Hidden amidst the crumbling ruins of Crumbling Farum Azula lies a secret that could reshape your perspective on Elden Ring’s history. That secret takes the form of Dragonlord Placidusax, a magnificent, multi-headed dragon whose presence echoes a forgotten era. This ancient being isn’t just another optional boss; he’s a vital piece of the Lands Between’s shattered past. This article will delve into Placidusax’s lore, mechanics, strategies to defeat him, and the rewards he offers, allowing players to fully appreciate this epic encounter. By understanding his history and how to best him in combat, you’ll gain a deeper insight into the intricate world of Elden Ring and potentially unlock new builds and strategies.
The Dragonlord’s Legacy
Placidusax. The very name resonates with power and ancient authority. The title “Dragonlord” isn’t bestowed lightly. It signifies a creature of immense power, a leader among dragons, and in Placidusax’s case, something even more profound: a former Elden Lord. Before the Golden Order, before the Erdtree’s ascendance, dragons ruled alongside a mysterious God, an age now lost to the winds of time. He was, for a period, the consort to this God. His existence challenges the current understanding of the world. It hints at a world before the current order, a world where dragons and their gods held sway, a world that was ultimately shattered and replaced. Exploring this forgotten age is essential to understanding the full scope of Elden Ring’s narrative.
Echoes of a Lost Civilization
Placidusax’s connection to the Ancient Dragon Cult is undeniable. The Dragon Cult, though now fragmented and largely influenced by the Golden Order, still holds remnants of the ancient dragon religion. Characters like Lansseax and Fortissax, dragons who attempted to coexist with humanity, are distant echoes of Placidusax’s era. The Dragon Communion incantations, learned from consuming dragon hearts, provide glimpses into the dragons’ power and the rituals of their ancient faith. Placidusax stands as a testament to the dragons’ original status, a stark contrast to their later marginalization and the hunt waged against them. His survival is a miracle, a remnant of a bygone era clinging to existence in a world that has moved on.
Farum Azula’s Temporal Prison
Crumbling Farum Azula, the location of the Elden Ring Placidusax encounter, is more than just a ruined city. It’s a place caught outside the normal flow of time, a swirling vortex of temporal energy. This temporal anomaly is crucial to understanding Placidusax’s continued existence. The city’s strange properties allow him to exist outside of the normal constraints of mortality, a relic of a past era preserved within a pocket of altered time. Farum Azula’s destruction is tied to the shattering of the Elden Ring and the subsequent wars, suggesting a deep connection between the dragons’ fall and the current state of the Lands Between.
The city’s association with the Greater Will, another powerful force in the Elden Ring universe, adds further layers of complexity. Some speculate that the Greater Will orchestrated Farum Azula’s destruction and the dragons’ downfall, paving the way for the Golden Order’s dominance. Placidusax, therefore, becomes a symbol of resistance against this cosmic force, a lone survivor defying the will of the gods.
Unraveling the Mysteries
The reasons for Placidusax’s decline, the loss of his other heads, and his wounded state are shrouded in mystery. Was he defeated in battle? Did the passage of time erode his power? Was his God overthrown, leaving him adrift? These are questions that players can only speculate upon. Some believe his weakened state is a result of the shattering of the Elden Ring and the disruption of the cosmic order. Others suggest that his missing heads were taken as trophies by those who sought to usurp his power. Still others propose a connection with destined death and the night of black knives, hinting that he might have a connection to the demigods who met their end that night.
Further speculation arises from the absence of Placidusax’s God. Was this God another Outer God, a being whose influence predates the Greater Will? What role did this God play in the dragon’s power and the history of the Lands Between? The answers to these questions remain elusive, making Placidusax one of the most intriguing and mysterious figures in Elden Ring’s extensive lore.
Deciphering the Dragonlord’s Fury: Combat Analysis
Facing Placidusax is a trial by fire, a true test of skill and patience. He is capable of dealing massive damage, especially with his lightning and fire based attacks. Let’s break down his fearsome moveset:
First Phase Assault
This phase introduces you to his raw power. Expect a barrage of Dragon Breath attacks in various forms: lightning, fire, and unique variations that spread across the arena. He supplements these with powerful claw attacks and sweeping tail motions that can catch you off guard. Be prepared for dive bombs and aerial maneuvers, forcing you to constantly adapt to his movements. Learning the tells for each attack is crucial for survival, allowing you to dodge effectively and create openings for your own strikes. The most dangerous of his moves is a burst of flame from his chest, which deals massive damage.
Second Phase Chaos
Upon reaching a certain health threshold, Placidusax enters a more aggressive phase, characterized by teleportation and repositioning. He will vanish, only to reappear elsewhere in the arena, often unleashing devastating lightning attacks upon his return. One such attack is “Placidusax’s Ruin”, a series of golden lightning strikes fired in rapid succession. This phase requires heightened awareness and quick reflexes.
Unique Combat Traits
Throughout the fight, Placidusax summons lightning clouds that linger on the battlefield, dealing continuous damage to anyone caught within their radius. These clouds can severely limit your movement and create additional challenges. His ability to teleport grants him unparalleled mobility, forcing you to constantly track his position and anticipate his next attack. If you stay away from him for too long, he is likely to use his Dive Bomb attack.
The visuals and design of Placidusax are equally impressive. His colossal size, the tattered remnants of his wings, and the sheer power emanating from his form create an unforgettable encounter. The “time-worn” and “ancient” feel of his design perfectly encapsulates his role as a relic of a forgotten past.
Triumph Over the Dragonlord: Combat Strategies
Overcoming Placidusax requires careful preparation and strategic execution.
Pre-Battle Considerations
Aim for a character level of at least one hundred and twenty. Equip yourself with armor that offers high lightning resistance. Talismans such as the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman and the Lightning Scorpion Charm can significantly enhance your survivability and damage output. Consider using consumables like the Lightningproof Dried Liver to further mitigate lightning damage. Spirit Ashes, particularly Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche, can provide valuable distractions and additional damage.
Conquering Phase One
Maintain a safe distance and observe Placidusax’s attack patterns. Focus on dodging his Dragon Breath attacks and exploiting the brief openings that follow. Target his head or chest for maximum damage. Use jump attacks to break his stance and create opportunities for critical hits.
Navigating Phase Two
Anticipating his teleportation is key to surviving this phase. Watch for the telltale signs of his impending disappearance and prepare to dodge the subsequent lightning attacks. Maintain a medium distance to avoid being caught in close-range attacks while still allowing you to close the gap when necessary. Use ranged attacks or spells to interrupt his attacks and create openings.
Adaptable Tactics for Varied Builds
Melee builds should focus on using jump attacks and exploiting openings after dodges. Caster builds can utilize powerful spells like Comet Azur or Rykard’s Rancor to deal massive damage from a distance. Ranged builds should focus on maintaining distance and using bows or crossbows to whittle down his health.
Claiming Victory: Rewards and Revelations
Defeating Placidusax yields substantial rewards. You will receive a large number of souls and the Remembrance of the Dragonlord. This Remembrance can be exchanged with Enia at the Roundtable Hold for either Placidusax’s Ruin (a powerful dragon incantation) or the Dragon King’s Cragblade (a unique weapon).
The items dropped from Placidusax provide further insights into his history and the ancient dragon culture. The Dragon Communion spells, in particular, offer a glimpse into the rituals and beliefs of the dragons. They allow players to wield the dragons’ power, connecting them to a past that was nearly erased from the Lands Between.
Echoes in the Community: Player Stories and Theories
Players have shared countless stories of their encounters with Placidusax, from triumphant victories to frustrating defeats. Many have praised the boss’s design and the challenge he presents, while others have shared their creative strategies and builds for overcoming him.
Community theories abound regarding Placidusax’s true nature and his role in the Elden Ring universe. Some believe he is a fallen god, stripped of his power and left to guard the ruins of his former kingdom. Others suggest he is a pawn in a larger cosmic game, a victim of the Greater Will’s machinations.
Placidusax is a memorable boss because of his stunning design, challenging combat, and the rich lore surrounding him. He embodies the mystery and grandeur of Elden Ring, offering players a glimpse into a past that is both fascinating and tragic.
A Legacy in Stone and Lightning
Placidusax is far more than just a boss fight in Elden Ring. He is a living embodiment of the game’s intricate world-building and cryptic storytelling. His existence challenges the established order, raises profound questions about the history of the Lands Between, and provides a compelling challenge for players seeking to test their skills. Encountering and understanding Placidusax is essential for anyone hoping to truly unravel the mysteries of Elden Ring and appreciate the depth of its narrative. He serves as a reminder that the Lands Between is a place of forgotten gods, ancient powers, and secrets waiting to be unearthed, a place where even the greatest of beings can fall victim to the relentless march of time.
