In the realm of gaming, few titles achieve the unique blend of beauty, storytelling, and challenge that "Elden Ring" presents. As players journey through the Lands Between, they are met with some of the toughest foes in gaming history. Among these challenges stands Commander Niall, a formidable boss who guards a crucial piece of the Haligtree Medallion atop Castle Sol. This guide will explore the methods and strategies to take down Commander Niall, ensuring that your adventure is both fulfilling and manageable.
The Nature of the Challenge
Within the immersive landscapes of "Elden Ring," players often find themselves facing long and arduous boss battles. Commander Niall is particularly notable for his difficulty, ranking high on the list of annoying encounters. Like his counterpart, Commander O'Neil, in Caelid, Niall is not alone in battle; he calls forth spectral knights that aid him in combat. This duo adds layers of complexity, making the fight a test of both skill and endurance. The confined space of the arena adds to the intensity, leaving little room for avoiding attacks or strategizing escapes.
What's Inside the Arena?
As you enter the arena for the encounter with Commander Niall, be prepared for a relentless fight. The combination of Niall's large sweep attacks and the aggressive nature of his knight summons creates a chaotic environment. Players must be on their toes, ensuring they maintain mobility while landing significant hits. While success largely depends on skillful movement and patience, many gamers report feeling overwhelmed by the randomness of the fight.
The Secret Weapon - Bewitching Branches
To tilt the odds in your favor and make the fight more manageable, consider utilizing Bewitching Branches. These consumable items can charm Commander Niall's spectral knights, turning them into temporary allies. By employing this tactic, players can alleviate some of the pressure during the battle, creating openings for more strategic attacks.
How the Charms Work
When you successfully charm the knights, they will begin attacking Commander Niall instead of you. This diversion gives you critical breathing room in an otherwise frantic encounter. Furthermore, charming the knights does not prevent you from summoning your own Spirit Ashes, the Mimic Tear being a particularly effective choice during this fight. With your knights assisting and your Ashes unleashed, your focus can shift to dealing damage to Niall himself.
Combat Strategy: Stay Back and Ranged
During the battle, adopting a ranged approach can significantly aid in your survival. Given Commander Niall’s sweeping attacks, players should consider keeping their distance while utilizing magic spells and arrows or throwing knives to whittle down their health from afar. As you maintain this distance, be vigilant about his most dangerous moves, especially the jumping lightning kick. Timely dodging and strategic retreats will be key to your success.
Acquiring Bewitching Branches
If you're ready to implement this strategy, you’ll first need to gather Bewitching Branches. They can be purchased from the Nomadic Merchant located near Bellum Church in Liurnia of the Lakes, with five available for 1,600 runes each. However, this may not be sufficient for those wanting to stock up.
Crafting Bewitching Branches
For players interested in building a more substantial collection, crafting Bewitching Branches is the way to go. Begin by obtaining the Fevor's Cookbook [3], awarded by Gideon Ofnir at Roundtable Hold after visiting Mohgwyn’s Dynasty Mausoleum for the first time. Each Bewitching Branch you craft will require one Sacramental Bud and one Miquella's Lily.
Gathering Ingredients
Finding these crafting materials can prove to be a challenge. Sacramental Bud is most commonly found around the Church of the Plague in eastern Caelid. Unfortunately, these materials do not respawn, meaning players must be diligent in their collection efforts. On the other hand, Miquella's Lily is spread across various locations in the Lands Between but is rare and scarce. Farming these items from regular Soldier enemies in Leyndell, Capital City could be your best bet for obtaining enough to craft the needed Bewitching Branches.
Building Your Strategy
The battle against Commander Niall is as much about strategy as it is about skill. To progress successfully, players need to approach the fight with a clear plan. Start by summoning your Spirit Ashes as soon as the battle commences while simultaneously working on charming Niall's knights. Once they turn on Niall, switch to a balanced mix of ranged attacks and item usage to chip away at his health.
Final Considerations
While Commander Niall can be a daunting opponent, with the right tactics, including charm strategies and a solid grasp of ranged combat, players can emerge victorious. Take each opportunity to heal and strategize as needed. And remember, patience is your greatest ally in this battle.
Conclusion
The confrontation with Commander Niall not only tests players' combat abilities but also rewards them with valuable loot that contributes to their journey through the Lands Between. By employing the trick of using Bewitching Branches and developing a sound strategy, you can turn one of the game's most challenging bosses into a memorable achievement. So prepare your gear, summon your spirit allies, and face Commander Niall with renewed confidence!
Whether you're aiming for completion or simply seeking mastery, using these strategies will help you navigate the treacherous encounters that lie ahead in “Elden Ring.” Embrace the challenge, and let the adventure guide you to victory!