Conquering the Sentient Pest in Elden Ring: Nightreign
The Sentient Pest is the third significant boss you’ll face in Elden Ring: Nightreign, and it’s a formidable challenge. Instead of a straightforward battle, you’ll have to contend with two bosses simultaneously, which means your usual advantage in numbers may not work in your favor. Similar to your experience with Gladius, you’ll have to manage your attention on multiple aggressive threats at once.
Once you understand the Sentient Pest’s weaknesses and how to exploit its size and number, the fight becomes more manageable. By gathering specialized equipment beforehand, you can follow this guide to tackle this formidable foe.
Sentient Pest: Stats and Weaknesses
Weak Against: Fire
Strong Against: Poison, Magic (during Phase Two)
Immune To: Madness, Sleep
Types of Damage Dealt: Standard, Poison, Magic
Total HP: Approximately 39,180
Gnoster, known as the Wisdom of the Night, is a poison-themed enemy, and the type of damage dealt varies depending on which boss is active. The scorpion inflicts only standard (physical) damage, while the moth can deal either poison or magic damage. While there’s only one health bar, either the scorpion or moth can be attacked, as they share the same pool.
Preparing for the Fight
Your main focus in preparing for the Sentient Pest should be to gather weapons with Fire affinity, which is its sole weakness. Abilities and effects that enhance your resistance to poison, magic, and physical damage are extremely beneficial for this encounter. Fire affinity enhancements, like lingering magma incantations, can deal substantial damage over time.
Stocking up on Fire Grease and Fire Pots before entering the arena can also provide a critical advantage against the Sentient Pest.
Recommended Characters
Characters with high survivability, through either strong defenses or evasive abilities, are ideal for this battle. Notable options include:
- Raider: His Ultimate Art allows for evasion from the scorpion’s attacks, providing a strategic advantage.
- Duchess: With her ability to avoid most of the Sentient Pest’s moves, particularly lethal charges, she can effectively double the team’s damage.
- Guardian: Able to absorb many of the Sentient Pest’s assaults, his skills can also stagger the scorpion when necessary.
Attacks and Combos
The Sentient Pest employs a variety of moves, including:
Scorpion Attacks:
- Groundbreak (Forward): The scorpion raises up and slams its body down, creating spikes.
- Lunge: A powerful pincer attack aimed at a target.
- Roar: Deals rapid damage waves.
Moth Attacks:
- Star Shower: A rain of stars spreads outwards in a wave pattern.
- Poison Mist: Releases deadly clouds of poison.
Phase Two:
Expect the scorpion to combine attacks with the moth upon transition. Be prepared for a more aggressive combat style in Phase Two, including intensified barrage attacks and area-of-effect moves.
Key Strategies for Victory
Success against the Sentient Pest hinges on maintaining constant pressure. The enemy’s complex attack patterns can prolong the fight, so capitalize on openings when possible. Key moments to strike include:
- During the Groundbreak (Forward) and Groundbreak (Side) attacks.
Focus on Fire damage and commit to aggressive tactics throughout the encounter. Poison damage is likely to occur; however, if you lack effective antidotes, consider sacrificing a life to reset your condition.
Lastly, avoid reviving teammates during dangerous circumstances, such as active attacks or hazardous conditions, to optimize safety and efficiency.
With determination and strategic use of your resources, you’ll overcome the Sentient Pest and earn the Night of the Wise relic as your hard-won reward.
