How to Get to Commander Niall in Elden Ring

Commander Niall is a tough optional boss in Elden Ring, which is found in Castle Sol, located in the Mountaintops of the Giants. Defeating him is essential for unlocking a key item required to access the Consecrated Snowfield.

Step 1: Reach the Mountaintops of the Giants

Before you can access Castle Sol, you must first reach the Mountaintops of the Giants by:

1. Defeating Morgott, the Omen King in Leyndell, Royal Capital.
2. After defeating him, talk to Melina at the Forge of the Giants to unlock the Grand Lift of Rold.
3. Use the Rold Medallion at the Grand Lift of Rold to enter the Mountaintops of the Giants.

Step 2: Find Castle Sol

Castle Sol is in the northern part of the Mountaintops of the Giants. To get there:

1. Start from the Ancient Snow Valley Ruins Site of Grace.
2. Head northward, crossing the frozen river.
3. Continue along the giant chain bridge leading to Castle Sol.
4. Activate the Castle Sol Main Gate Site of Grace.

Step 3: Navigate Castle Sol

Inside Castle Sol, you’ll need to fight through tough enemies, including:

• Banished Knights
• Ghostly knights
• Lion Guardians

To reach Commander Niall:

1. Progress through the castle until you reach the Church of the Eclipse Site of Grace.
2. Exit through the doorway and make your way up the castle.
3. Climb the stairs and cross the battlements to reach the rooftop area.
4. The boss arena is at the top of Castle Sol.

Step 4: Defeating Commander Niall

Commander Niall is a challenging boss who summons two spectral knights at the start of the fight. To defeat him:

• Focus on one knight first: The dual-wield knight is more dangerous, so take him out quickly.
• Use Spirit Ashes: Summoning Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche can make the fight easier.
• Avoid his frost attacks: Niall uses frost-infused whirlwind attacks that deal heavy damage. Try to dodge and attack during openings.

Step 5: Claim Your Reward

After defeating Commander Niall, you will receive:

• Veteran’s Prosthesis (A powerful fist weapon)
• Haligtree Secret Medallion (Left) (Required to access the Consecrated Snowfield and Miquella’s Haligtree)

How to Defeat Commander Niall in Elden Ring

Commander Niall is one of the tougher optional bosses in Elden Ring, mainly because he summons two powerful spectral knights at the beginning of the fight. This guide will break down the best strategies for defeating him efficiently.

Phase 1: Dealing with the Summoned Knights

At the start of the fight, Niall summons two spectral knights:

1. One with dual swords (aggressive and dangerous)
2. One with a sword and shield (defensive but manageable)

Best Strategy:

• Focus on the Dual-Wield Knight First – This enemy is the most aggressive and can quickly overwhelm you. If you eliminate him early, the fight becomes much easier.
• Use Spirit Ashes – Black Knife Tiche, Mimic Tear, or Lhutel the Headless are great choices to help distract the knights.
• Summon NPC or Co-op Partner – If you’re struggling solo, summoning help can make a huge difference.
• Lure One Away – You can try leading one knight away and dealing with them separately.

Once both knights are dead, Commander Niall becomes much easier to handle.

Phase 2: Fighting Commander Niall

Niall’s Attack Patterns:

• Frost Whirlwind Attacks – He releases a whirlwind of frost, dealing Frostbite damage in an area around him. Try to dodge backward when he starts spinning.
• Lightning Slam Attacks – In Phase 2, he adds lightning-infused weapon attacks that can deal massive damage.
• Charging Attacks – He may dash forward with his prosthetic leg and try to hit you with a spinning kick.

Best Strategy to Beat Him:

• Dodge the Frost Whirlwinds – Keep a safe distance when he starts spinning up frost.
• Use Fire Damage – Niall is weak to Fire, so weapons like the Blasphemous Blade, Flaming Strike Ash of War, or Fire Incantations can deal extra damage.
• Stay Aggressive After Dodging – He has long recovery times after his big attacks. Punish these openings with heavy attacks or jump attacks.
• Use Bleed Weapons – Weapons like Rivers of Blood, Bloodhound’s Fang, or Uchigatana with Bleed Ashes of War can be effective since Bleed procs do significant damage.

Best Builds & Weapons to Use

Melee Builds:

• Blasphemous Blade – Its fire damage and weapon skill make it a solid choice.
• Bloodhound’s Fang – Fast and powerful with high damage.
• Colossal Weapons – Giant weapons like Ruins Greatsword can stagger him easily.
• Any Bleed Weapon – Rivers of Blood, Morgott’s Cursed Sword, or a katana with Seppuku works well.

Magic & Ranged Builds:

• Night Comet or Comet Azur – Great for magic builds who want to keep their distance.
• Flame, Grant Me Strength – Boosts Fire and Physical damage, great for melee builds.
• Flaming Strike Ash of War – Adds Fire damage to your weapon, increasing effectiveness.
• Dragon Communion Incantations – Ekzykes’s Decay can apply Scarlet Rot for passive damage over time.

Rewards for Beating Commander Niall

After defeating him, you’ll receive:

• Veteran’s Prosthesis – A powerful fist weapon with lightning attacks.
• Haligtree Secret Medallion (Left) – Required to access the Consecrated Snowfield and Miquella’s Haligtree.