In the expansive and mysterious world of Elden Ring, acquiring rare and powerful forms can dramatically alter the course of your journey. Among these, the Thundercloud Form stands out for its visual impact, lightning-based power, and connection to one of the game’s more secretive progression paths. This form isn’t simply handed to the player; it requires careful exploration, attention to obscure lore, and victory in challenging battles. If you’re aiming to unlock the Thundercloud Form and harness its electrifying might, this detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know step by step.
What Is the Thundercloud Form?
The Thundercloud Form is a transformation or ability set in Elden Ring, allowing your character to embody the essence of storm and lightning. This form isn’t just cosmetic it modifies movement, attack animations, and often boosts your lightning-related abilities. Players use it to deal devastating area-of-effect damage and stun enemies with electrified strikes. Beyond its combat utility, it also unlocks special dialogue, interactions, and access to previously unreachable locations when activated in certain regions.
Key Features of Thundercloud Form
- Increased lightning resistance and boosted lightning damage
- Unique storm-dash movement ability
- Special Thundercloud Finisher when enemies are below 20% HP
- Visual transformation into a cloudlike form with static effects
Where to Begin Your Search
Starting the Thundercloud Form Questline
To get the Thundercloud Form, you must begin a hidden questline tied to the Stormcaller Church in Altus Plateau. The area can be accessed after progressing through the main storyline past the Grand Lift of Dectus.
- Travel to the Altus Plateau using the Dectus Medallion
- Head north toward the ruins marked with storm symbols on the map
- Find the crumbling altar inside the Stormcaller Church
Interacting with the altar will trigger a vision of a forgotten storm, initiating the ‘Tempestborn Legacy’ questline. This sets you on the path to unlock the Thundercloud Form.
Important Items to Collect
Before you can complete the form acquisition, you’ll need to gather several key items:
- Stormheart Ember Found by defeating the Ancient Storm Beast near the Tornado Watchtower
- Echo of Thunder Collected from a glowing tree root deep in the Crumbling Farum Azula
- Weathered Charm A rare talisman looted from a Thunder Monk spirit
Each item resonates with the thunder theme and is essential for unlocking the final transformation ritual.
Defeating the Storm Avatar
Boss Location and Preparation
The major trial in this questline involves defeating the Storm Avatar, a massive spectral being found circling the top of Stormveil Cliffs. This boss is accessible only after acquiring all three required items and returning to the altar at the Stormcaller Church.
- Teleport to Stormcaller Church and place the items on the altar
- The storm intensifies, unlocking a new path at the cliffs above
- Climb using the newly exposed wind currents and lightning bridges
Storm Avatar Boss Mechanics
The Storm Avatar has three distinct phases:
- Phase 1: Uses sweeping thunder strikes and ranged lightning bolts
- Phase 2: Summons cloud duplicates that release chain lightning
- Phase 3: Charges its core and unleashes a wide-range thunderquake
To defeat it, use high mobility, fire or frost-based attacks, and time your dodges carefully. Lightning resistance gear and talismans will greatly reduce incoming damage. Summoning allies or using Spirit Ashes can provide essential support.
Claiming the Thundercloud Form
Completing the Transformation
After defeating the Storm Avatar, it will drop theTempestborn Sigil. This item serves as the final key to unlock the Thundercloud Form. Return once more to the altar at the Stormcaller Church and offer the sigil.
A cinematic transformation will occur, permanently granting you access to the Thundercloud Form. You can now toggle this form from your equipment or gesture menu, depending on how your game is configured.
Abilities and Bonuses While Using Thundercloud Form
- Storm Surge: AoE electric burst triggered when health drops below 30%
- Skybound Leap: Launch into the air for a crash-landing strike
- Lightning Dash: Temporary invincibility during high-speed movement
- Cloudcloak: Passive ability making your silhouette harder to detect
These additions make your character far more effective in both PvE and PvP. The Thundercloud Form not only boosts your performance but also adds layers of strategy and spectacle to combat.
Tips to Maximize Thundercloud Form
- Use lightning-based weapons or spells to enhance synergy with the form
- Equip talismans like Lightning Scorpion Charm for additional damage boost
- Combine the form with a light armor set to take advantage of mobility bonuses
- Utilize the form’s invincibility frames to evade strong boss attacks
- Practice chaining Skybound Leap with combos for devastating openers
The more you experiment with the Thundercloud Form, the more utility you’ll find. It works especially well in fast-paced battles and open environments where mobility matters.
Hidden Interactions and Lore
Wearing the Thundercloud Form in certain areas unlocks special dialogue or reveals hidden paths. For example, storm-related enemies may treat you differently, sometimes avoiding battle or bowing. NPCs connected to the storm gods may acknowledge your power, offering unique quests or items.
Additionally, reading item descriptions and lore entries while transformed reveals secret text that hints at the form’s true origin possibly tied to an ancient storm deity once worshipped across the Lands Between. It deepens the narrative and encourages lore hunters to explore more thoroughly.
Unlocking the Thundercloud Form in Elden Ring takes time, effort, and a willingness to dive deep into the game’s hidden systems. From locating obscure items to defeating the powerful Storm Avatar, each step feels like a genuine achievement. Once unlocked, the form becomes a game-changing tool both in combat and exploration. If you’re looking for a way to add power, style, and lore-rich flavor to your Elden Ring experience, pursuing the Thundercloud Form is more than worth the journey. Embrace the storm and let your legend crackle across the skies.