Facing the Draconic Tree Sentinel in Elden Ring can feel like a daunting challenge, especially as he stands guard at the entrance to Leyndell, Royal Capital. This formidable foe is not just a test of your combat skills but also a strategic puzzle waiting to be solved. With his devastating lightning attacks and powerful melee strikes, players must master the art of mobility and timing to emerge victorious. In this guide, we’ll explore essential strategies and tips to help you conquer this boss and unlock the path to the capital, ensuring that your journey through the Lands Between continues unimpeded.
Location
The Draconic Tree Sentinel is located at the northeast edge of the Capital Outskirts, serving as a formidable guardian at the entrance to Leyndell, Royal Capital. This boss encounter marks a significant challenge for players, as it blocks the main path into one of the game’s most critical areas. To reach this location, players must navigate through various enemies and environmental hazards, ultimately facing the sentinel in an open area that tests their combat skills and strategies before they can proceed further into the capital.
The boss is in the Altus Plateau, in front of the bridge that leads to Leyndell, Royal Capital.
Reward for defeating
Defeating the Draconic Tree Sentinel in Elden Ring offers significant rewards that can enhance your gameplay experience. Upon successfully overcoming this formidable boss, players are rewarded with the Dragon Greatclaw and the Dragonclaw Shield, both of which are powerful additions to any arsenal. Additionally, defeating the Sentinel grants access to the Capital Rampart Site of Grace, opening the way to Leyndell, Royal Capital, and furthering your journey through the Lands Between. This encounter not only tests your skills but also provides valuable gear and progression opportunities essential for tackling future challenges in the game.
For defeating the Draconic Tree Sentinel, you will receive the Dragon Greatclaw weapon, the Dragonclaw Shield and 50,000 Runes.
General tips
To effectively conquer the Draconic Tree Sentinel in Elden Ring, players should adopt a strategic and agile approach. Utilize horseback combat to maintain mobility, allowing for quick strikes while avoiding the Sentinel’s powerful melee attacks. Focus on timing: dodge his swings and fireball projectiles, and only engage after successfully evading his attacks. Exploit his weaknesses by using weapons or spells that inflict bleed or scarlet rot, which can significantly chip away at his health. As the fight progresses into its second phase, be prepared for lightning-based attacks; staying close will force him to use melee strikes instead, making it easier to dodge and counterattack. Finally, consider summoning NPC allies to divert attention and provide additional support during the battle.
- In some respects, this boss fights similar to the regular Tree Sentinel. However, he has a set of unique attacks, such as summoning lightning or throwing fireballs.
- This boss is susceptible to scarlet rot and poison. However, he has increased resistance to hemorrhage and frostbite.
- When you start healing yourself, the boss will immediately begin casting a fireball. Whenever you need to heal, do it far away from the boss.
- You can use summons and your mount during the fight.
- When the boss raises his shield in the second stage, he will summon lightning above you. You can avoid it by dodging to the side. The lightning will strike as soon as his shield begins to descend.
- The Draconic Tree Sentinel can perform a double shield strike, so be prepared to dodge the second attack after dodging the first one.
How to defeat?
To defeat the Draconic Tree Sentinel in Elden Ring, players should adopt a strategic approach that emphasizes mobility and timing. Start by treating the encounter like a jousting match; use your mount, Torrent, to quickly engage and retreat after delivering a few hits. Pay close attention to the Sentinel’s attack patterns, especially as its health drops below 50%, when it gains access to powerful lightning attacks. Staying close can help you avoid these long-range strikes. Utilize fast weapons to capitalize on openings, and consider summoning allies for additional support. Remember, evasion is crucial—avoid blocking its massive attacks, which can stagger shielded players. Finally, upgrading your weapon will significantly reduce the fight’s duration, making it easier to overcome this formidable foe.
Before you begin this fight, consider using incantations or items that apply scarlet rot. This will allow you to inflict the boss with a powerful poison, which will damage him each second.
You can also use your mount to fight on horseback. However, if you find it difficult to fight using your mount, it’s not required to defeat the boss. Still, it makes it easier to manage the distance between your character and the boss. Moreover, it’s much easier to dodge his physical attacks this way.
While the first stage is very similar to the regular Tree Sentinel, the second stage adds new, dangerous attacks. Among other things, the fire projectile might cause you some problems. He’s most likely to use it when you are in long or medium range. You can avoid it by jumping on your mount or by dodging to the side.
The biggest problem, however, may be red lightning, which he will spam constantly. As soon as he lowers his shield or weapon, start dodging to the side. You might still take some damage if you dodge forward.
What are the best weapons to use against the Draconic Tree Sentinel
When preparing to face the Draconic Tree Sentinel in Elden Ring, selecting the right weapons can significantly enhance your chances of victory. Here are some of the best options:
Recommended Weapons
| Weapon | Type | Special Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Bloodhound’s Fang | Colossal Sword | High damage, bleed effect; allows quick dodging with its special skill, Bloodhound’s Finesse. |
| Reduvia | Dagger | Inflicts bleed damage; effective for quick strikes and mobility. |
| Moonveil Katana | Katana | Deals bleed damage; offers a powerful special attack that can stagger the Sentinel. |
| Dragon Greatclaw | Colossal Weapon | Acquired after defeating the Sentinel; strong melee attacks. |
| Magmawyrm’s Scalesword | Greatsword | Effective against the Sentinel; can deal substantial damage while applying status effects. |
Strategy Tips
- Bleed and Poison Effects: Weapons that inflict bleed or scarlet rot are particularly effective against the Sentinel, as they can whittle down his health rapidly.
- Mobility Over Defense: A shield is less useful in this fight; focus on dodge rolling to avoid attacks while using a two-handed weapon for maximum damage output.
- Attack Patterns: Stay close to the Sentinel to force him into melee attacks, which are easier to dodge compared to his ranged fireball and lightning strikes. This positioning allows you to capitalize on openings after his attacks.
By equipping these weapons and employing smart strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to take down the Draconic Tree Sentinel and continue your journey through Elden Ring.
What are the best two-handed weapons for this fight
When battling the Draconic Tree Sentinel in Elden Ring, choosing the right two-handed weapons is crucial for maximizing damage and effectiveness. Here are some of the best two-handed weapons to consider for this fight:
Best Two-Handed Weapons
| Weapon | Type | Special Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Dragon Slayer Great Axe | Colossal Axe | High physical damage and excellent stagger potential; effective against armored foes. |
| Greatsword of the Golden Order | Greatsword | Deals significant damage and has a unique skill that enhances attacks; good for breaking through defenses. |
| Giant-Crusher | Colossal Weapon | Massive damage output; ideal for dealing with heavy armor, though it requires careful timing due to its slower speed. |
| Starscourge Greatsword | Greatsword | Offers a blend of physical and magical damage; its unique skill can create a powerful area attack. |
| Colossal Sword of the Night and Flame | Colossal Sword | Versatile with both melee and magical capabilities, allowing for various combat strategies. |
Strategy Considerations
- Focus on Strike Damage: The Draconic Tree Sentinel is particularly weak against strike damage, making heavy weapons like axes and colossal swords effective choices.
- Mobility is Key: While wielding two-handed weapons, maintain mobility to dodge the Sentinel’s powerful attacks, especially his lightning strikes.
- Timing Your Attacks: Wait for openings after the Sentinel’s attacks to unleash your own, as many two-handed weapons have slower swing speeds but deal devastating damage.
By equipping these powerful two-handed weapons and employing effective strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of defeating the Draconic Tree Sentinel and progressing in Elden Ring.
