Patrick Oconnell
Commander Niall, a formidable boss in *Elden Ring*, is known for his relentless attacks and challenging combat patterns, making him a daunting opponent for many players. However, with the right strategy, it’s possible to cheese him—exploiting specific tactics or mechanics to simplify the fight. One effective method involves using the terrain to your advantage, such as luring him into tight spaces where his attacks become less effective or using ranged attacks from a safe distance. Another approach is to summon allies or use spirit ashes to distract him while you deal damage. Additionally, equipping items like the Rivers of Blood or the Sword of Night and Flame can significantly increase your damage output, allowing you to defeat him quickly. By combining these techniques, players can bypass the usual difficulty of the fight and secure victory with minimal risk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boss Name | Commander Niall |
| Location | Mohgwyn Palace (Mountaintops of the Giants) |
| Weaknesses | Fire Damage, Lightning Damage, Bleed |
| Resistances | Physical, Magic, Dark |
| Cheese Strategy | Summon Spirits (e.g., Black Knife Tiche) to distract, focus on ranged attacks or bleed buildup |
| Recommended Level | 100-120 |
| Suggested Gear | Rivers of Blood (for bleed buildup), Carian Slicer (for critical hits), or any fire/lightning-infused weapon |
| Key Mechanics to Avoid | His sweeping sword attacks, area-of-effect explosions, and teleportation |
| Summons Allowed | Yes (highly recommended) |
| Reward | Ash of War: Sacred Order |
| Difficulty | High (without cheese strategy) |
| Best Cheese Spot | Lure him near the entrance of the boss arena for better spirit AI performance |
| Additional Tips | Use Flask of Crimson Tears for healing, stay mobile to avoid his combos |
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What You'll Learn
- Exploit Terrain: Use narrow paths to limit his mobility and avoid his sweeping attacks
- Focus on Adds: Prioritize killing his minions to reduce his healing and damage output
- Stun Lock: Chain crowd control abilities to interrupt his charge and prevent his ultimate
- DPS Rotation: Coordinate high burst damage during his vulnerable phases to quickly deplete health
- Environmental Hazards: Lure him into traps or areas that deal continuous damage for easy kills
Exploit Terrain: Use narrow paths to limit his mobility and avoid his sweeping attacks
Commander Niall's sweeping attacks are devastating in open spaces, where his wide arcs and rapid strikes can decimate even well-prepared players. However, his mobility becomes a liability in confined areas. Narrow paths, such as those found in the forest near the Minor Erdtree or the tight corridors of the Stormhill Shack, force him into predictable movement patterns. By funneling him into these spaces, you limit his ability to execute his most dangerous attacks, turning the battlefield into a tactical advantage for you.
To execute this strategy, position yourself at the entrance of a narrow path and bait him into pursuing you. Once he’s committed, retreat slowly, ensuring he follows. His larger frame will restrict his movement, preventing him from turning quickly or using his wide-reaching strikes effectively. For example, in the forest area, lure him between the trees where the path narrows, and maintain a medium distance to avoid his grab attack while keeping him confined. This method works best with ranged weapons or spells, allowing you to chip away at his health while minimizing risk.
A critical caution: avoid overcommitting to attacks. While narrow paths limit his mobility, they also restrict yours. If you get too aggressive, you risk being cornered or caught in a counterattack. Instead, focus on consistent, low-risk damage. Use quick, light attacks or spells, and prioritize stamina management to ensure you can dodge or roll away if needed. For melee builds, a spear or thrusting sword is ideal, as their range allows you to strike without fully exposing yourself.
Comparing this approach to open-field combat highlights its efficiency. In open areas, Commander Niall’s agility and attack variety make him unpredictable and deadly. In contrast, narrow paths reduce his options, making his movements more linear and his attacks easier to anticipate. This shift in dynamics transforms the fight from a test of reflexes to one of positioning and patience. By controlling the terrain, you dictate the flow of battle, turning a formidable opponent into a manageable challenge.
Finally, practice is key. Experiment with different narrow paths to understand their unique advantages and limitations. For instance, the Stormhill Shack’s corridors offer walls for cover but leave little room for error, while the forest’s natural bottlenecks provide more flexibility but require precise positioning. Once you master these environments, you’ll find that exploiting terrain isn’t just a tactic—it’s a game-changer that levels the playing field against Commander Niall.
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Focus on Adds: Prioritize killing his minions to reduce his healing and damage output
Commander Niall, a formidable foe in Elden Ring, relies heavily on his minions to sustain his combat prowess. These adds—skeletons and necromancers—are not mere distractions; they are the lifeblood of his strategy. By prioritizing their elimination, you disrupt his healing and damage output, turning a grueling battle into a manageable encounter. This approach, often referred to as "add management," is a cornerstone of cheesing Commander Niall effectively.
To execute this strategy, begin by identifying the necromancers. These enemies, typically positioned at a distance, summon skeletons and heal Commander Niall. Their elimination is paramount. Use ranged attacks or spells to target them first, ensuring they cannot reinforce Niall’s ranks or restore his health. Once the necromancers are down, shift focus to the skeletons. While less threatening individually, their cumulative damage and ability to stagger you can create openings for Niall’s devastating attacks. A systematic approach—clearing adds in waves—prevents overwhelm and minimizes the risk of being caught in a crossfire.
The timing of add management is critical. During Niall’s first phase, he summons skeletons periodically, often after performing specific combos. Use these moments to your advantage: while he’s casting or recovering, quickly dispatch the adds. In the second phase, when he wields a greatsword and summons more aggressive skeletons, maintain vigilance. Prioritize necromancers if they reappear, as their healing can prolong the fight unnecessarily. A well-timed Ash of War or area-of-effect spell can clear multiple adds at once, conserving stamina and resources for Niall himself.
One practical tip is to position yourself strategically. Lure Niall away from his initial spawn point to create distance between him and the necromancers. This limits their ability to heal him and gives you more control over the battlefield. Additionally, use the environment to your advantage. Corners and narrow passages can funnel adds, making them easier to target without exposing yourself to Niall’s attacks. Patience and precision are key; rushing can lead to being overwhelmed, while hesitation allows adds to regroup.
In conclusion, focusing on adds is not just a tactic—it’s a necessity when cheesing Commander Niall. By systematically eliminating necromancers and skeletons, you strip him of his primary support mechanisms, reducing his healing and damage output. This approach transforms a seemingly insurmountable battle into a calculated, winnable encounter. Master this strategy, and Commander Niall’s reign will be short-lived.
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Stun Lock: Chain crowd control abilities to interrupt his charge and prevent his ultimate
Commander Niall, a formidable foe in *Elden Ring*, is notorious for his devastating charge and ultimate attack. To neutralize these threats, stun locking emerges as a tactical countermeasure. This strategy involves chaining crowd control (CC) abilities to interrupt his momentum, rendering him vulnerable. The key lies in precise timing and a diverse toolkit of CC skills. For instance, a well-placed Ash of War like Hoarfrost Stomp can freeze him mid-charge, followed by a Golden Vow-enhanced Carian Slich to prolong the stun. This combination not only halts his advance but also buys precious seconds to reposition or heal.
Analyzing the mechanics, stun locking exploits Commander Niall’s reliance on animation locks during his charge and ultimate. His charge, a linear and predictable attack, leaves him susceptible to CC if interrupted early. Similarly, his ultimate, a sweeping area-of-effect strike, requires a lengthy wind-up that can be disrupted with a well-timed Black Knife Taker’s poison mist or a Stars of Ruin cast. The effectiveness of this strategy hinges on coordination and resource management. Overusing CC abilities too early can leave you defenseless, while poor timing risks allowing him to complete his attacks.
To execute this strategy effectively, prioritize equipping spells or abilities with short cooldowns and high stun potential. Glintstone Pebble paired with Zamor Ice Spear offers a quick stun combo, while Bloodhound Step can be used to dodge and reposition during CC windows. Caution must be exercised, however, as Niall’s AI adapts to prolonged CC, increasing his resistance. Rotate abilities to avoid diminishing returns, and always keep a defensive option like Golden Seed or Flask of Crimson Tears ready for emergencies.
Comparatively, stun locking is more reliable than pure damage strategies, as it directly mitigates Niall’s most dangerous abilities. While high DPS builds can theoretically outpace his attacks, they leave little room for error. Stun locking, on the other hand, provides a safety net, allowing players to control the fight’s pace. This approach is particularly beneficial for melee builds, which struggle against Niall’s aggressive combos. By mastering stun lock mechanics, players transform a chaotic encounter into a methodical dismantling of the boss’s patterns.
In practice, stun locking Commander Niall requires experimentation and adaptability. Start by identifying his charge and ultimate cues—a lowered stance precedes the charge, while a raised weapon signals the ultimate. Practice chaining CC abilities in low-stakes encounters to refine timing. For example, use Imp Bottles to stun weaker enemies, then transition to Hoarfrost Stomp for heavier foes. Once comfortable, apply these skills to Niall, focusing on interrupting his charge first, then targeting his ultimate wind-up. With patience and precision, stun locking becomes a reliable cheese tactic, turning one of *Elden Ring*’s toughest battles into a manageable test of skill.
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DPS Rotation: Coordinate high burst damage during his vulnerable phases to quickly deplete health
Commander Niall, a formidable foe in *Elden Ring*, demands precision and coordination to defeat efficiently. His vulnerable phases are fleeting, making DPS rotation the linchpin of any successful cheese strategy. During these windows, your team must unleash a barrage of high burst damage to maximize health depletion before he regains his defenses.
Step 1: Identify Vulnerable Phases
Commander Niall’s vulnerability occurs primarily after he performs specific, telegraphed attacks. For instance, his sweeping sword arc leaves him open for 2–3 seconds. Another opportunity arises when he staggers after taking significant damage from a well-timed parry or a critical hit. Use these moments to signal your team to initiate burst damage.
Step 2: Assign Roles for Maximum Efficiency
Divide your team into roles to optimize DPS output. One player should focus on maintaining aggro, drawing Niall’s attention while the others position for maximum damage. A mage or ranged attacker can use high-damage spells like *Comet Azur* or *Carian Slicer* during vulnerable phases. Melee characters should prioritize critical hits with weapons infused for bonus damage, such as a lightning-infused katana for increased strike speed and power.
Step 3: Time Your Burst Damage
Coordination is key. Use voice chat or pre-established signals (e.g., a specific emote) to synchronize your burst. For example, if Niall is at 50% health and performs his sweeping attack, the tank should immediately disengage, allowing the mage to cast *Comet Azur* while the melee DPS unleashes a flurry of charged attacks. This concentrated damage can shave off 20–30% of his health in a single vulnerable phase.
Caution: Avoid Overcommitment
While burst damage is crucial, overcommitting can lead to disaster. Niall’s counterattacks are devastating, and greed for damage can result in team wipes. Always prioritize survival. If a player is low on health or stamina, they should hold back, ensuring the team can sustain multiple burst phases rather than risking a single, failed attempt.
Mastering DPS rotation against Commander Niall requires practice and adaptability. Experiment with different team compositions and strategies to find what works best. With precise timing, clear roles, and disciplined execution, you can turn his vulnerable phases into your greatest advantage, cheesing him into an early defeat.
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Environmental Hazards: Lure him into traps or areas that deal continuous damage for easy kills
Commander Niall, a formidable foe in Elden Ring, can be a frustrating encounter for many players. However, by leveraging environmental hazards, you can turn the battlefield into your greatest ally. The key is to understand the layout of the arena and use it to your advantage, forcing Niall into areas that deal continuous damage, thereby weakening him over time and making the fight more manageable.
One effective strategy is to lure Commander Niall into the toxic swamps located in certain areas of the map. These swamps inflict poison damage over time, which can significantly reduce his health without you needing to strike a single blow. To execute this, position yourself near the edge of the swamp and use hit-and-run tactics to draw his attention. Once he’s close enough, retreat into the swamp, ensuring he follows. The poison will begin to take effect, and you can either continue to chip away at his health from a distance or wait for the damage to accumulate. Be cautious, though, as prolonged exposure to the swamp can also harm you, so time your attacks and retreats carefully.
Another environmental hazard to exploit is the collapsing ceilings in certain sections of the arena. These can be triggered by standing in specific areas, causing debris to fall and deal substantial damage to Niall. To use this tactic, bait him into standing directly under these weak points by positioning yourself nearby and provoking him. Once he’s in place, quickly move to the trigger zone to activate the collapse. This method requires precise timing and positioning, but the payoff is immense, as it can remove a large chunk of his health in one go.
For a more dynamic approach, consider using the arena’s narrow pathways to your advantage. These areas restrict movement, making it easier to funnel Niall into traps or hazardous zones. By positioning yourself at the entrance of a narrow passage, you can force him to follow you into a pre-set trap, such as a swamp or a collapsing ceiling. This tactic is particularly effective if you’ve already weakened him with other methods, as it limits his ability to dodge or counterattack.
While environmental hazards are powerful tools, they come with risks. Over-reliance on these tactics can lead to complacency, and if Niall manages to avoid the hazards, you’ll need to fall back on traditional combat skills. Additionally, some hazards, like the toxic swamps, can affect you as well, so always monitor your own health and position. Combining these strategies with direct attacks and defensive maneuvers will maximize your chances of success.
In conclusion, using environmental hazards to cheese Commander Niall is a clever and efficient way to even the odds in this challenging fight. By understanding the arena’s layout and strategically luring him into traps, you can reduce his health steadily and minimize the risk to yourself. Practice these techniques, and you’ll find that even the most daunting bosses can be overcome with a bit of ingenuity and planning.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest method is to use the Rooftop Sniper strategy. Lure Commander Niall to the rooftop near the boss arena, then use ranged attacks or spells to hit him from a safe distance while he struggles to reach you.
Yes, summoning NPCs like Black Knife Tiche or using the River of Blood Ash can distract Commander Niall while you deal damage from afar. Focus on staying out of his melee range and let the summon tank his attacks.
Yes, applying poison or scarlet rot via weapons or spells can significantly weaken Commander Niall over time. Use a weapon infused with Poison or Scarlet Rot and keep your distance while the status effect wears him down.
Yes, Commander Niall has a tendency to get stuck on certain parts of the arena. Lure him to the narrow pathways or corners where he struggles to move, then attack him from a safe position.
For melee builds, use a weapon with high bleed buildup, such as Rivers of Blood or Ash of War skills like Seppuku. Focus on quick, staggered attacks to proc bleed repeatedly while avoiding his combos.
