FromSoftware’s latest game shares a lot in common with its celebrated Dark Souls series, but because of the nature of its open-world level design, boss encounters come in two different varieties: the conventional type that begins with players passing through a wall of mist and becoming locked in an encounter, and a new open-world style that initiates when a boss sees the player but can be escaped by running away. After starting your Elden Ring adventure, you’ll encounter the latter type almost straight away — though you probably should ignore it initially! Once you’ve leveled up and returned, here’s how to beat the Tree Sentinel in Elden Ring.
As alluded to above, you should ignore the Tree Sentinel for a while until you have leveled up. You probably already know this if you’ve tried to take him on below level 15 or so. In fact, we didn’t beat him until level 23, several hours into our quest across The Lands Between.
How to Beat the Tree Sentinel in Elden Ring
The Tree Sentinel is a fast-moving mounted boss who can close distance quickly and inflict massive damage. He shouldn’t be underestimated, but he is actually fairly easy to beat once you understand the patterns of his movement and have both enough health to withstand a couple of blows and can inflict enough damage with each of your own attacks.
You should also have either the Wandering Noble Ashes or the Lone Wolf Ashes, which serve as a useful distraction.
Note that we beat the Tree Sentinel as a magic-focused Astrologer build, using only the basic Glinstone Pebble attack. If you are a different build, however, you can still apply this strategy — though we would suggest investing in a bow so that you can hit the Tree Sentinel with ranged attacks. Getting close to this boss is dangerous. This is a battle best fought from a mounted position, so you will want to stay on Torrent for its duration.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Begin by deploying either Wandering Noble Ashes or Lone Wolf Ashes in the path of the Tree Sentinel. While riding Torrent, flank him and wait until he engages the ashes. This is your cue to either fire off magic damage, bolts, or run behind him and strike a blow or two.
- After you have the Tree Sentinel he will begin chasing you. Run away (do not sprint), and keep your distance while circling him. Eventually, once he gets close, he will wind up an attack. This is when you should dash away by pressing Circle/B. Then, after he misses, fire off spells/bolts or quickly flank him for a melee strike.
- Repeat this process. Do not take unnecessary risks. This is a slow, careful strategy that can take a bit of time but ultimately will keep you safe. Remember to have your flasks at the ready to replenish HP/FP when necessary.
- The Tree Sentinel generally uses two variations of a charged melee attack, but he can use his shield to deflect magic attacks, and he sometimes will charge at you with his shield. Be ready to dash away when this occurs.
- After you have beaten the Tree Sentinel you will be rewarded with the Golden Halberd.
That should give you everything to know about how to beat the Tree Sentinel in Elden Ring. Be sure to search for Twinfinite or check our guide wiki for more tips, tricks and information on the game.
If you have a specific question you cannot find an answer to anywhere on the site then do feel free to reach out in the comment section below and we’ll do our best to lend a hand.
About the author
