Kill Putrid Tree Spirit
The Putrid Tree Spirit is one of the more grotesque and erratic bosses in Elden Ring, often catching players off guard with its wild movements and deadly poison attacks. Encountered in several hidden dungeons throughout the Lands Between, this twisted version of the Erdtree Avatar is faster, more chaotic, and significantly more dangerous. Many players find themselves overwhelmed by its speed and unpredictable attack patterns. Understanding how to fight the Putrid Tree Spirit effectively requires a solid mix of timing, preparation, and patience, especially if you’re aiming to take it down solo without relying heavily on Spirit Ashes.
Where to Find the Putrid Tree Spirit
Common Locations
There are multiple encounters with the Putrid Tree Spirit in Elden Ring, most notably in:
- War-Dead Catacombs (Caelid)
- Giants’ Mountaintop Catacombs
- Haligtree area
Each version may vary slightly in attack speed or aggression, but the core mechanics remain consistent across all encounters. The fight usually takes place in a confined area, making movement and positioning especially critical. Enter these dungeons prepared for a challenging and unpredictable boss battle.
Recommended Level and Gear
Player Level and Build
A recommended level to fight the Putrid Tree Spirit is around 80100, depending on your build. Players focusing on melee should prioritize stamina, vigor, and strength or dexterity. Magic users should focus on intelligence or faith, with plenty of flasks allocated to FP recovery.
Light to medium armor is generally ideal due to the need for fast rolls. Heavy armor may increase survivability, but it could hinder mobility too much to be useful against this agile boss.
Weapons and Upgrades
Bring fully upgraded weapons (preferably +10 or near-max level). Weapon types with high burst damage or bleed buildup are very effective. For ranged players, spells like Rock Sling, Comet Azur, or Frenzied Burst can help maintain distance while still dishing out heavy damage.
Preparing for the Fight
Buffs and Consumables
Since the Putrid Tree Spirit deals heavy poison and rot damage, equipping the following items can be lifesaving:
- Preserving Boluses to cure Scarlet Rot
- Poison Resistance Talismans (Immunizing Horn Charm)
- Flame, Cleanse Me incantation quickly removes poison and rot buildup
- Poison or rot-resistant armor sets like the Mushroom Set
Summoning Spirit Ashes like Black Knife Tiche, Lhutel the Headless, or even Mimic Tear can help distract the boss and buy you time to heal or reposition.
Understanding the Boss
Attack Patterns
The Putrid Tree Spirit is aggressive from the moment the fight begins. Its attacks include wild thrashing, tail sweeps, lurching grabs, and poison explosions. Key moves to watch for include:
- Lunge and Slam: The boss lunges forward and slams the ground. Dodge sideways just as it starts the animation.
- Tail Swipe: A quick rear attack. If you’re behind the boss, be prepared to roll.
- Rot Burst: Emits a burst of Scarlet Rot around it. Roll away immediately or apply a cure after getting hit.
- Charge Attack: The spirit coils up and charges across the arena. Run or roll diagonally to avoid being trampled.
Its erratic movements make timing tricky, but staying calm and recognizing the boss’s rhythm is essential for survival.
Phases of the Fight
There are usually two distinct phases during the Putrid Tree Spirit fight:
Phase One
This phase is more manageable. The boss mainly relies on physical lunges, bites, and tail swipes. Keep your distance when unsure, and wait for it to finish its attack sequence before punishing it with one or two hits.
Phase Two
Once its HP is below 50%, it begins using rot explosions and faster combos. You’ll also see it start glowing before emitting poison blasts. Rot buildup becomes severe here, and players must manage their status meter constantly. Speed and positioning become critical.
Combat Tips and Strategies
Melee Strategy
If you’re using a melee build, don’t lock on all the time. Free-camera mode lets you better adjust to the boss’s erratic movements. Stick close to its sides or behind it to avoid most frontal attacks. After each attack sequence, land a hit or two, then back off. Patience is key. Avoid greedy combos or you’ll get punished hard.
Ranged and Magic Strategy
Keep your distance and use fast-casting spells or arrows. Use pillars or objects in the arena (if any) to create space. Avoid overcommitting to long-cast spells unless the boss is distracted. Using summons to draw aggro allows magic users to deal high damage from a safe spot.
Dodging Effectively
The Putrid Tree Spirit’s movement is fast and often unpredictable. The safest way to dodge most attacks is with side rolls, timed just before impact. Rolling toward the boss during certain lunges can also position you under it and give you an opening. Watch its posture if it coils tightly, it usually means a large movement or charge is coming.
Rewards for Defeating the Putrid Tree Spirit
Defeating the Putrid Tree Spirit is worth the effort. Each version of the boss typically drops high-tier upgrade materials or unique items, including:
- Golden Seed or Ashes
- Glovewort items for Spirit Ash upgrades
- Weapons or spells unique to the dungeon or region
- Access to hidden areas or valuable loot rooms
Some versions also drop remembrance-like items or unlock new paths within their respective dungeons. These bosses are optional, but the rewards often justify the challenge.
Optional Co-Op or Summoning
If you find the boss too overwhelming, using online co-op is a great alternative. Summon a friend or random player using a Furled Finger or Tarnished’s Furled Sign. Having multiple players distract the boss can make the encounter significantly easier, especially when managing rot and poison buildup.
The Putrid Tree Spirit is one of Elden Ring’s most intense and memorable dungeon bosses. Its grotesque design, erratic attacks, and punishing rot effects create a high-stakes fight that demands focus and smart strategy. Whether you’re using a sword, a staff, or a summon-heavy build, patience and awareness are your best tools. Equip the right gear, learn its patterns, and don’t rush slaying the Putrid Tree Spirit is as much about survival as it is about precision. Once you bring it down, the reward is not only loot, but the satisfaction of overcoming one of the game’s more chaotic foes.