Introduction
The air shimmers, distorted by the echoes of forgotten storms. Dust motes dance in the faint sunlight filtering through the crumbling archways, illuminating a vast, desolate arena. Then, with a deafening roar that seems to tear through the very fabric of time, he appears: Dragonlord Placidusax. A colossal, multi-headed dragon, wreathed in lightning and radiating an aura of immense power, he stands as a sentinel of a lost age. This encounter is not just another boss fight; it’s a glimpse into a forgotten history, a clash with a creature of immense lore significance, and a test of skill against one of Elden Ring’s most formidable challenges.
Dragonlord Placidusax is far more than a difficult hurdle to overcome on your path to becoming Elden Lord. He’s a relic of a bygone era, a living embodiment of a civilization that predates the Golden Order. His presence within the decaying ruins of Farum Azula speaks volumes about the history of The Lands Between and the cataclysmic events that reshaped the world. Facing him is a deeply rewarding experience not only due to the loot and power you gain upon victory, but also because of the knowledge and insights you acquire into the vast and complex lore of Elden Ring.
This article will delve deep into the lore surrounding Dragonlord Placidusax, dissect his challenging moveset, and provide strategic insights for overcoming this epic encounter. Prepare to journey into the heart of the storm, and learn how to defeat the Dragonlord of Crumbling Farum Azula.
The Lost History of the Dragonlords
Before the Erdtree’s golden light blanketed The Lands Between, before the reign of Marika the Eternal, there was another era: the age of the Dragonlords. These magnificent creatures were not mere beasts; they were intelligent, powerful beings who ruled over a thriving civilization. Their capital, now lost to time and the ravages of a catastrophic event, was a testament to their advanced knowledge and profound connection to the primal forces of nature.
The Dragonlords commanded immense power, including the ability to manipulate lightning and command the very winds. They possessed a unique connection to the ancient dragons, an affinity that allowed them to forge pacts and harness their power. The existence of the Dragon Communion, where Tarnished can consume dragon hearts to gain draconic powers, is a direct legacy of this ancient connection. Similarly, the Dragon Cult, with its worship of dragons and emulation of their abilities, serves as a reminder of the lasting impact the Dragonlords had on the culture of The Lands Between.
But the Dragonlords’ reign did not last. The details of their downfall remain shrouded in mystery, but it is clear that a great cataclysm shattered their civilization and scattered their kind. Crumbling Farum Azula, a city suspended in a perpetual vortex of temporal chaos, is the only tangible remnant of their once-great empire, and within its decaying heart lies Dragonlord Placidusax, the last of his kind, waiting for his God.
Placidusax: The Last Dragonlord
Placidusax is more than just a powerful boss; he is a living historical artifact. As the last of the Dragonlords, he carries the weight of his fallen civilization upon his shoulders. He resides within the ruins of Farum Azula, a city seemingly frozen in time, waiting for the return of his God. Who this God is remains one of the most compelling mysteries surrounding Placidusax. Some speculate it was an Outer God, while others believe it could have been a powerful dragon. The answer to this question could unlock crucial insights into the deeper lore of Elden Ring.
One of Placidusax’s most intriguing abilities is his manipulation of time. He can vanish and reappear in different locations, summoning lightning strikes from seemingly nowhere. This temporal control is not merely a gameplay mechanic; it speaks to the advanced understanding of reality that the Dragonlords possessed. It is believed that Placidusax attempts to repair the shattered past of Farum Azula, seeking to restore his capital to its former glory.
The fight against Placidusax is not just about defeating a powerful enemy; it is about confronting a living legend, a relic of a forgotten age. It’s a moment where the past and present collide, forcing you to confront the cyclical nature of history and the inevitable decay of even the greatest civilizations.
Finding the Dragonlord’s Arena
Reaching Placidusax requires traversing the perilous heights of Crumbling Farum Azula. From the “Beside the Great Bridge” Site of Grace, backtrack slightly and descend the crumbling ledges until you reach an area with multiple Beastmen enemies. Continue down, carefully navigating the broken pathways, until you reach a spot where you can “lay down.” This is not immediately obvious, but the game hints at it through the environment. Look for an open area overlooking a swirling vortex.
Once you lay down, you will be transported to Placidusax’s arena. This arena is a testament to the Dragonlord’s power, a vast, desolate space filled with the remnants of a once-grand civilization. Before you stands the Dragonlord, ready to test your mettle and defend his shattered kingdom.
Confronting the Dragonlord: Moveset and Strategies
Placidusax is a formidable opponent, boasting a diverse and devastating moveset. Understanding his attacks and vulnerabilities is crucial for survival.
Placidusax’s Moveset
Placidusax is a formidable opponent, boasting a diverse and devastating moveset. Understanding his attacks and vulnerabilities is crucial for survival.
Claw Attacks and Combos: Placidusax uses his massive claws to unleash a flurry of attacks, often chaining them together in unpredictable combinations. Dodging is key to avoiding these attacks, as blocking can quickly deplete your stamina.
Dragon Breath: He can unleash both lightning and fire breath attacks. The lightning breath covers a wide area and deals significant damage, so be prepared to roll away quickly. The fire breath is more focused but can still inflict burning status.
Teleportation and Dive Bombs: Placidusax can teleport short distances, often using this ability to reposition himself for a dive bomb attack. Watch for the telltale signs of his teleportation and be ready to dodge the incoming attack.
Lightning Spear: He summons red lightning spears which he throws at the player. These deal massive damage if they connect.
Time-Altering Attacks: These are perhaps Placidusax’s most iconic attacks. He can disappear and reappear with devastating lightning strikes, making it difficult to predict his movements. Learning the timing of these attacks is essential for dodging them successfully. This also includes his empowered slam attack where he disappears and slams down creating a massive explosion.
Weaknesses and Resistances
Placidusax is resistant to lightning damage, so avoid using lightning-based attacks. He is vulnerable to physical and frostbite damage.
Strategies for Different Builds
No matter your playstyle, here are some general strategies for facing this ancient dragon:
Melee Builds: Utilize weapons with high physical damage output. Closing the distance can be challenging due to Placidusax’s mobility, so be patient and wait for openings. Using jump attacks can be useful for staggering him. Equip talismans that boost your physical damage and stamina.
Magic Builds: Sorceries and incantations that deal physical damage or frostbite are effective. Maintain a safe distance and manage your FP carefully. The Cerulean Hidden Tear will allow for a period of free casting, which can be very useful for dealing burst damage.
Summoning Strategies: Spirit Ashes can be invaluable in this fight. Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche are excellent choices, as they can both deal significant damage and draw Placidusax’s aggro.
General Tips for Victory
Learn the Attack Patterns: Memorizing Placidusax’s attack patterns is the most crucial aspect of this fight. Knowing when to dodge, block, or attack is essential for survival.
Healing Windows: Healing opportunities are limited, so be strategic about when you use your Flask of Crimson Tears.
Use the Arena: The arena provides some cover from certain attacks, but be mindful of your positioning.
Level Up: Ensure you are adequately leveled before attempting this fight.
The Spoils of Victory
Defeating Placidusax rewards you with a substantial amount of runes and the Remembrance of the Dragonlord. This Remembrance can be traded with Enia at the Roundtable Hold for either the Dragon King’s Cragblade, a unique weapon, or Placidusax’s Ruin, a powerful incantation.
Beyond the tangible rewards, defeating Placidusax has significant lore implications. It signifies the end of an era, the final chapter in the story of the Dragonlords. While defeating him doesn’t unlock new quests or areas, it grants you a deeper understanding of the history of The Lands Between and the forces that shaped its destiny.
Conclusion: Facing a Legend
Dragonlord Placidusax is more than just a challenging boss in Elden Ring. He’s a living embodiment of a lost civilization, a testament to the power and majesty of the Dragonlords. His fight is a demanding test of skill, requiring patience, precision, and a thorough understanding of his moveset. But the rewards, both in terms of loot and lore, are well worth the effort. So, Tarnished, steel yourselves, venture into the heart of the crumbling city, and prepare to face the Dragonlord of Crumbling Farum Azula. You will not only test your skills but also gain a new appreciation of the intricate tapestry that FromSoftware weaved into Elden Ring. The Dragonlord awaits.
