Conquering the vast underground regions of Elden Ring requires a balance of keen exploration and strategic patience. Among the most imposing encounters hidden beneath the surface is the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella, a massive ancient enemy that challenges unprepared adventurers. This guide outlines how to reach this subterranean beast and the specific rewards waiting for victorious players.
Finding the Entrance to Ainsel River
Reaching this particular boss requires venturing into the deep subterranean network of the Lands Between. The journey begins by utilizing the Ainsel River Well lift located in the eastern landmass of Liurnia of the Lakes. Taking this lift downwards brings you directly into a gloomy, ant-infested network of ruins that leads further into the depths.
As you navigate through the massive chambers of the Uhl Palace Ruins, look out for giant insect threats and hostile ambient spells. Following the natural downstream flow of the river will safely guide you toward a large western chamber. The open watery arena at the dead end of this pathway serves as the resting place for your massive adversary.
Mastering the Multi Phase Confrontation
The combat encounter shifts dynamically once you diminish a significant portion of the boss creature's initial health pool. During the opening phase, the massive humanoid relies heavily on slow yet sweeping physical strikes and heavy ground slams. Staying positioned directly underneath or behind the creature allows melee builds to safely land consistent attacks.
The battle transforms dramatically during the second phase when the entity channels intense frozen lightning forces. It gains the ability to fly across the arena and call down deadly electrical storms that induce frostbite status effects. Staying agile and learning to roll through the delayed area-of-effect explosions is essential for surviving the onslaught.
Claiming Your Subterranean Rewards
Defeating this massive Greater Enemy provides significant character progression advantages for dedicated magic users. Victorious players are immediately rewarded with a substantial amount of Runes to boost their primary attribute levels. Additionally, the creature drops the powerful Frozen Lightning Spear incantation, which allows faith-based characters to summon devastating icy lightning strikes from the sky.
Beyond the immediate loot drop, defeating this boss opens access to a highly valuable treasure chest located at the back of the chamber. Inside this chest, explorers will discover a Great Ghost Glovewort, an essential upgrade material used to maximize the level of elite spirit summons. Clearing this room effectively marks the completion of the lower river zone before moving to main storyline quests.
