Elden Ring Nightreign presents a challenging encounter with numerous Nightlords, and Gnoster stands out as one of the more formidable bosses. Unlike typical foes, Gnoster is comprised of two independent bosses that require players to strategize effectively during their battle.
The complexity of this fight can be overwhelming, as players must monitor both bosses simultaneously while dodging their relentless attacks. However, there are strategies to simplify this encounter, and in this guide, we’ll delve into Gnoster’s attack patterns, weaknesses, and tips for tackling this difficult duel.
Optimal Team Composition
Due to Gnoster’s unique dual-boss mechanics, assembling a robust team is crucial for success. An effective party should ideally consist of at least two melee fighters and one ranged character. For instance, I recommend using characters like Wylder, Executor, and Ironeye.
In my experience, defeating Gnoster was possible with two Ironeyes and a Duchess, demonstrating that individual skill can compensate for suboptimal team setups. Nonetheless, a well-rounded party will significantly enhance your chances of victory.
It’s vital to have at least one melee character act as a tank against the Scorpion component, while the ranged fighter focuses on the Moth. Keeping the bosses preoccupied separately is key to avoiding simultaneous attacks.
- Wylder – Position yourself near the Scorpion’s legs to inflict damage while evading its frontal AOE attacks. Dodging into its legs is generally safer than dodging away.
- Executor – Similar to Wylder, focus on dealing damage without overextending, as getting downed can complicate revivals in this tight space.
- Ironeye – Target the Moth using fire attacks, as it can be ignited for persistent damage. Stay alert to support your teammates when necessary.
Maintaining focus on individual bosses is achievable even when they unite, allowing your team to execute a well-coordinated attack strategy.
Understanding Weaknesses and Pre-Combat Preparation
Gnoster’s primary vulnerability resides in fire damage; the Moth, in particular, is susceptible to burning, which deals consistent damage over time. This advantage significantly eases the task of depleting Gnoster’s health amidst an onslaught of attacks.
During your journey to confront this Nightlord, look for locations marked with a fire icon to collect fire-based weapons. While the Scorpion is immune to flames, it still suffers increased damage from fire attacks.
If you’re finding it difficult to gather these fire weapons, consider using Fire Grease to temporarily imbue your weapon with fire damage. Although the effect is short-lived, it can be pivotal in alleviating the poison buildup from Gnoster’s relentless attacks.
Remember to boost your HP whenever possible. Should you succumb to poison, you will have some time to heal or cure it before it inflicts fatal damage.
Tactics for Overcoming Gnoster: Wisdom of Night
Gnoster poses a significant challenge due to its dual nature. The Moth produces a toxic mist that inflicts rapid poisoning, while the Scorpion delivers fierce melee strikes.
Both bosses possess AOE attacks integrated into their patterns, compelling players to not only evade their direct strikes but also the subsequent AOE effects. Melee attackers must learn to dodge into the Scorpion’s attacks to prevent being caught in these hazardous areas.
|
Attack |
Description |
Status Effect |
|---|---|---|
|
The Scorpion |
||
|
Pincer Attack |
The Scorpion slams its pincers together. |
N/A |
|
Stomp Attack |
Creates an AOE of spikes by stomping on either side. |
N/A |
|
Pincer Slam |
Slams into the ground, forming a spike field. |
N/A |
|
Shout |
Damages nearby players over time with a damaging shout. |
N/A |
|
Harden |
Increases defense by curling into a ball, reducing damage taken. |
N/A |
|
The Moth |
||
|
Light Bolt |
Targets a player with six small bolts, with varied timing. |
N/A |
|
Poison Mist |
Releases three lines of poison mist in a cone shape. |
Poison |
|
Rain of Light |
Creates sparkling mist before summoning damaging magic beams. |
N/A |
|
Lunge |
A charging attack that inflicts severe damage. |
N/A |
|
Gnoster (Unified) |
||
|
Charging Attack |
Charges forward while summoning light beams from above. |
N/A |
|
Bullet Smash |
Fires six shots quickly followed by a dive attack that causes AOE damage. |
N/A |
The Moth generates small light spheres that dissipate upon attack execution; use this moment to regroup and launch counterattacks.
Phase 1 Strategies
In the initial phase, it is essential to separate the two bosses as much as possible. With both attacking you simultaneously, your odds of survival diminish. Consider engaging them in distinct areas of the arena, purposely distancing yourself from teammates to avoid drawing their attention.
If you have multiple ranged attackers, Delegate two to focus on the Moth for lesser risk of exposure to heavy hits. The Scorpion inflicts substantial damage, so it’s crucial to save healing resources for the next phase when both bosses team up.
After reducing their health by about a third, both bosses will gravitate towards each other, offering a rare opportunity to inflict damage. Retreat as they unify, as Gnoster commonly follows up with a powerful shout attack post-fusion.
Phase 2 Tactics
In this phase, the intensity escalates. You will be relentlessly bombarded by a combination of attacks lacking any reprieve.
Maintain a cautious approach—panic can lead to mistakes. When an ally falls, try to lure Gnoster away before attempting a revival.
Ranged attackers should prioritize the Moth while melee fighters concentrate on the Scorpion. The potential for fire damage remains on the Moth, so use that to your advantage for ongoing damage.
When light beams begin to converge around your position, swiftly evade until they descend, as these can deal catastrophic damage while temporarily forcing the Moth to target the ground.
Success against Gnoster often relies more on luck than pure skill. If your map is rich in fire weapons, leverage that advantage. Improving poison resistance and enhancing your defense will also dramatically increase your survivability.
While Gnoster can be frustratingly difficult, persistence pays off. Upon defeating him, players are rewarded with the Night of the Wise relic, a notable prize for aspiring magic users. Use this victory as a stepping stone toward conquering the other Nightlords.
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