Elden Ring: Commander Niall Help At Shaded Castle (PS5)

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Hey fellow Tarnished! Are you stuck on Commander Niall at Shaded Castle in Elden Ring on your PlayStation 5? This boss can be a real pain, with his fast attacks, strong summons, and overall aggressive fighting style. But don't worry, you're not alone! Many players find Commander Niall to be a challenging encounter. This guide is here to help you overcome this hurdle and claim victory. We'll cover his attacks, weaknesses, and strategies to help you beat him, and even how to find other players to co-op with!

Understanding Commander Niall: A Tough Nut to Crack

Commander Niall is located in the Shaded Castle, a poison-filled area in the Altus Plateau region. Reaching him is a challenge in itself, requiring you to navigate through hordes of enemies and treacherous terrain. But the fight with Niall is where the real challenge begins. He is an optional boss, but taking him down rewards you with the Veteran's Prosthesis and unlocks access to a certain area, plus bragging rights, of course!

Why is Niall so tough? Firstly, he starts the fight by summoning two spectral knights, adding immediate pressure. These knights, one wielding dual swords and the other a greatshield and sword, can quickly overwhelm you if you're not careful. Secondly, Niall himself is a formidable opponent. He wields a prosthetic leg infused with lightning, which he uses to deliver devastating kicks and sweeping attacks. His mobility is high, and his attacks can inflict both physical and frostbite damage, making him a threat at all ranges. So, you've really got to prepare and know his moves if you want to stand a chance. The key here is understanding his attacks, using the right build, and maybe even bringing a friend (or two) along for the ride. It's all about that sweet, sweet victory, guys!

Phase 1: Dealing with the Summons

The first phase of the fight is arguably the most chaotic. Commander Niall immediately summons two spectral knights:

  • A dual-wielding swordsman who is quick and aggressive.
  • A greatshield knight who is more defensive but can still deal significant damage.

Focus on eliminating the knights first. This will make the fight significantly easier. Here are some strategies:

  • Use Spirit Ashes: Summons like the Lone Wolves or Banished Knight Oleg can help distract the knights and give you an opening to attack. Upgraded summons are even more effective. These can really change the tide of battle, giving you the extra help you need.
  • Utilize Status Effects: Bleed and frostbite can be effective against the knights. Weapons or skills that inflict these status effects can help you take them down quickly. Don't underestimate the power of a good bleed build!
  • Prioritize the Dual Swordsman: The dual-wielding knight is typically more aggressive, so taking him out first reduces the immediate pressure. He's fast, but he's also a bit of a glass cannon compared to his shield-bearing buddy.
  • Be Patient and Observe: Don't rush in blindly. Observe their attack patterns and learn when to dodge and strike. A little patience goes a long way in a tough fight like this.

Phase 2: Facing Commander Niall Himself

Once you've dealt with the knights, it's time to face Commander Niall one-on-one. He is a formidable opponent with a mix of melee and lightning-based attacks. Understanding his moveset is crucial for survival. His prosthetic leg is his main weapon, delivering swift and powerful kicks. Additionally, he can create gusts of wind that inflict frostbite and leave you vulnerable.

Key attacks to watch out for:

  • Lightning Leg Sweep: Niall charges his prosthetic leg with lightning and performs a sweeping kick. This attack has a wide range and can be difficult to dodge, but the tell is pretty obvious.
  • Wind Gust: Niall creates a gust of wind that inflicts frostbite. This attack has a moderate range and can stagger you if you're caught in it. Watch for the wind-up animation and get ready to roll!
  • Jump Attack: Niall jumps into the air and slams down with his prosthetic leg, creating an area-of-effect attack. The timing on this dodge can be tricky, so practice makes perfect.
  • Standard Kicks and Slashes: He also has a series of standard melee attacks, including kicks and slashes with his weapon. These are less telegraphed but still pack a punch.

Strategies for defeating Niall:

  • Dodge and Punish: Niall's attacks have long wind-ups, making them telegraphed. Dodge his attacks and punish him during his recovery frames. Patience is key here. Don't get greedy with your attacks!
  • Use Fire Damage: Niall is weak to fire damage. Fire Grease, Fire Pots, or fire-based spells can significantly reduce his health. This is a great way to speed up the fight and end it before things get too hairy.
  • Maintain Distance: Mid-range is your friend. You'll have enough time to react to his lightning leg sweep and wind gust, but you'll still be close enough to punish him after his attacks. Don't get too far away, or he'll just keep spamming those wind gusts.
  • Utilize Spirit Ashes (Again): Even in phase 2, summons can be a huge help. They can draw Niall's aggro, giving you opportunities to heal or deal damage. A well-timed summon can be a lifesaver!

Builds and Equipment Recommendations

Choosing the right build and equipment can make a significant difference in your fight against Commander Niall. Here are some recommendations:

Weapon Recommendations

  • Weapons with Fire Damage: Weapons that deal fire damage, such as the Magma Blade or weapons infused with Fire Grease, are highly effective against Niall.
  • Weapons with Bleed: Weapons that inflict bleed, such as katanas or curved swords, can quickly deplete Niall's health bar.
  • Fast Weapons: Fast-attacking weapons like dual swords or curved swords allow you to quickly punish Niall during his recovery frames. You want to get in, get your hits in, and get out before he can retaliate.

Armor Recommendations

  • Armor with High Poise: Armor with high poise can help you avoid being staggered by Niall's attacks, allowing you to trade blows more effectively. Poise is your friend in a fight like this.
  • Armor with Frost Resistance: Armor with frost resistance can mitigate the frostbite buildup from Niall's wind gusts. Frostbite can be a real killer, so anything you can do to reduce it is a plus.

Talisman Recommendations

  • Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery speed, allowing you to dodge and attack more frequently. Stamina is key in this fight, so anything that boosts it is a win.
  • Erdtree's Favor: Increases maximum HP, stamina, and equip load, providing a general boost to your survivability. More HP is always a good thing, especially against a hard-hitting boss like Niall.
  • Fire Scorpion Charm: Increases fire damage, making fire-based attacks even more effective. If you're going the fire route, this talisman is a must-have.
  • Marrow Mask: Boosts Arcane stat, which enhances the effectiveness of status effects like bleed. If you're rocking a bleed build, this is the talisman for you.

Seeking Co-op Help on PS5

If you're still struggling to defeat Commander Niall, don't hesitate to seek help from other players. Elden Ring's co-op system allows you to summon up to two other players to assist you in boss fights.

Here's how to find co-op help on PS5:

  1. Use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy: This item allows you to see summon signs left by other players. You can craft it using Erdleaf Flowers or purchase it from merchants.
  2. Look for Summon Signs near the boss fog: Players looking to help often leave their summon signs near the fog gate leading to the Commander Niall boss fight.
  3. Set a Multiplayer Password: If you want to play with specific friends, you can set a multiplayer password in the game's settings. This ensures that only players with the same password can see your summon signs.
  4. Check Online Forums and Communities: Websites like Reddit's r/EldenRing or the Elden Ring Discord server are great places to find players willing to help with boss fights. Post your request, and you'll likely find someone eager to lend a hand.

Alternative Strategies and Cheese Methods (If You're Desperate!)

While it's always more satisfying to defeat a boss through skill and strategy, sometimes you just need to get the job done. If you're truly stuck, there are a few alternative strategies and cheese methods you can try (though be warned, they might feel a little less honorable!).

  • The Spirit Ash Spam: Some spirit ashes, like the Mimic Tear, are incredibly powerful and can solo bosses. If you're feeling frustrated, try using a strong spirit ash and let it do most of the work.
  • The Ranged Approach: If you're a mage or have a ranged build, you can try staying at a distance and peppering Niall with spells or arrows. This can be risky, as he can still close the gap quickly, but it can be effective if you're careful.

Conclusion: Victory is Within Your Grasp!

Commander Niall is undoubtedly a tough boss in Elden Ring, but he is by no means unbeatable. By understanding his attacks, utilizing the right build and equipment, and potentially seeking help from other players, you can overcome this challenge and claim victory. Remember to stay patient, learn from your mistakes, and don't give up! The feeling of finally taking down a boss that's been giving you trouble is one of the best feelings in gaming. So, go out there, Tarnished, and show Commander Niall who's boss! Good luck, and happy hunting!