Conquering Dragonlord Placidusax in Elden Ring
Finding Dragonlord Placidusax
Dragonlord Placidusax is one of the secret bosses in Elden Ring and resides in Crumbling Farum Azula, a floating ruin suspended in the midst of an eternal storm. Accessing his arena requires some exploration and determination.
To reach him:
Progress through Crumbling Farum Azula until you unlock the Site of Grace called "Beside the Great Bridge."
Head to the elevator near this grace and take it down to the lower level.
Instead of advancing forward, look for a hidden pathway to the left that leads to a rocky outcropping. Follow the path downward, and eventually, you'll reach a circular arena where Placidusax awaits.
Before entering the battle, ensure you're well-prepared. Stock up on critical Elden Ring Items and allocate your Elden Ring Runes wisely to boost your stats.
Preparing for the Battle
Dragonlord Placidusax is no ordinary boss. With two heads, lightning-infused attacks, and the ability to disappear and reappear unpredictably, this encounter requires both strategy and adaptability. Here's how to gear up for success:
Key Elden Ring Items to Bring
Bolstering Healing Supplies: Golden Runes and Flasks of Crimson Tears are essential for maintaining your health during the fight. Upgrade your flasks as much as possible to increase their potency.
Dragon-resistant Gear: Placidusax's attacks are heavily infused with lightning and fire damage. Equip armor sets with high lightning and fire resistance, such as the Bull-Goat Set or Lionel's Set, to mitigate damage.
Lightningproof Dried Liver: This consumable significantly boosts your resistance to lightning attacks, giving you an edge during Placidusax's most dangerous phases.
Spirit Summons: Use Spirit Ashes like Black Knife Tiche or Mimic Tear to distract the boss and deal consistent damage. These summons can take the heat off you, allowing time to heal or reposition.
Spending Elden Ring Runes Efficiently
Before engaging in this challenging fight, consider spending your Elden Ring Runes to strengthen your build. Focus on attributes like:
Vigor: More HP means you'll survive Placidusax's devastating combos.
Dexterity and Strength: Depending on your weapon choice, boost these attributes to maximize damage output.
Endurance: Increased stamina lets you dodge and attack more frequently without tiring out.
It's wise to bank your extra runes into consumable Golden Runes before heading into the fight. This ensures you don't lose a fortune in the event of repeated deaths.
Strategies to Defeat Dragonlord Placidusax
Phase 1: Observing and Countering the Basics
When the fight begins, Placidusax will mostly use lightning-based attacks combined with physical swipes. Watch for his massive claw swipes and tail slams, which have a deceptively large area of effect.
Tips for Phase 1:
Dodge Timing: Roll toward his swipes rather than away from them to reduce damage and stay close for counterattacks.
Positioning: Stay near his legs or tail to avoid many of his frontal attacks.
Phase 2: Surviving the Chaos
In the second phase, Placidusax becomes significantly more aggressive. He gains new abilities, including summoning a massive lightning storm and teleporting across the arena. One of his most iconic moves involves disappearing into the clouds and reappearing to unleash a devastating lightning strike.
Tips for Phase 2:
Watch the Sky: When Placidusax vanishes, immediately look to the clouds to anticipate his reentry. The lightning trails will give you clues about where he'll strike.
Use Lightningproof Dried Liver: During this phase, your resistance items become crucial for surviving his lightning storm.
Capitalize on Openings: After Placidusax finishes a large attack, he'll have a brief recovery period. Use this time to land heavy attacks or spells.
Long-range vs. Melee Tactics
Melee Builds: Stick to his legs and avoid his head and claws. Always keep an eye on his telegraphed movements for swipes or AoE slams.
Ranged Builds: Use spells like Comet Azur or Lightning Spear to deal damage from a safe distance. Be prepared to reposition quickly when he teleports.
Rewards for Defeating Placidusax
Taking down Dragonlord Placidusax is no small feat, but the rewards are worth the effort. Upon victory, you'll receive:
Remembrance of the Dragonlord: This item can be exchanged for powerful dragon-themed abilities, such as Placidusax's Ruin, a devastating spell that calls down lightning.
Elden Ring Runes: Defeating him grants a significant number of runes, which can be used to level up or purchase valuable items.
Additionally, the sense of accomplishment from overcoming this mythical foe is a reward in itself. Placidusax's arena and lore add depth to Elden Ring's story, making it a memorable part of your journey through the Lands Between.
Final Thoughts
Defeating Dragonlord Placidusax is a true test of skill and preparation in Elden Ring. By utilizing your Elden Ring Runes wisely and equipping the right Elden Ring Items, you can tip the odds in your favor. With patience, strategy, and a touch of luck, you'll emerge victorious against one of the game's most awe-inspiring adversaries.
So gear up, Tarnished, and take on the challenge. Dragonlord Placidusax awaits!