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Commander Niall, the daunting foe guarding the ancestral legacy of the Starscourge Radahn, is a formidable adversary in Elden Ring. His imposing stature, relentless attacks, and devastating frost magic can quickly overwhelm even seasoned warriors. However, with the right strategy and a touch of ingenuity, it is possible to outwit this formidable general and seize victory without engaging in a direct confrontation.
Embark on a cunning journey to find a weakness in Niall’s seemingly impenetrable fortress. Observe his movements, study his patterns, and seek out hidden paths that may lead to an advantage. The key lies in exploiting his vulnerabilities and turning his strengths against him. As you carefully navigate through his domain, you will uncover a secret that could alter the course of the battle and grant you an unexpected edge.
Prepare for the Battle
Conquering Commander Niall is a formidable challenge, but with the right preparation and strategy, it’s certainly achievable. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare for the battle:
Gather Essential Items
Before venturing into the arena, ensure you have a sufficient supply of healing flasks, both Crimson and Cerulean. Additionally, consider bringing Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears to upgrade your flasks as you progress. These consumables will prove invaluable in sustaining your character throughout the encounter.
Choose the Right Weapon and Armor
When selecting weapons, opt for those infused with Lightning, Fire, or Holy damage, as they are effective against Commander Niall’s spectral knights. For armor, prioritize pieces with high physical and lightning resistance. Consider using items like the Lightning Charm and Ritual Sword Talisman to further enhance your defenses against lightning attacks.
Acquire Helpful Spirit Ashes
Spirit Ashes can provide valuable assistance during the battle. Some effective options include the Mimic Tear, a spirit that mimics your character’s abilities; the Black Knife Tiche, known for its high damage output and invisibility; or the Lhutel the Headless spirit, which excels at ranged attacks and can draw aggro from enemies.
Learn Their Movesets
Familiarize yourself with Commander Niall and his spectral knights’ movesets. Observe their patterns and study their weaknesses. This knowledge will enable you to predict their attacks and react accordingly, gaining an advantage in combat.
Plan Your Approach
Consider your approach before engaging in the battle. You can attempt to lure Commander Niall away from his knights, dividing them for easier management. Alternatively, you can focus on eliminating the knights first, leaving Niall alone and vulnerable. Adapt your strategy as needed based on the situation.
| Essential Items |
|---|
| – Crimson Tears Flasks |
| – Cerulean Tears Flasks |
| – Golden Seeds |
| – Sacred Tears |
Summoning the Spirits
To cheese Commander Niall, you’ll need to first summon the three spirits that will aid you in battle. To do this, you’ll need to find the three spirit ashes and then use them at the summoning pools near the boss arena. The spirit ashes can be found in the following locations:
Black Knife Tiche’s Spirit Ashes
Tiche’s ashes are located in the Moonlight Altar, which is a hidden area in the Moonlight Plateau. To reach the Moonlight Altar, you’ll need to first complete the Carian Manor questline and then use the Grand Lift of Rold to reach the Moonlight Plateau. Once you’re in the Moonlight Plateau, head to the northwest corner of the map and look for a summoning pool near a large tree. Tiche’s ashes will be inside the summoning pool.
Lhutel the Headless Spirit Ashes
Lhutel’s ashes are located in the Consecrated Snowfield. To reach the Consecrated Snowfield, you’ll need to first complete the Giants’ Mountaintop questline and then use the Grand Lift of Rold to reach the Consecrated Snowfield. Once you’re in the Consecrated Snowfield, head to the northeast corner of the map and look for a summoning pool near a large tower. Lhutel’s ashes will be inside the summoning pool.
Mimic Tear Ashes
The Mimic Tear ashes are located in the Night’s Sacred Ground. To reach the Night’s Sacred Ground, you’ll need to first complete the Ranni questline and then use the Grand Lift of Rold to reach the Night’s Sacred Ground. Once you’re in the Night’s Sacred Ground, head to the northwest corner of the map and look for a summoning pool near a large building. The Mimic Tear ashes will be inside the summoning pool.
The Importance of Patience
Battling Commander Niall is a formidable task that demands patience and strategic planning. Haste and recklessness will only lead to a swift demise. Embrace the virtue of patience throughout the encounter, carefully observing Niall’s attacks and waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
Timing Your Attacks
Niall’s attacks occur at specific intervals, providing keen-eyed warriors with a window of opportunity. After each of his lunging thrusts, he momentarily pauses, leaving himself vulnerable to a swift counterattack. Grasp these moments to deliver a devastating blow, but be quick to retreat before his next onslaught.
Positioning for Advantage
The arena where you face Niall offers strategic possibilities. Position yourself near the pillars or against the wall to create obstacles between you and his relentless attacks. This will block his line of sight, allowing you to dodge his projectiles with greater ease. Additionally, maintain a safe distance from Niall, as his lightning strikes and area-of-effect attacks have a substantial range.
Table of Niall’s Attacks
| Attack | Description |
|—|—|
| Lunging Thrust | Niall lunges forward with his halberd, dealing heavy damage on impact. |
| Lightning Strikes | Niall summons lightning bolts that strike random locations within the arena. |
| Area-of-Effect Magic | Niall summons a surge of energy that damages everything within close proximity. |
| Ice Breath Attack | Niall exhales a freezing breath that slows and deals damage to nearby enemies. |
Controlling the Battlefield
Commander Niall fights alongside two tough knights who can easily overwhelm you if you aren’t careful. The key to this fight is to separate Niall from his knights so you can deal with them one at a time.
To do this, you’ll need to use the environment to your advantage. The battlefield is littered with pillars and other obstacles that you can use to break line of sight with Niall and his knights.
Once you’ve separated Niall from his knights, you can focus on taking them out one at a time. The knights are relatively easy to kill, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble with them.
Once the knights are dead, you can finally turn your attention to Niall himself. Niall is a tough opponent, but he’s not impossible to beat. Just be patient and use the environment to your advantage, and you’ll eventually be able to defeat him.
Specific Tips for Controlling the Battlefield
Here are some specific tips for controlling the battlefield in the Commander Niall fight:
- Use the pillars and other obstacles to break line of sight with Niall and his knights.
- Focus on taking out the knights one at a time.
- Don’t be afraid to use summons or spirit ashes to help you out.
- Be patient and don’t get greedy. If you try to take on too much at once, you’ll quickly get overwhelmed.
Table: Specific Pillars and Obstacles
| Obstacle | Location |
|---|---|
| Pillar 1 | Near the entrance to the arena |
| Pillar 2 | In the center of the arena |
| Pillar 3 | Near the exit to the arena |
Exploiting Niall’s Weaknesses
1. Frost is Key: Niall’s health regenerates when exposed to fire damage. Switching your weapons to Frostbite or Icerind Hatchet can quickly deplete his health.
2. Guard Breaks Over Blood Loss: Niall’s attacks are powerful but slow. Dodge his attacks and use a shield with high Stability or Guard Boost talismans to block them, leaving him vulnerable to guard breaks. Alternatively, trigger blood loss buildup to continuously drain his health.
3. Utilize Summoning Ashes: Spirit Ashes can distract Niall, giving you windows to attack or heal. Mimic Tear Ashes can even copy Niall’s attacks, further overwhelming him.
4. Focus on Niall: While Niall summons two knights as support, focus on eliminating Niall first. Use Torrent to dodge the knights’ attacks and prioritize Niall’s defeat.
5. Niall’s Phase Transition Weaknesses:
| Phase | Weakness |
|---|---|
| First Phase | Open to all damage types |
| Second Phase | Susceptible to Frostbite |
| Third Phase | Amplified damage from Hoarfrost Stomp |
By exploiting Niall’s weaknesses in different phases, you can effectively cheese the fight and secure victory.
Utilizing the Shield
Commander Niall, a formidable boss in Elden Ring, employs a large shield that can be challenging to break through. However, there are several tactics that can be employed to effectively use the shield to your advantage.
Blocking Attacks
The shield can be used to block Niall’s sword attacks by holding the “L1” button. However, it’s crucial to time your blocks precisely, as premature or late blocks will result in damage. Additionally, be wary of Niall’s shield bash attacks, which cannot be blocked and deal significant damage.
Rupturing the Shield
Niall’s shield has a limited amount of durability that can be depleted. By repeatedly attacking the shield with heavy weapons or skills, you can eventually rupture it, stunning Niall and opening him up to a critical strike. Focus on damaging the shield with every hit by aiming for its center.
Using the Shield as Cover
The shield can also be used as a cover to protect yourself from Niall’s lightning attacks. Position yourself behind the shield to block the incoming bolts and create an opportunity to heal or attack.
Hitting Niall’s Head
When Niall’s shield is raised, it leaves his head exposed. This presents an opportunity to deal significant damage by aiming your attacks at his head. Use ranged weapons, such as arrows or spells, to hit Niall’s head while staying out of reach.
Table of Shield-Related Tactics
| Tactic | Description |
|---|---|
| Blocking | Hold “L1” to block Niall’s sword attacks. |
| Rupturing | Attack the shield repeatedly to deplete its durability and stun Niall. |
| Cover | Use the shield to protect yourself from Niall’s lightning attacks. |
| Headshot | Aim ranged attacks at Niall’s head when his shield is raised. |
Timing Your Attacks
The key to cheesing Commander Niall is to time your attacks perfectly. You need to wait for him to finish his attacks before you strike. If you attack too early, he will block your attacks and retaliate with a powerful counterattack. You can use the following tips to time your attacks:
- Learn his attack patterns. Each of Niall’s attacks has a different tell. Once you learn his patterns, you can anticipate his next move and time your attacks accordingly.
- Be patient. Don’t rush into attacking. Wait for Niall to finish his attacks before you strike.
- Use a fast weapon. A fast weapon will allow you to get in and out of range quickly, making it harder for Niall to hit you.
- Stay close to him. If you stay too far away, Niall will use his ranged attacks, which are more difficult to dodge.
- Use the pillars to your advantage. The pillars in the arena can be used to block Niall’s attacks. You can also use them to take cover if you need to heal.
- Be aware of his summons. Niall will summon two banished knights to aid him in battle. These knights are not very strong, but they can be a nuisance. Focus on taking them down quickly so that you can focus on Niall.
- Don’t be afraid to run away. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to run away and heal. You can always come back and finish the fight later.
| Attack | Tell |
|---|---|
| Overhead smash | Niall raises his sword above his head |
| Forward thrust | Niall lunges forward with his sword |
| Spinning attack | Niall spins around with his sword extended |
| Ranged attack | Niall fires a magic projectile |
Avoiding Niall’s Fatal Blows
Commander Niall poses a formidable challenge in Elden Ring, capable of delivering devastating blows that can quickly dispatch unprepared adventurers. However, with careful observation and precise execution, it is possible to minimize the impact of Niall’s most dangerous attacks.
Dodge the Overhead Strike
Niall’s overhead strike is a powerful and highly telegraphed attack that can deal significant damage. When he raises his weapon high above his head, be prepared to dodge it by rolling laterally or backward.
Deflect the Vertical Slam
Niall’s vertical slam is a quick and unpredictable downward attack that can be difficult to avoid. However, it can be deflected by using a shield with high stability or by employing a well-timed parry.
Sidestep the Dual Sword Swipe
When Niall charges forward with his dual swords, he will perform a wide-sweeping horizontal swipe. To avoid this attack, sidestep to the left or right as he swings his swords.
Evade the Spinning Slash
Niall’s spinning slash is a fast and damaging attack that covers a wide area. When he begins to spin, quickly roll backward or sideways to escape the blade’s trajectory.
Duck Under the Charge
Niall’s charge attack can be deadly if you are caught in its path. When he charges, time your dodge to slide beneath him or roll to the side as he passes.
Counter the Magic Attacks
Niall’s magic attacks, such as the frost breath and lightning bolt, can be dodged by rolling away or using magic resistance items.
Stay Aware of the Meteorite Summons
Niall can summon meteorites that rain down upon the battlefield. Pay attention to the glowing runes on the ground and move away from the impact zones to avoid damage.
Block the Flamethrower
Niall’s flamethrower attack deals continuous damage over time. To mitigate its effects, equip a shield with high fire resistance or use items that provide flame resistance, such as Fireproof Dried Liver.
Enhancing Your Character
To cheese Commander Niall more effectively, it’s crucial to enhance your character’s offense and defense as much as possible. Here are some specific steps to take:
1. Level Up
Leveling up increases your stats, making you more resilient and powerful against Niall.
2. Equip the Mimic Tear Ashes
The Mimic Tear Ashes summon an AI-controlled duplicate of yourself to aid you in battle. This can significantly divide Niall’s attention and give you an advantage in the fight.
3. Use Golden Vow
Casting Golden Vow grants both you and your summon an Attack and Defense buff, making your attacks more impactful and your defense more robust.
4. Enhance Your Weapons and Armor
Upgrading your weapons and armor will boost your damage output and protection against Niall’s attacks.
5. Buff Your Stats with Consumables
Using consumable items like Holy Water and Cracked Tears can temporarily enhance your stats, providing an additional edge in battle.
6. Learn Niall’s Attack Patterns
Observing and studying Niall’s attack patterns will help you anticipate his moves and dodge his attacks more effectively.
7. Stay Close to the Gate
Niall’s Leans impose a gating mechanic, preventing him from entering certain areas. Staying close to the gate will allow you to continuously attack Niall without him being able to retaliate.
8. Utilize Spirit Ashes and Spells Simultaneously
Don’t limit yourself to either Spirit Ashes or spells. Utilize both concurrently to maximize your offensive and defensive capabilities.
9. Exploit Niall’s Weakness to Holy Damage
Niall is particularly vulnerable to Holy Damage. Equipping weapons infused with Holy Ashes or casting Holy spells can drastically increase your damage output. Some recommended Holy weapons include:
| Weapon | Damage Type |
|---|---|
| Golden Halberd | Thrust/Holy |
| Sacred Relic Sword | Slash/Holy |
| Erdtree Greatshield | Shield Bash/Holy |
Surviving the Final Phase
Once Niall’s health is reduced to 50%, he enters his final phase. This phase is significantly more challenging as Niall gains access to new and devastating abilities. Here are the key strategies for surviving this intense encounter:
1. Positioning and Movement
Maintaining proper positioning and movement is crucial. Stay at a medium distance from Niall to avoid his melee attacks. When he summons his frost knights, move away to break their line of sight and disrupt their charge. Keep an eye on Niall’s ice breath and dodge to avoid its freezing effect.
2. Countering the Ice Stomp
Niall’s ice stomp inflicts heavy damage and can freeze players. To counter it, move away from its indicator as soon as it appears. Additionally, casting “Flame, Cleanse Me” or “Fire’s Deadly Sin” can remove the ice status.
3. Evading the Frost Breath
Niall’s frost breath releases a wide cone of ice. To evade it, roll or sprint to the side, staying out of its path.
4. Breaking the Frost Knight Charge
The frost knights charge in a straight line. To break their charge, move away from them or roll to the side.
5. Avoiding the Orb Beams
Niall shoots orb beams that follow players closely. Dodge and weave to avoid them.
6. Dealing with the Frostbite
Niall gains frostbite on his melee attacks. To reduce damage, roll away or sprint after getting hit.
7. Utilizing Fire or Holy Damage
Niall is particularly susceptible to fire and holy damage. Weapons or incantations with these damage types will deal increased damage.
8. Summoning Spirits
Summoning spirits can provide support and distraction during the fight. They can tank Niall’s attacks, allowing you to focus on dealing damage.
9. Using Blessed Items
Blessed items, such as the Blasphemous Claw or Sacred Relic Sword, can inflict holy damage, which is especially effective against Niall.
10. Patience and Timing
Patience and timing are key. Don’t rush into attacks. Wait for Niall’s moves to finish and then strike when there’s an opening. Careful timing of dodges and rolls will allow you to avoid his damage and stay alive.
How to Cheese Commander Niall
Commander Niall is a formidable boss in Elden Ring, known for his relentless attacks and high damage output. However, it is possible to cheese him using a specific strategy that involves exploiting his AI and the environment.
Step 1: Position yourself near the fog wall leading to Commander Niall’s arena. Summon your Spirit Ash companion, such as Mimic Tear or Tiche.
Step 2: As you enter the arena, focus on dodging Commander Niall’s initial charge and sweeping attacks. Keep your distance and wait for him to summon his two knights.
Step 3: After he summons his knights, quickly run past them and towards the back of the arena where there are two platforms. Summon your mount, Torrent, and ride up to the higher platform.
Step 4: From the platform, you can now safely attack Commander Niall without worrying about his allies. Use ranged attacks such as arrows, spells, or Incantations. Alternatively, you can use a bow and arrow to shoot him from the lower platform if you prefer.
Step 5: Focus on chipping away at Commander Niall’s health while dodging his ranged attacks. Once you have defeated him, the battle will be over, and you will receive the loot.
Note: Be careful not to fall off the platform during the fight, as this will instantly reset the battle. Also, Commander Niall may occasionally jump up onto the platform, but if you keep your distance, you can quickly retreat and continue attacking him from a safe vantage point.
People Also Ask
How do I beat Commander Niall without cheesing?
To beat Commander Niall without cheesing, you will need to learn his attack patterns and develop strategies to counter them. Use strong weapons upgraded as high as possible and prioritize dodging his powerful strikes. Focus on taking out his knights one at a time to reduce the pressure on you. You can also use Spirit Ashes and Ashes of War to assist you in the fight.
What is the recommended level for Commander Niall?
The recommended level for Commander Niall is around 100-120. However, it may vary depending on your build, equipment, and skill level.
Where can I find Commander Niall?
Commander Niall is located at the end of Castle Sol, which is in the Mountaintops of the Giants region.
