Overview

The Ulcerated Tree Spirit is a terrifying boss returning in Elden Ring: Nightreign. This colossal, snake-like creature is constantly on the move around the arena, making it difficult to predict when it will strike. Staying alert and guarding at the right moments is crucial to surviving its aggressive assault.

Arena and Movement

The boss's arena is wide and open, giving the Ulcerated Tree Spirit plenty of room to slither and circle you. Its constant movement can feel overwhelming, especially since it doesn't pause for long before attacking. Patience is key here: try to maintain a medium distance and watch its animations closely to anticipate strikes.

Attack Patterns

Roar & Grab Attack

The Tree Spirit lets out a deep, ominous roar as a warning before performing a grabbing bite attack. This move is lethal if it connects. To counter it, roll away immediately when you hear the roar—timing your dodge is critical to avoid massive damage or instant death.

Clawing and Bite Attacks

It uses rapid claw swipes and biting motions to chip away at your health. These are swift and can chain together, so keep your guard up or dodge accordingly.

Flame Explosion (Phase 2)

After its health falls below 50%, the Ulcerated Tree Spirit shifts into a more dangerous Phase 2. It will unleash a flame explosion around itself, dealing holy damage that can catch you off guard if you're too close. Watch for the visual cue of the boss preparing this attack, and back off quickly.

Phase 2 Strategy

Stay Close, but Stay Smart

Paradoxically, staying close to the boss during Phase 2 can help you avoid many attacks, especially if you cling to its sides or behind its head. Most of the dangerous flame and holy damage attacks are frontal or centered, so positioning yourself to the side reduces risk.

Breaking Poise for Critical Hits

Focus on landing heavy hits to break the boss's poise. Once staggered, the Tree Spirit becomes vulnerable, allowing you to perform a critical strike on its head, dealing immense damage. This stagger-crit combo is one of the fastest ways to whittle down its remaining health.

Recommended Equipment and Skills

High Holy Damage Resistance Gear: Equip armor or talismans that boost holy damage resistance to lessen Phase 2 damage.

Fast Rolling and Stamina Management: Agility and stamina are your best friends here—rolling at the right moment and managing stamina for blocking or attacking is essential.

Weapons with Bleed or Poison Effects: Applying status effects over time can help reduce the length of the fight, especially if you struggle to consistently land heavy hits.

Summary Tips

Always be ready to roll away after the roar.

Keep a medium distance during Phase 1; close in to the sides in Phase 2.

Focus on breaking poise for critical hits.

Use holy resistance gear in Phase 2.

Manage stamina carefully for blocking and dodging.

Mastering the Ulcerated Tree Spirit requires sharp observation of its attack cues, steady composure, and striking decisively during openings. Patience and a well-planned strategy are key to overcoming this formidable foe. Defeating the Tree Spirit rewards you generously with valuable Elden Ring runes that can boost your character's growth and rare Elden Ring items that enhance your gear or crafting options. These rewards make the challenging fight well worth the effort, empowering you as you continue your journey through the Lands Between.