The Putrid Tree Spirit inElden Ringis one of the more aggressive and chaotic optional bosses you’ll encounter throughout the Lands Between. With its grotesque form, poisonous attacks, and unpredictable movements, this boss can be overwhelming for unprepared players. It’s found in several locations, including hidden catacombs and rot-infested caverns, and facing it is always a test of timing, poison resistance, and situational awareness. If you’re looking for a comprehensive strategy on how to beat the Putrid Tree Spirit, this guide will walk you through its mechanics, weaknesses, and the best ways to handle the fight step-by-step.
Where to Find the Putrid Tree Spirit
Common Spawn Locations
The Putrid Tree Spirit can be found in multiple areas, most notably in the War-Dead Catacombs and the Giant-Conquering Hero’s Grave. These versions are corrupted with Scarlet Rot, making the fight more challenging than the standard Ulcerated Tree Spirit.
- War-Dead Catacombs: Located in Caelid, near the Redmane Castle battlefield.
- Giant-Conquering Hero’s Grave: Found in the Mountaintops of the Giants, this version is even more dangerous due to tighter space.
Knowing the layout of these areas will help you prepare for the tight corridors and rot pools that might affect the battle.
Understanding the Putrid Tree Spirit’s Abilities
Unpredictable Movement
The Putrid Tree Spirit has wild, snake-like movements that can catch players off guard. It will thrash, coil, and lunge with almost no warning, making it hard to find a rhythm during combat.
Scarlet Rot Infliction
This boss inflicts Scarlet Rot through area-of-effect bursts and breath attacks. Scarlet Rot is more deadly than poison, draining your health quickly unless you use specific items or spells to counter it.
Fire and Physical Damage
In addition to rot, the Tree Spirit deals high fire and physical damage. Some of its most powerful moves include a large explosion and a spiraling flame attack that can one-shot low-vigor builds.
Recommended Build and Equipment
Rot Resistance
- Armor: Equip gear that has high Immunity to resist Scarlet Rot buildup, like the Mushroom Set.
- Talisman: Use the Immunizing Horn Charm to boost resistance further.
- Consumables: Bring Preserving Boluses to cure Scarlet Rot and Rejuvenating Boluses to maintain health over time.
Best Weapons and Ashes of War
Weapons that deal Holy or Fire damage can work well against the Putrid Tree Spirit, but your main goal is to stagger it during its animation windows. Fast weapons with high DPS or heavy weapons that break poise are ideal.
- Greatswords or Curved Greatswords: Excellent for poised, timed strikes between its attacks.
- Bleed Weapons: If you build up Hemorrhage quickly, it can chunk away the boss’s HP rapidly.
- Ashes of War: Consider using Flaming Strike or Blood Blade to enhance your weapon damage mid-fight.
How to Beat the Putrid Tree Spirit
Phase 1: Dodging and Learning
In the early phase of the fight, the Putrid Tree Spirit moves erratically but doesn’t use its most deadly attacks yet. Use this time to observe its patterns and practice timing your rolls.
- Stay at medium distance and bait its lunging attack.
- When it coils upward or sideways, roll diagonally toward the tail to avoid its body slam.
- After a thrashing combo, it has a short recovery window use this time for 12 hits, then back off.
Phase 2: Scarlet Rot Burst
When the boss drops to around 70% HP, it will begin to emit rot bursts and breath Scarlet Rot. This is where most deaths happen, especially if players panic or overextend.
- Watch for the swelling animation it signals an upcoming rot explosion. Back away immediately or get behind a pillar.
- If caught in the rot cloud, heal and use a Preserving Bolus as soon as it’s safe.
- Avoid attacking during breath attacks unless you are behind the boss or have a ranged option.
Phase 3: Fire Blast and Desperation
At around 30% HP, the Putrid Tree Spirit enters its most dangerous state. It gains speed and aggression, often using a flaming spiral or explosive flame burst.
- The spiral flame starts with the boss charging up and then releasing fire in all directions run perpendicular to its body to avoid being caught.
- Try to stagger the boss during this phase with heavy strikes, charged R2 attacks, or summon support.
- Keep healing ready, and don’t get greedy. Stay focused and wait for a clear, punishable opening.
Summons and Co-op Strategy
Using Spirit Ashes
Spirit Summons are invaluable in this fight. They can distract the boss, allowing you to heal, buff, or attack from behind.
- Mimic Tear: Great for matching your stats and doubling your damage output.
- Lhutel the Headless: Highly tanky and mobile, great for distracting the boss.
- Spirit Jellyfish: Useful for poison damage and long-lasting distraction.
Multiplayer Co-op Tips
Fighting the Putrid Tree Spirit in co-op makes the boss split its attention. However, don’t crowd the boss or stand too close together it can take out multiple players with one explosive attack.
- Coordinate when to attack and when to heal.
- Designate one player to draw aggro while others strike from behind.
- Keep an eye on the health bar and rotate healing duties if using support spells.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overextending
Trying to get too many hits in often results in getting caught by a tail swipe or rot burst. Always hit once or twice and reposition.
Ignoring Status Effects
Letting Scarlet Rot build up or trying to out-heal it is a bad idea. Always cure it as soon as possible or boost your immunity before the fight starts.
Lock-On Issues
Locking on can make dodging difficult due to the boss’s size and erratic motion. Consider toggling off lock-on during certain attacks to maintain better camera control.
Post-Fight Rewards
Defeating the Putrid Tree Spirit grants you valuable runes and usually a unique item or spell. In the War-Dead Catacombs, you receive the Redmane Knight Ogha Ashes and the Golden Seed. Other locations may drop special weapons or materials tied to the boss’s elemental damage or lore.
These items are often tied to builds that revolve around fire, Scarlet Rot, or large health pools, making them worthwhile rewards for players invested in exploring multiple playstyles.
Learning how to beat the Putrid Tree Spirit inElden Ringis both a test of your reflexes and preparation. With its unpredictable attacks, deadly Scarlet Rot, and aggressive behavior, it pushes players to be strategic rather than overly aggressive. Equip the right gear, bring the appropriate summons, manage your spacing, and always stay aware of its tells. Once defeated, not only will you gain powerful items and progression, but you’ll also develop stronger instincts for the many other horrors awaiting you in the Lands Between.