Locating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void in Elden Ring requires navigating the treacherous high ground of the Haligtree, a place where the grace of the demigods contrasts sharply with the brutal reality of combat. This specific quest is not merely a side errand but a pivotal narrative thread that pulls you deep into the history of the Erdtree and the cosmic struggle against the Greater Will. Understanding where to find this elusive Tarnished is the first step toward unlocking one of the game’s most emotionally resonant storylines and securing a powerful ally.
The Haligtree: A Towering Monastery of Grace
The journey to Astel begins not in a dungeon, but in the serene and oppressive landscape of the Haligtree. This colossal tree, draped in golden light and inhabited by the grace-filled Knights of the Haligtree, serves as the demigod Miquella’s cathedral and stronghold. To access the upper reaches where Astel resides, you must first contend with the various knights and environmental hazards that patrol this vertical world. The location is a marvel of design, but reaching the specific chapel where the Naturalborn of the Void waits is a trial in itself.
Accessing the Haligtree from Limgrave
Your entry point into this sacred space is found in the Liurnia of the Lakes region, specifically at the Church of Elleh. Activating the Site of Grace here triggers a cutscene where Miquella’s Haligtree physically manifests, growing from the earth and piercing the clouds. You will then ride your steed, Torrent, directly up the trunk of the tree, a breathtaking ascent that introduces you to the tree’s layered structure. From this point, you will need to navigate the labyrinthine paths and ruins scattered throughout the canopy to move deeper into the sanctum.
The Inner Sanctum and the Chapel of Anticipation
As you traverse the Haligtree, you will encounter areas of pure grace that can heal you and remove status effects, but this tranquility is often interrupted by aggressive foes and treacherous drops. The goal is to push inward and upward, bypassing the main thoroughfares to find a more secluded route. The specific location of Astel is within the Chapel of Anticipation, a small and stark room that sits isolated within the tree’s complex architecture. Finding this chapel requires careful exploration, as it is not immediately obvious and is often bypassed by players following the main quest path.
Navigating to the Chapel
After entering the Haligtree via the Church of Elleh, ride Torrent up the trunk.
Follow the main path until you reach the large central area with a Site of Grace, but do not take the elevator up.
Instead, look for a narrow path or a section of wall that can be climbed on the outer rings of the tree.
Traverse these outer sections, dealing with enemies like Haligtree Knights and Tree Sentinel Ashes.
Eventually, you will find a breakable wall or a ladder leading to a higher, more secluded area where the chapel resides.
The Encounter with Astel
Upon entering the Chapel of Anticipation, you will find Astel, the Naturalborn of the Void, sitting quietly on a throne. He is a unique Tarnished who has rejected the concept of the Elden Ring and the rule of the Greater Will, viewing the cycle of the Erdtree as a futile and tragic mistake. Unlike many bosses, this encounter can be approached non-lethally; sparing him initiates a covenant quest that offers deep insight into the lore of the Lands Between. However, be prepared for a formidable fight if aggression is your chosen path, as Astel wields devastating sorceries that warp reality itself.
