There are a lot of dragons in Elden Ring, even too many, there is seriously enough to get tired of them, especially since the camera does not help with these damned critters. The time has come to file a complaint in person with their patriarch, Lord Placidusax. However, he is more complicated to meet than the manager of the local McDonald's, and above all, much more difficult to beat when it comes to fights. However, it is much easier to kill than Malenia, Miquella's sword.
Where can I find Placidusax?
To start, you need to have access to the main area of Farum Azula, the small teleporter in Liurnia will not do. You must therefore defeat the Fire Giant and then light the Forge of Giants, with or without the help of the Three Fingers. You also have to beat Duo Sanctechair on the spot. The area that Placidusax is in is before the end boss of the area, Maliketh, we haven't tried to face him before, but it's probably possible. Starting from the last grace point before Maliketh, that of the bridge elevator, turn around, run past the group of Beastmen, then drop down onto the floating stone platforms at the back, until you reach reach an ideal place to... lie down? Lie down in the designated spot , this will trigger a boss summon cutscene. As much to warn you, it will be necessary to redo all this with each test, the developers forgot (or refused to put) an effigy of Marika on the spot.
Preparations
- As always, your Spirit Summon will greatly determine your gameplay experience. It shouldn't be used for maximum challenge, and conversely, the +10 Mimic Blade should make things much easier for the majority of builds.
- The bugger really hurts, if you don't want to get killed instantly by the slightest attack, plan talismans that increase life and reduce damage. For example the Dragon Shield and the Dragon Pearl +2, or the Talismans of Lightning Resistance +2. In addition to lightning and physical damage, expect fire damage.
- You can craft and use consumables that increase resistance. Boiled prawns are also going to pay off well on this fight. Using dragon flail coating for your weapon will also help you defeat the boss faster.
- The Vial of Miraculous Salvation which reduces the damage, and the bubble which blocks an attack can greatly help to survive during the second phase.
Phase 1
- Here, no horse, and the fight really has nothing to do with the one against the other dragons, and that's good. Placidusax has a large arsenal of abilities, and you will have to learn how to manage them well, as well as how to position yourself well to dodge them.
- It's generally safer to attack this boss's back , either its hind legs or its tail. He has fewer attacks that are likely to hit you, and you have a bit of time to react when he turns around. Above all, you will have to be wary of small tail swipes, of the breath that will partially sweep behind him, which will require you to pivot, and above all, the electric zone attacks.
- One of the lightning abilities most used by the boss is the triple electric charge, a characteristic red aura will then be emitted and a lightning zone will appear under your feet 3 times in a row . Depending on your build, you can choose whether or not to attack between each lightning zone. Once the third is over, you will have a great opportunity to attack.
- The most used attack by the boss, as well as one of the most painful and its great electric claw. It's easy to see coming, but not so easy to dodge, especially with the electric wave that follows. You can choose to roll underneath, or on the contrary to roll on the other side of his torso.
- Positioning yourself at Placidusax's chest and stomach has many merits, especially if you manage to dodge its electric claws without too much difficulty. There is a safe zone that allows you to attack it even during its fire breath, without having to move. And if you manage to destabilize him, his head is close to inflict a critical hit.
- You have to be especially wary of his mega red lightning during this phase, he will grab the lightning, plant it in the ground, then charge it to make it explode. A huge red aura will be displayed on the ground. The best solution is to sprint to get out of it, however, do not drag, the affected area is really huge.
Stage 2
- When the boss's life is low enough, things will get seriously tough. It normally begins this phase by flying away. It will turn into a black cloud before rushing at you and slashing at you. This attack is harder to dodge than it looks, timing and positioning are hard to grasp. Try moving in his direction and rolling under his arm. Of course, you have to spot the direction of the attack beforehand, which sometimes takes a bit of time and can even be quite confusing when using it directly after a teleport.
- Yes, there are teleports, this big dragon will use and abuse them. His favorite combo is to simply appear in front of you with a massive electric claw swipe . You have to be on the cleat to roll under and attack. This phase does not give many opportunities for attacks. It often happens that it disappears again instantly, only to attack better with one more electric claw . He can do it 2 to 3 times depending on his mood. As mentioned above, he can also follow up with a flight instead of a claw, which can result in a big deadly combo out of nowhere if you haven't been able to follow his movements.
- The real danger of this phase is its laser blast combo. He will teleport away and start blowing yellow beams all over the place. Trying to approach him is a dangerous exercise, it is better to run laterally and prepare to dodge when his breaths are going to come in your direction, at the end. They really hurt.
- All you have to do is learn how to manage it all. Once the electric claw strikes are more or less mastered, you should overcome them without too many problems.
This guide has been translated from MGG France by bxakid and was originally written by Raiden Robin.
Here's a written and video guide on how to defeat the Fallingstar Beast in Elden Ring as one of the most iconic fight of the entire game.
