In the vast and challenging realm of Elden Ring, players often find themselves facing formidable foes, especially in the Nightreign expansion. Among these challenges, the Nightlords serve as the ultimate test of skill and strategy. While some bosses can be incredibly daunting, players have discovered that certain encounters, like the one with Maris, Fathom of Night, can be more manageable with the right approach.
Understanding Maris, Fathom of Night
The encounter with Maris occurs during the Augur mission, and players quickly recognize this amorphous blue creature as one of the more accessible Nightlords. Unlike some of its more aggressive counterparts, Maris typically exhibits a calmer demeanor during battle, with its attack patterns being somewhat predictable. This tranquility is complemented by a surprisingly soothing soundtrack that accompanies the fight, making it less intimidating for players.
Preparing for Battle
Preparation is key when facing any Nightlord, but with Maris, the stakes are relatively lower. Still, utilizing a ranged character can provide significant advantages. Maris tends to float above the ground, making melee attacks challenging. Characters like Ironeye or Recluse, known for their effective ranged capabilities, can dominate the battlefield. However, melee players need not worry as the boss is generally not too far out of reach.
Additionally, players should consider the elemental weaknesses of Maris. Although unconfirmed, many speculate that Maris is more vulnerable to lightning damage, given its water-like attributes. To maximize damage, players should seek out camps with lightning icons while traversing Limveld, which can lead to acquiring potent lightning-based weapons.
Effective Strategies for Defeating Maris
Maris employs a variety of attacks during the encounter. The first of these involves the boss releasing a series of slow-moving bubbles that home in on the player. These can be easily avoided by staying out of their trajectory and timing evasive maneuvers carefully. The second attack consists of a tidal wave that covers a limited area, easily dodged by sprinting sideways or rolling through it.
As the battle progresses, Maris introduces more powerful attacks. One notable move involves the boss spinning and creating a whirlpool effect around itself. This attack primarily impacts close-range players, allowing ranged characters to maintain a safe distance. For those in close proximity, a well-timed dodge can help evade damage.
The boss also has a charge attack that is easily recognizable. Players can anticipate this move when they observe Maris performing pre-attack flips in the air. A quick dodge ensures players remain unscathed during this phase.
As the fight continues, Maris begins to summon tentacles that lash out at players who venture too close. These tentacles remain anchored in their spawning location, making them simple to dodge. In conjunction with this, Maris will unleash a barrage of explosive bubbles, increasing their number significantly. Players can maintain their distance and simply avoid the oncoming attack, employing the same tactics learned during earlier phases.
Final Phase and Tips for Victory
In one of its final moves, Maris will rise high into the air and lay what appears to be an egg that gradually descends onto the battlefield. The consequences of this attack remain largely unknown since players typically manage to shoot down the egg before it can hatch. This speaks to the straightforward nature of the battle: patience and awareness are key components of success.
Overall, Maris is less aggressive compared to other Nightlords, allowing players to familiarize themselves with its attack patterns and timing. With diligence and an understanding of the battlefield, players can steadily wear down Maris until victory is achieved.
The Elden Ring Nightreign expansion is currently available for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PCs, bringing new challenges and adventures to players everywhere.
Quick Reference Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Boss Name | Maris, Fathom of Night |
| Type | Nightlord |
| Elemental Weakness | Lightning Damage |
| Key Strategies | Avoid bubbles, dodge waves, maintain distance |
| Recommended Class | Ranged Characters (e.g., Ironeye, Recluse) |
| Available Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PCs |
As players continue to explore the depths of Elden Ring, the battle with Maris serves as a reminder of the game’s strategic elements and the importance of careful preparation and adaptation in the face of daunting challenges.