Where To Find Dragonkin Soldier Of Nokstella And How To Beat It

Elden Ring is filled with secret underground regions housing massive optional bosses that offer rich rewards and memorable encounters. Among these formidable foes is the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella, a towering beast sitting beneath a grand throne in the subterranean depths. Locating this creature requires exploring forgotten ruins, while defeating it demands solid positioning and precise timing.

Locating the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella

To reach this hidden encounter, adventurers must journey beneath Liurnia of the Lakes into the cavernous Ainsel River region. After taking the Ainsel River Well elevator down, travel through the ant-infested tunnels toward the Ainsel River Downstream Site of Grace. From there, continue westward through the water until you step into the massive, ruin-filled chamber featuring a giant throne.

As you approach the open area beneath the stone throne, the boss will drop down to challenge you. This zone serves as an isolated arena where players can make full use of Spirit Ashes to draw attention. Preparing your loadout before entering this chamber ensures you will not be caught off guard.

Phase One Tactics and Positioning

During the opening phase, the boss relies primarily on heavy physical swipes, ground slams, and sweeping arm attacks. The safest strategy for melee fighters is to stay close to the boss's hind legs and attempt to remain behind its back. By hugging its right leg, many of its wide forward swipes will completely miss your character.

Ranged attackers and spellcasters should maintain a moderate distance to dodge sweeping hand slams comfortably. Using status effects like Scarlet Rot or Frostbite can steadily drain its health pool during this opening stretch. Staying patient and managing your stamina pool will allow you to transition smoothly into the next stage.

Conquering the Ice Lightning Second Phase

Once the boss drops to half health, it erupts with power, sprouting spectral wings and unlocking devastating Ice Lightning attacks. It will frequently leap into the air to hurl lightning bolts or slam down, causing ground-shattering cold explosions. Rolling directly toward or under the boss as it descends helps you avoid the lingering area-of-effect damage.

Inflicting stance damage during this phase is essential, as breaking its poise exposes its head for massive critical damage. Combining heavy charged attacks with aggressive spirit summons allows players to stagger the beast quickly. Keep your health topped off at all times to survive potential high-damage lightning strikes.

Rewards for Defeating the Ancient Beast

Overcoming this subterranean terror rewards players with 12,000 Runes and the Frozen Lightning Spear incantation. This unique spell allows Faith builds to summon an ice lightning bolt that bursts forward across the ground. Be sure to inspect the chest located directly under the giant throne afterward to claim additional valuable treasures.