Conquering Lichdragon Fortissax in Elden Ring
Elden Ring is renowned for its expansive open world, deep lore, and challenging boss battles. Among these encounters, Lichdragon Fortissax stands out as a truly memorable fight, combining breathtaking visuals with intense combat mechanics. For players determined to conquer this electrifying dragon, preparation is critical. This guide will explore how to defeat Lichdragon Fortissax, including tips for spending Elden Ring Runes and leveraging the right Elden Ring Items to maximize your chances of success.
Finding Lichdragon Fortissax
Lichdragon Fortissax is not encountered during the main story; instead, it's a secret boss connected to the questline of Fia, the Deathbed Companion. Reaching Fortissax requires you to follow these steps:
Complete Fia's questline by progressing through her interactions at the Roundtable Hold and later in the Deeproot Depths.
Defeat the champions who invade you near her location in Deeproot Depths.
Once you receive the "Cursemark of Death" from Fia, rest at her location, and interact with her to enter the Deathbed Dream.
Inside the Deathbed Dream, you'll face Lichdragon Fortissax, a formidable dragon infused with the power of death and lightning. Prepare yourself thoroughly before engaging in this battle.
Preparing for Lichdragon Fortissax
Lichdragon Fortissax wields devastating death-infused lightning attacks that can overwhelm unprepared players. To survive and triumph, ensure you have the right Elden Ring Items and have allocated your Elden Ring Runes to optimize your build.
Recommended Elden Ring Items
Dragon-resistant Gear: Equip armor with high lightning and holy resistance, as Fortissax's attacks deal damage in both categories. The Crucible Tree Set or Haligtree Knight Set are excellent choices.
Flasks of Crimson Tears: Maximize the number and potency of your healing flasks by upgrading them at Sacred Tears and Golden Seeds.
Lightningproof Dried Liver: This consumable boosts your lightning resistance, reducing the impact of Fortissax's thunderous strikes.
Spirit Ashes: Summon powerful Spirit Ashes like Black Knife Tiche or Latenna the Albinauric to provide distractions and supplemental damage.
Preserving Boluses: Fortissax's deathblight abilities can quickly overwhelm you if left unchecked. Use these items to counter the build-up of deathblight.
Allocating Elden Ring Runes Effectively
Before entering the Deathbed Dream, ensure your attributes are optimized for the fight:
Vigor: Fortissax's powerful AoE attacks can one-shot lower-health builds, so invest in Vigor to increase your survivability.
Strength/Dexterity: Depending on your weapon, allocate points here to enhance your damage output.
Faith/Intelligence: If you're using incantations or sorceries, boost these attributes to improve spell effectiveness.
Additionally, spend any extra Elden Ring Runes on upgrades for your weapons and Spirit Ashes. A +10 weapon or fully-upgraded summon can make a significant difference in this battle.
The Battle Against Lichdragon Fortissax
Phase 1: Observing and Learning
The fight begins with Fortissax using sweeping melee strikes and lightning-infused breath attacks. His size can make his movements feel overwhelming, but they are well-telegraphed.
Key Tips for Phase 1:
Stay Mobile: Most of Fortissax's attacks have large hitboxes but are avoidable with careful movement. Stay light on your feet and ready to roll.
Close the Gap: Staying too far from Fortissax invites him to use his ranged lightning attacks, which can be harder to dodge. Fight near his legs for safer positioning.
Avoid the Head: Fortissax's head and front claws are his most dangerous areas. Aim to attack his sides or hind legs to reduce the risk of getting hit.
Phase 2: Surviving Deathblight and Lightning Storms
Once you've dealt significant damage, Lichdragon Fortissax becomes more aggressive. He introduces deathblight-based attacks and summons massive lightning strikes that can decimate unprepared players.
Key Tips for Phase 2:
Watch for Death Lightning: Fortissax summons dark lightning bolts infused with deathblight. These leave dangerous pools on the ground. Move quickly to avoid standing in them.
Use Preserving Boluses: If deathblight builds up, immediately use Preserving Boluses to prevent instant death.
Capitalize on Openings: After performing his death lightning attack, Fortissax often pauses briefly. Use this time to unleash heavy attacks or spells.
Ranged vs. Melee Strategies
Melee Builds: Stay close to Fortissax's legs and focus on dodging his stomps and tail swipes. Use charged heavy attacks during his recovery animations to maximize damage.
Ranged Builds: Stay mid-range and focus on avoiding his AoE lightning strikes. Spells like Comet Azur or Lightning Spear can deal significant damage from a distance.
Rewards for Defeating Lichdragon Fortissax
Defeating Lichdragon Fortissax is no small feat, but the rewards make the effort worthwhile:
Remembrance of the Lichdragon: This valuable item can be exchanged at the Roundtable Hold for unique abilities, such as Fortissax's Lightning Spear, which mimics the dragon's thunderous power.
Elden Ring Runes: As with most bosses, you'll be rewarded with a substantial number of runes upon victory. These can be used to level up or purchase valuable items from merchants.
Lore and Prestige: Conquering Fortissax adds depth to your understanding of Elden Ring's world and proves your mettle as a skilled Tarnished.
Final Thoughts
Lichdragon Fortissax is one of the most awe-inspiring battles in Elden Ring. His immense power, stunning design, and connection to Fia's tragic story make him an unforgettable foe. By carefully managing your Elden Ring Runes, equipping the right Elden Ring Items, and adapting to his attack patterns, you can emerge victorious from the Deathbed Dream.
Prepare thoroughly, stay persistent, and relish the thrill of defeating one of Elden Ring's most iconic bosses. Tarnished, the Lichdragon awaits your challenge—will you rise to the occasion?