How to Deal with Commander O’Neil
Introduction
Commander O’Neil is one of the toughest bosses you’ll encounter in Elden Ring. With his mastery over the Rot Tornado attack and his ability to teleport around the arena, fighting him can be quite daunting. However, with the right strategies and approach, you can emerge victorious from this battle. In this article, we’ll go over some tips on how to deal with Commander O’Neil and offer a comprehensive guide on what weapons and tactics to use to defeat him.
Choose the Right Weapon
Physical Strikes and Thrust
- Bloodhound’s Fang: This powerful greataxe is particularly effective against Commander O’Neil. Its high AR (Attack Rating) makes it capable of dealing massive damage to the boss.
Magic and Ranged Attacks
- Long-range spells: Magic users can easily outrange Commander O’Neil by fighting from a distance. With long-range spells, you can attack him without risking your safety.
Blocking
- Use shields with high stability: Commando’s Greatshield is a great option for absorbing damage and protecting yourself while trading blows with the boss.
- Use teleportation to dodge attacks: Mastering the art of teleportation can help you dodge attacks and stay out of range of Commander O’Neil’s Rot Tornado attack.
Rot Tornado Counter
- Position yourself carefully: Pay attention to Commander O’Neil’s positioning and dodge out of the way quickly. Use the arena’s environment to your advantage.
- Use Torrent: In this fight, Torrent can be an ally. Use it to speed up and avoid Rot Tornado attacks.
Using the Environment
- Exploit the arena’s geometry: Use the pillars in the arena to avoid or block attacks. Also, be mindful of Commander O’Neil’s rotation so you can stay within his attack range.
- Stay mobile: Keep moving and avoid getting cornered, as this can limit your options and make the fight more challenging.
When to Use Spirit Ashes
- Timing is key: Use Lhutel the Headless or Ancient Dragon Knight Kristoff’s spirit ash only when Commander O’Neil is vulnerable or at low health.
Battle Summary
| Phase | Approach | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| 1st phase | Keep distance and dodge Rot Tornado | Teleport and use shield |
| 2nd phase | Close the gap | Use Bloodhound’s Fang or other physical strike |
| 3rd phase | Keep distance again and dodge attacks | Mastering teleportation and block/parry |
In this article, we’ve covered some essential tips on how to deal with Commander O’Neil. By combining a solid understanding of his abilities with the right tactics, you can emerge victorious in this challenging fight. Remember to stay patient, practice, and adapt to your playing style.