The Ulcerated Tree Spirit is one of the most unsettling bosses players will encounter in Elden Ring. Twisting and writhing like a massive serpent, this grotesque creature resembles a corrupted tree given violent life, its body covered in swollen, glowing red ulcers. Found in multiple locations across the Lands Between, the Ulcerated Tree Spirit is an optional boss, meaning players are not required to defeat it to advance the main story. However, these encounters are often tied to valuable rewards that make them well worth the risk.

 

This guide breaks down what to expect from the Ulcerated Tree Spirit, where to find it, and how to approach this chaotic and aggressive fight.

 

What Is the Ulcerated Tree Spirit

 

The Ulcerated Tree Spirit appears to be a warped manifestation of Erdtree corruption. Its body coils and lashes like a snake, yet its bark-like exterior and inflamed growths clearly connect it to the sacred trees that dominate Elden Ring's world. The creature's erratic movements and explosive attacks make it one of the more intimidating bosses visually, especially when encountered in tight or enclosed spaces.

 

Unlike many humanoid enemies, the Ulcerated Tree Spirit fights with pure ferocity. It does not rely on weapons or spells in a traditional sense, instead attacking with lunges, sweeping body slams, explosive bursts of energy, and relentless pressure. The result is a battle that often feels overwhelming until players learn how to read its movements.

 

Boss Classification and Purpose

 

Ulcerated Tree Spirits are classified as boss enemies, but they function differently from traditional legacy dungeon bosses. These creatures appear in multiple areas, sometimes guarding important locations or hidden paths. As optional bosses, they are not mandatory, but defeating them often grants highly valuable rewards.

 

Many encounters with the Ulcerated Tree Spirit are connected to progression-related upgrades, including Golden Seeds, which can be used to improve healing flasks. This alone makes the boss extremely appealing, especially for players looking to strengthen their survivability throughout the game. In addition, victories yield generous amounts of Elden Ring Runes, reinforcing their value even when they aren't required.

 

Ulcerated Tree Spirit Locations

 

Ulcerated Tree Spirits can be found in several regions across the Lands Between, often in areas tied to Erdtree influence or hidden dungeons:

 

Fringefolk Hero's Grave – One of the earliest encounters, and often the first time players face this boss type. The confined space makes the fight especially intense.

 

Minor Erdtree (Mt. Gelmir) – A more open environment that still demands careful positioning due to the boss's wide-reaching attacks.

 

Giants' Mountaintop Catacombs – A late-game encounter that reflects increased damage and aggression, punishing mistakes severely.

 

Each location presents its own challenges, but the core behavior of the Ulcerated Tree Spirit remains consistent.

 

Combat Behavior and Attack Patterns

 

The Ulcerated Tree Spirit is defined by constant motion. It coils, leaps, and slams itself into the ground with little downtime between attacks. Many of its moves cover a wide area, making it difficult to stay close without precise timing.

 

One of the most dangerous aspects of the fight is the boss's tendency to chain attacks together. A sweeping strike may be followed immediately by a lunge or explosive burst, catching players who attempt to retaliate too quickly. Its red ulcers often glow before certain attacks, serving as visual cues that something devastating is about to happen.

 

Because of its size and speed, camera control can also become a challenge, especially in smaller arenas. Staying calm and focusing on positioning is critical.

 

General Strategy and Survival Tips

 

While the Ulcerated Tree Spirit can feel chaotic, there are several principles that help stabilize the fight:

 

Learn the Movement Rhythm

Although aggressive, the boss does follow patterns. Watching how it coils before lunging or how its body tenses before a slam can help you anticipate attacks rather than react too late.

 

Avoid Greed

This boss heavily punishes overcommitment. Landing one or two hits and backing away is far safer than trying to maximize damage during short openings.

 

Use Space When Available

In more open locations, spacing is your greatest ally. Keeping distance allows you to see incoming attacks more clearly and reposition before the next assault.

 

Prepare for Burst Damage

Some attacks deal heavy damage in a short window. Make sure your healing flasks are upgraded whenever possible using Golden Seeds, which are often tied directly to these encounters.

 

Rewards

 

Defeating an Ulcerated Tree Spirit provides a meaningful boost to character progression. Alongside a substantial payout of Elden Ring Runes, players are rewarded with important Elden Ring Items that directly impact long-term survivability. Golden Seeds, in particular, are among the most valuable upgrades in the game, as they increase the number of times you can heal during any encounter.

 

This makes Ulcerated Tree Spirits especially attractive targets, even for players who might otherwise skip optional bosses.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The Ulcerated Tree Spirit embodies Elden Ring's blend of visual horror and mechanical challenge. Its grotesque design, relentless aggression, and high damage output create an encounter that is as memorable as it is punishing. While optional, these bosses serve as important milestones, rewarding players who are willing to face discomfort and chaos head-on.

 

With patience, careful observation, and a focus on survival over aggression, the Ulcerated Tree Spirit becomes less of a nightmare and more of a hard-earned victory, one that strengthens your Tarnished for the trials still ahead in the Lands Between.