Reaching the Lord of Ancient Dragons
Venturing into the heart of Crumbling Farum Azula is an adventure in itself. This ethereal realm, suspended amidst a perpetual storm, is accessed after defeating the Fire Giant in the Mountaintops of the Giants. The journey to Placidusax requires navigation through perilous platforms, treacherous enemies, and shifting landscapes. Starting from the “Beside the Great Bridge” Site of Grace, proceed forward, carefully avoiding the falling debris and the dragon-touched enemies. After crossing the bridge, carefully navigate the area, avoiding the massive dragon.
Continue forward towards the massive storm, take the staircase up, and continue to move forward until you meet another Site of Grace. From here, begin moving down. Move forward until you meet a platform with a massive dragon. Keep moving forward, and fall down. From this point on you must walk and fall to the ground below. Follow the paths, and you’ll arrive at the “Great Belfry” Site of Grace. To locate the boss arena, you’ll need to carefully locate the “Site of Grace” near the cliff. Here, drop to the ledge below and descend again. You will find a platform; at this point, you must interact with the empty space. This will trigger a cutscene, and you will be transported to the battleground.
Understanding Placidusax: A Glimpse into the Past
Placidusax is not merely a boss; he is a relic of a bygone age, a symbol of a time when dragons ruled the Lands Between. This ancient dragon, once an Elden Lord, now resides within the temporal distortions of Crumbling Farum Azula. His immense size, fiery breath, and mastery over time solidify his position as one of the game’s most challenging encounters. Placidusax offers a unique blend of melee prowess, devastating magic, and perplexing temporal abilities, making him a thrilling spectacle of a fight.
The visual design of Placidusax is truly remarkable. His colossal frame, adorned with multiple pairs of wings and a weathered, metallic hide, evokes a sense of awe and respect. The arena itself adds to the atmosphere, featuring floating platforms and glimpses of a celestial storm, emphasizing his dominion over the area.
Deciphering the Ancient Dragon’s Arsenal
To triumph over Placidusax, a deep understanding of his attack patterns and a strategic approach are essential. Placidusax boasts a diverse arsenal, encompassing both physical and magical attacks, with some attacks spanning across time.
Claw Swipes and Tail Sweeps
His claw swipes and tail sweeps require precise dodging. You will need to focus on their timing to avoid these. Dodging towards the direction of his swipe can often position you for a counter-attack after the move.
Breath Attacks
Placidusax’s breath attacks are devastating and can easily inflict heavy damage. The best strategy is to run away from his breath, or, when close enough, position yourself so you can stay in the blind spot.
Vanishing and Reappearing
Placidusax can vanish and then reappear, teleporting across the arena to unleash attacks, including a powerful dive. When he disappears, be prepared to dodge. The timing might be a bit off, so it will be important for you to get used to it.
Laser Beams
One of his signature moves is the laser beam attack. Placidusax charges a powerful beam of red energy, which he shoots in a sweeping arc. These beams can decimate your health bar if they connect. Dodging or running to the side can protect you from these, but it is best if you try to stay at a range.
Phase Two Attacks
In phase two, he gets access to other powerful attacks, including an array of temporal blasts, summoned phantoms of himself, and a dive bomb where he slams into the ground.
Strategic Maneuvering: Tactics for Survival
The fight against Placidusax demands a blend of patience, aggression, and skillful execution. Mastering the following strategies can drastically improve your chances of success:
Dodging and Spacing
Precise dodging is paramount. Learn the timing of each attack and roll accordingly. Close-range attacks are best countered by dodging through the attack or rolling to the side. Maintain a safe distance when he is casting spells.
Identifying Openings
Placidusax leaves openings after certain attacks, such as his claw swipes or breath attacks. Exploit these opportunities to land a few hits. Patience is key; do not get greedy and risk a counter-attack.
Managing the Arena
Utilize the environment. The platform can provide cover from the boss’s attacks, but be cautious of falling off. Understanding the spatial layout will enhance your ability to manage the fight.
Understanding the Time Attacks
When Placidusax disappears and re-appears, prepare to dodge. Learn to read his next moves.
Phase Transitions
Be prepared for changes in attack patterns as the fight progresses.
Optimizing Your Build and Gear
Choosing the right build and equipping the appropriate gear can greatly enhance your performance in the fight against Placidusax. The following suggestions will serve as a starting point:
Melee Builds
Strength, Dexterity, or Quality builds are effective against Placidusax. Focus on weapons that are fast or have high damage output. Consider weapons like the Nagakiba or the Bloodhound Fang, both of which can provide decent damage. Weapons with Bleed build-up are also useful.
Magic Builds
Sorcerers and Incantation users can find success, but the fight requires careful timing and positioning. The boss can be challenging for magic users, but the fight is very possible.
Armor Selection
Opt for armor that provides good physical and fire resistance, to minimize the damage.
Talisman Recommendations
Equip talismans that boost damage, increase stamina recovery, or provide additional protection. The Crimson Amber Medallion (for health), the Green Turtle Talisman (for stamina recovery), and the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman (for physical damage negation) are all valuable choices.
Spirit Summons
Spirit Summons are very useful in this fight. Mimic Tear, for example, can provide extra damage and can draw aggro, giving you time to heal.
General Tactics for the Battlefield
Stay Patient: Placidusax’s attacks are punishing, and mistakes are costly. Maintain a calm and collected approach.
Consumables: Use your healing flasks judiciously. If you have it, use a warming stone to help heal you and your summons.
Aggression: Don’t be overly cautious. Once you learn the patterns of the boss, look for openings to land hits.
Observe and Adapt: The fight is a learning process. Adjust your tactics based on Placidusax’s attacks and behavior.
Rewards of Victory: A Glimpse into the Aftermath
Defeating Placidusax grants access to his Remembrance. This can be used to obtain unique weapons and spells. You will also receive a substantial amount of Runes. These rewards are a testament to your skill and provide valuable tools for your journey. The Remembrances will be required for progression, so this win is useful for the rest of your journey.
Conclusion: Claiming the Legacy
Conquering Placidusax is one of the most rewarding experiences in Elden Ring. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to overcome this formidable challenge. Perseverance, patience, and a willingness to learn are essential ingredients for success. So, embrace the fight, master his attacks, and claim the legacy of the Lord of Ancient Dragons.
Good luck, Tarnished!
FAQs
What is the recommended level for fighting Placidusax?
While there is no hard and fast level requirement, most players find the fight manageable around level 120-150, but the exact level does depend on your chosen build and the equipment you are using.
What is the best spirit summon to use?
The Mimic Tear is generally considered one of the best summons for this fight, as it can deal significant damage and draw the boss’s attention. Other strong options include Black Knife Tiche and Lhutel the Headless.
Are there any known glitches or exploits for this fight?
As of the current version, there are no known glitches or exploits that significantly impact the fight. However, it is always best to avoid using anything that can break the game.
