The Elden Ring Nightreign Sentient Pest expedition introduces you to Gnoster, the Wisdom of Night, a challenging boss battle against two unique insects. On the ground, you’ll face a massive armored beetle that relies on sheer force, while a gigantic moth hovers above, casting powerful magic attacks from a distance. Together, they create one of the more unusual Nightlords in Elden Ring Nightreign, keeping players engaged with a wide array of attack patterns.
Although they may seem intimidating, they are not invincible. Gnoster, which could refer to either or both insects, has specific weaknesses you can exploit—some are straightforward, while others might take a bit of thought. Overall, this is one of the easier bosses in Elden Ring Nightreign, but remember, that’s a relative term. If you’re having trouble, we’ll guide you through defeating Gnoster, aptly named the Sentient Pest.
How to Defeat the Sentient Pest in Nightreign
Let’s break down how to tackle the Sentient Pest in Elden Ring Nightreign. We’ll cover the essential strategies, weaknesses, and then dive into more advanced tactics.
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable to Fire
- Best Classes/Builds: Evasive ranged classes such as the Elden Ring Nightreign Recluse, Ironeye, and Revenant or a fire-focused build like the Wylder.
- Boss Attack Types: Physical, Poison, and Magic
- Phases: Two (activated at 66% health)
Given that this boss is quite durable and tougher than the Elden Ring Nightreign Tricephalos or Gaping Jaw, you should aim for at least level 10 and wield an Epic rarity weapon that matches your character’s stats. If you don’t meet these requirements, your attacks will barely make a dent, unless you possess high skill.
Pre-Battle Preparations
Before you start the expedition, choose any Elden Ring Nightreign character you’re comfortable with, preferably a mobile, agile character with ranged attack capabilities. If you have any relics that enhance your Faith or Fire damage, these will come in handy.
During the expedition, search for a Fire weapon that suits your playstyle. Look for spots marked with the Fire tag. If you can’t find a suitable weapon, gather at least two uses of Fire Grease. Buffs that increase stamina (since dodging will be key) or protective abilities that shield against projectiles will also be beneficial.
Engaging the Sentient Pest, Gnoster
As you enter the arena, you’ll see that the boss is literally split into two forms: an armored beetle that charges at you, and a floating moth that launches ranged magical strikes. The strategy is clear: the moth is the vulnerable target, although it’s trickier to hit. While attacking the beetle is easier, your damage will be minimal due to its armor.
It’s advisable to play as a ranged character who can effectively target the moth while staying agile to dodge attacks coming from two fronts. Ideally, have a tanky player distract the beetle while ranged players unleash their spells and arrows at the moth. If the beetle shifts to a defensive state, this is the perfect time to attack the moth without concerns of being flanked.
When the boss drops to about a third of its health, it transitions to phase two, where the moth rides the beetle. This makes it much harder to hit without ranged attacks, and the moth will start casting beams of holy energy that can deal significant damage, which you must avoid at all costs. The mix of magical attacks and area-of-effect stomps means keeping your distance is crucial. Melee players should maneuver between the beetle’s legs and stay behind it whenever possible.
Furthermore, there’s the poison mechanic. At times, Gnoster will create toxic clouds that can poison players. If you become poisoned, a parasite will appear on your neck. In our experience, this leads to a lasting poison effect that can only be cured if another player uses fire attacks to burn it away.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
If you’re looking for general strategies to confront Gnoster, the Wisdom of Night, keep these tips in mind:
- The moth will occasionally come down. This is your chance to strike it with melee attacks if that’s your playstyle. The moth doesn’t stay grounded for long, so make your moves quickly.
- The pillars of light can be larger than they appear. Though their radius seems small, their splash damage is significant. Keep your distance to avoid falling victim to these powerful blasts.
- Each leg of the beetle can inflict damage. The impact from each stomp is quite damaging, so it’s safer to position yourself near the tail rather than the sides.
- Attempting to break the beetle’s stance is likely futile. Even with strong characters, it’s tough to disrupt this boss’s poise, even with solid hits from top-tier two-handed weapons.
