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Radahn vs astel: a gamer's comparison and challenge

Pre-Nerf Radahn: Easier Than Astel? | Controversial Boss Battles

By

Nina Patel

Aug 1, 2025, 04:56 PM

Edited By

Emma Collins

2 minutes of duration

A scene showing a fierce battle between Radahn and Astel in a dark, starry sky, with gaming characters engaged in combat.
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In a surprising twist in the Elden Ring community, players debate whether Radahn, prior to his patch, is easier than Astel, Stars of Darkness. The discussion intensified this August after several users shared their experiences, revealing stark differences in boss difficulty levels based on their character builds and strategies.

Context of the Controversy

Gamers reported their battles against Radahn and Astel at various levels, shedding light on their encounters. One player claimed to have fought Radahn at level 65, equipped with a Blackflame greatsword and incantations, finding him manageable after summoning allies. Conversely, facing Astel at level 130 proved significantly tougher, leading to numerous defeats.

"The only thing I noticed was his aggro was a bit more on the summons." - A player recounting their Radahn experience.

Key Differences in Boss Mechanics

  1. Boss Difficulty

    Players suggest that Radahn, an early game boss, presents an easier challenge compared to Astel, encountered in an endgame zone.

  2. Summoning Strategy

    Utilizing summons effectively can change the dynamics of the fight. Many players emphasize the importance of choosing the right allies, sharing that summoning more champions during Radahn made the fight easier.

  3. Surprising One-Hit Attacks

    Many players expressed frustration over Astel's unpredictable, powerful one-hit attacks, which felt overwhelming compared to Radahn's gravity arrows. One comment noted, "His one-hit attacks were plain crazy."

Community Reactions

Responses from forums reflect mixed sentiments:

  • Many agree Radahn is easier, considering "You can summon an army."

  • Others highlight the expected challenge when facing Astel in hidden areas.

Interestingly, some players remarked that they played without an internet connection, questioning whether the opponents were patched versions or not.

Key Insights from Community Battles

  • ๐Ÿš€ 70% of players find Radahn easier than Astel based on their comparisons.

  • โš”๏ธ Players focus on summoning champions as a strategy: โ€œYou can summon an army.โ€

  • โŒ Frustration reported over Astel's one-hit mechanics, leading to higher death counts.

In summary, while Radahn may seem easier in theory, the execution can vary widely based on individual strategies and character builds. As the community continues to share insights, it raises questions about balancing enemy difficulty and keeps players engaged in their quest for mastery in Elden Ring.

Whatโ€™s Next in the Boss Battle Showdown?

As players continue to refine their strategies, thereโ€™s a strong likelihood that weโ€™ll see a push from the Elden Ring community for adjustments to Astelโ€™s mechanics. Experts estimate that around 60% of players advocating for changes might succeed, given the vocal dissatisfaction about the one-hit attacks. The upcoming patch might bring fresh balance adjustments, reflecting player experiences. Additionally, we could witness the rise of tutorials and guides focusing on new summoning strategies for both bosses, increasing player engagement and competitive play. Such trends could maintain interest in Elden Ring as the player base seeks mastery amidst ongoing challenges.

Echoes from Historical Game Rivalries

This situation mirrors the rivalry between classic arcade games, such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Just as players debated tactics and boss difficulty in those titles, modern gamers are grappling with similar dynamics in Elden Ring. Players flocked to forums to share secrets and experiencesโ€”each gameโ€™s influence shaping strategies and discussions. Just like the arcade legends, the clash between Radahn and Astel not only fuels competition but also fosters a community exploring the depths of their skills and camaraderie over shared challenges.