movements. Stay relaxed to maintain a heavier presence on top, which can help in controlling their movements better.
4. Use Core Strength
- Core Exercises: Engage in core-strengthening exercises that enhance stability, such as planks and stability ball drills. A strong core supports better balance in dynamic positions like the mount.
- Practice with Variations: Experiment with different mount variations (like low mount or S-mount) to understand how shifting your weight affects balance and control during submissions.
5. Mental Focus and Adaptability
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: Maintaining a calm demeanor can help you stay focused and responsive, making it easier to adjust your position as needed.
- Visualize Movements: Before practicing, visualize the movements and balance shifts required during the mount, which can enhance muscle memory and improve performance over time.
By incorporating these strategies into your training routine, you can significantly improve your balance in the mount position, leading to greater control and effectiveness during grappling exchanges.
