Elden Ring: How to beat Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella? Elden Ring guide, walkthrough

On this page of the Elden Ring tutorial you will learn how to defeat the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella. He is an optional boss that you can find in the Ainsel River.

Last update: 05 March 2024

This page of our Elden Ring guide is dedicated to Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella boss battle. This opponent is completely optional - you can skip him and still see the ending. Aside from Nokstella version, a standard version is also encountered. These are found in Siofra River and Lake of Rot .

• Locations
• Reward for defeating
• General tips
• How to defeat?

Locations

The Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella can be found in the Ainsel River region. The closest site of grace is Ainsel River Downstream - it is marked with 3 on our map.

From that starting point, jump down to the tunnel leading south. You will find yourself in a cave full of giant ants . From there you need to access another tunnel north from your position. At the end of it, you will find yourself in a cave, where, after approaching the great throne, the boss battle begins.

Here you will find information on how to get to the Ainsel River.

Dragonkin Soldier in the Siofra River

Another instance of the Dragonkin Soldier battle is found in the Siofra River region. To get to him, travel to the Worshipers' Woods site of grace . It is marked with 2 on our map.

From there, head south to a structure (as shown in the screenshot above) and climb to its top (you'll do so thanks to a fallen column). There you will find a teleporter that will take you to the location you need .

From there, head northwest , where you will find the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella lying in the water on the plateau.

Here you will find information on how to get to the Siofra River.

Dragonkin Soldier in Lake of Rot

Another instance of Dragonkin Soldier battle takes place in Lake of Rot. To get there, travel to Lake of Rot Shoreside site of grace (marked with 1 on our map) and proceed to the eastern part of the map. This is where you'll find a button thanks to which platforms will surface creating a place for you to conduct the battle. . Before embarking to deal with the boss, prepare a supply of Preserving Boluses - you'll need them to deal with the stacked scarlet rot status.

Here you will find information on how to get to Lake of Rot.

Reward for defeating

For defeating the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella, you will receive Runes (12,000) and the Frozen Lightning Spear incantation .

For defeating the Dragonkin Soldier in the Siofra River, you will receive Runes (16,000) and a Dragon Halberd .

For defeating the Dragonkin Soldier in the Lake of Rot, you will receive Runes (58,000) and the Dragonscale Blade katana .

General tips

1. Using Ashes and allies in this battle is allowed.
2. When it comes to Siofra River instance, you can do battle with Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella while mounted. Remaining instances have to be fought on foot.
3. Bleeding, poisoning, and frostbite can be imposed in every instance of the Dragonkin Soldier encounter. The Lake of Rot variant is immune to Scarlet Rot, while others are not.
4. When fighting Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella, we recommend equipping items that offer ice, lightning and physical damage resistances. When it comes to the standard version, focus on physical protection.
5. The Dragonkin Soldiers' weak points are their head . In the case of the Nokstella version, reaching it can be difficult - in this case, it is best to attack the opponent's back.
6. Dragonkin Soldiers most often attack with their front paws, whose swing affects a large area . Their moveset is well telegraphed, with well-timed dodges being enough to avoid taking damage.
7. When it comes to the Nokstella version, in the second phase, the enemy imbues his attacks with ice and lightning magic. Being hit means a frostbite status placed. As a result, have a supply of Thawfrost Boluses .
8. In the Nokstella variant, watch out for an attack where the enemy throws magic spears. They affect a large area, so it is a good idea to stop targeting the opponent when that happens and run away as far as possible.
9. Dragonkin soldiers are most vulnerable to physical damage . Magic is less useful during this encounter.

How to defeat?

After entering the arena, you will have a moment to use items that offer advantage in combat, for example, Exalted Meat, which increases physical damage. You can also use ashes, but we recommend a helper with high durability and mobility.

Once your opponent starts attacking, quickly get behind him. By staying close to his legs, you will avoid many attacks, as this enemy often attacks with his front paws. However, watch out to not get next to his stomach - hitting him there may prove difficult.

Due to the large size of the enemy, avoid targeting him . The most vulnerable spot is the opponent's head, but staying on it means that you expose yourself to front paw attacks. The enemy basically attacks with his hands all the time, so avoid staying close to them.

No matter where you are, keep a close eye on your opponent. He targets you very quickly and constantly places himself towards you, so you need to be ready to dodge before impact.

as being struck means being stunned or even falling to the ground. There is a risk that once you get struck by the combo, you may lose all your HP as you're constantly hit without having a chance to get back on your feet.

Once you take half of your opponent's HP, the second phase of the fight will begin . In case of Nokstella version, the opponent will start wielding magic (of ice and lightning schools) When you notice that he is about to throw magic spears, run as far as possible.

Also, watch out for the frostbite status that stacks with each hit. Having a supply of Thawing Boluses will make matters easier .

When it comes to standard versions, the combat is less complex, as they don't use magic, and the battle consists of a single phase only . Simply continue to attack their feet, while avoiding paw attacks by dodging.