A Tarnished‘s Field Guide to Felling the Tree Sentinel
Ho there, traveler! Have you just started your journey through the Lands Between only to have your progress halted by a large, angry man on a very large, equally angry horse? If an imposing golden warrior astride an equally gilded steed has brusquely tossed you aside as you exit the Stranded Graveyard into Limgrave, then you‘ve met the Tree Sentinel – Elden Ring‘s first true skill check.
This guide from one Tarnished to another will equip you to stand toe-to-toe with that sentinel and topple him from his saddle. I‘ve felled this golden giant no less than thirty times across multiple characters and learned his moveset well. By passing along what I wish I‘d known on my first, humbling attempts, perhaps you‘ll return to whoop the Soldier of Godrick with power left to spare!
Anatomy of the Tree Sentinel
Before we break down approach strategies for different builds, let‘s analyze what gives this guard dog bite.
Halberd Moveset
The Tree Sentinel wields a Golden Halberd +8 capable of dealing over 650 HP per hit to low vigor heroes. Its moveset includes:
- 3-hit slash combo
- Forward charge slash
- Downward slam with ground splash damage
- Forward shield punch
Mounted Mobility
His Spectral Steed grants formidable strengths:
- Chase down sprinters with dash attack
- Trample victims underneath for heavy damage
- Allows leaping slash plummets from range
Ranged Lightning
The Sentinel can hurl Lightning Spears at any distance, each dealing 550+ HP. He typically throws one as an opener.
Shield & Poise
His greatshield passively boosts lightning absorption by 35%. He has very high poise, resisting interrupts.
Now that you know precisely what you‘re up against, let‘s get into the approaches that will bring this elephantine protector crashing down!
Melee Showdown
Facing down the Tree Sentinel at close range allows targeting his most vulnerable spots, but requires skillful application of basic combat mechanics – spacing, timing, and relentless pressure. Here‘s how to come out on top of a tooth and nail melee showdown:
Spacing
The Sentinel wields his halberd like a champion – keeping too close risks eating full uninterrupted combos. Instead, close to just outside his range, dodging attacks then entering space to counter.
Timing
Roll into his attacks at the last moment. Staying too distant gives delayed roll timings. Read his movements for optimum rhythm.
Pressure
Maintain aggression without overextending. His poise resists staggering but sufficient strikes interrupt certain attacks. Push for criticals.
With flawless execution, melee is completely viable but very punishing. Next we‘ll cover magic slaying strategies.
Sorcery Guidelines
For astrologers and academy scholars, your ranged dynamism plays directly to the Tree Sentinel‘s weaknesses. Follow these tips when wielding sorceries against him:
Keep Distance
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Use Cover
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Punish Openings
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Summon Spirits
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Proper spell slinging safely brings the Sentinel to his knees. Now let‘s examine tactics for divine casters!
Incantation Instructions
Faith builds too can turn the Tree Sentinel‘s advantages against him through clever incantation usage:
Tailor Talismans
Godrick‘s Rune boosts all damage significantly. Flamedrake improves fire spells. Clawmark seals enhance beast stuff.
Buff Thyself
Flame Grant Me Strength. Golden Vow. Flask buffs like Spiked Cracked Tear. Empower your spells prefight.
Pester From Range
Annoy him with pest spells, flame slings. Lure his commitments then dodge while blasting more damaging stuff.
Heal When Needed
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Incantations provide a strong battle of attrition approach, but what about weapon skills?
Armament Abilities
For our melee friends making use of their arsenal‘s special skills, here are Tree Sentinel counter strategies:
Hookclaws – Bloodloss buildup melts his gigantic health bar. Keep safe distance then activate skill.
Glintstone Pebble – Slows him allowing easy circumvention and backstabs during vulnerability.
Shield Crash – Causes poise break for a riposte. Follow with a critical hit.
Spectral Lance – Horseback summoning spear. Mimic his moveset with range and agility!
And there you have it – all my accumulated prescriptions for purging the plague of the golden knight from your entry path into Limgrave! I hope breaking down tailored tactics for dismantling the Tree Sentinel across build types will turn the tide for you, brave Tarnished. May your victories echo unto the Erdtree. Fear not the dark, my friend. And let the light guide your way!
