Unveiling the Lichdragon Fortissax: A Deep Dive into Elden Ring’s Hidden Boss

So, you’re hunting for the Lichdragon Fortissax in Elden Ring? Excellent choice, Tarnished! This optional boss fight is a rewarding challenge, both in terms of loot and bragging rights. But unlike many open-world encounters, Fortissax isn’t just wandering around in plain sight. Reaching this magnificent, lightning-wielding dragon requires some dedication and quest completion.

Lichdragon Fortissax can be found in the Deathbed Dream, accessed within the Deeproot Depths area. However, you can’t simply stroll into Deeproot Depths and expect to stumble upon him. You must follow a specific questline involving Fia, the Deathbed Companion, and have progressed far enough in Ranni’s questline to obtain a crucial item. Let’s break down the steps:

1. Begin Fia’s Questline: Fia is found in the Roundtable Hold. Accept her offer to be held, and she will grant you the Baldachin’s Blessing. Using this item incurs a temporary health debuff, so use it wisely. Continue interacting with Fia in the Roundtable Hold after significant boss battles.

2. Progress Ranni’s Questline: This is where things get interesting. You’ll need to follow Ranni the Witch’s questline, which starts at Ranni’s Rise in the Three Sisters area, located behind Caria Manor in Liurnia of the Lakes. This quest involves obtaining the Carian Inverted Statue from Ranni and placing it on the desk at the Carian Study Hall. This will flip the study hall and you will be able to proceed through to the divine tower where you will find the Cursemark of Death at the top.

3. Reach Deeproot Depths: There are a few ways to reach Deeproot Depths, but the most common is through a coffin after defeating the Valiant Gargoyle in the Siofra Aqueduct or by using a transporter gate in the Four Belfries. Beating the Valiant Gargoyles is the more direct method, leading to a coffin that will transport you directly to Deeproot Depths.

4. Give the Cursemark of Death to Fia: Once you’ve obtained the Cursemark of Death from the Divine Tower of Liurnia and are in Deeproot Depths, locate Fia after her fight with her champions. You can then give her the Cursemark of Death. She will then enter a deep slumber.

5. Enter the Deathbed Dream: After giving Fia the Cursemark of Death, interact with her sleeping form to enter the Deathbed Dream. This is where you’ll find the Lichdragon Fortissax.

Preparing for the Fight

Fortissax is a formidable opponent, primarily dealing lightning damage. Therefore, gear that resists lightning is highly recommended. Consider equipping armor with high lightning resistance and talismans like the Boltdrake Talisman.

Fortissax is also weak to Physical Thrust Attacks. Weapons like thrusting swords and heavy thrusting swords are effective against him.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate your path to and battle with the Lichdragon Fortissax:

Can you miss Lichdragon Fortissax?

Yes, you can miss Lichdragon Fortissax. If you kill Fia before completing her questline and entering the Deathbed Dream, you will not be able to fight him in that playthrough. He is an optional boss, but defeating him is required for the Age of the Duskborn ending. Two known missable bosses include: Lichdragon Fortissax and Astel, Naturalborn of the Void.

What happens if I kill Fia?

If you kill Fia prematurely, you will forfeit the chance to battle Lichdragon Fortissax in that playthrough and therefore cannot achieve the Age of the Duskborn ending. It’s best to see her questline through to its conclusion.

What level should I be to fight Lichdragon Fortissax?

A character level of around 80-100 is generally recommended for tackling Lichdragon Fortissax. Of course, skilled players can defeat him at lower levels, but this provides a good baseline for a challenging but manageable fight.

What are Fortissax’s weaknesses?

Lichdragon Fortissax is particularly vulnerable to Physical Thrust Attacks. Use weapons like rapiers, estocs, or heavy thrusting swords to exploit this weakness. He is also susceptible to fire damage, though not as significantly as thrusting attacks.

What rewards do I get for defeating Lichdragon Fortissax?

Defeating Lichdragon Fortissax grants you 90,000 Runes and the Remembrance of the Lichdragon. This Remembrance can be exchanged at the Roundtable Hold for powerful weapons or spells. Following Fortissax’s defeat, Fia gestates the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince.

What is the significance of the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince?

The Mending Rune of the Death-Prince is a key item for achieving the Age of the Duskborn ending. Using this rune after defeating the final boss will usher in an age where death is restored to its proper place in the Lands Between.

What are the best weapons to use against Fortissax?

Weapons that excel at Physical Thrust Attacks are your best bet. Some excellent choices include:

• Bloodhound’s Fang (Curved Greatsword): While not a thrusting weapon it does come equipped with one of the best early-game weapons.
• Cleanrot Knight’s Sword (Straight Sword): Requires some farming but if you have it it is quite strong.
• Godskin Stitcher (Twinblade): With good scaling and innate bleed, it’s a powerful option.
• Great Epee (Heavy Thrusting Sword): A reliable heavy thrusting sword with good range.
• Rogier’s Rapier (Thrusting Sword): A solid thrusting sword with good scaling.

What talismans should I use for the Fortissax fight?

Consider using talismans that boost your lightning resistance and physical attack power. Some helpful choices include:

• Boltdrake Talisman: Increases lightning damage negation.
• Green Turtle Talisman: Raises stamina recovery speed.
• Claw Talisman: Enhances jump attack damage.
• Ritual Sword Talisman: Greatly raises attack power when HP is full.

How do I respec my character in Elden Ring?

You can respec your character’s stats by using a Larval Tear. These items are found throughout the game, often dropped by specific enemies or found in certain locations. Once you have a Larval Tear, speak to Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, in the Raya Lucarian Academy to redistribute your stats.

Is Deeproot Depths worth exploring?

Absolutely! Deeproot Depths is a fascinating area filled with unique enemies, valuable items, and crucial lore. It’s a must-explore location for any completionist Elden Ring player.

What other bosses are in Deeproot Depths?

Besides Lichdragon Fortissax, you’ll encounter other bosses in Deeproot Depths, including Fia’s Champions and optional bosses. Exploring thoroughly will reward you with challenging encounters and valuable loot.

What is the lore behind Lichdragon Fortissax?

Lichdragon Fortissax was once a close companion of Godwyn the Golden. They fought together against the dragons during the ancient dragon wars. Fortissax was corrupted by deathblight after Godwyn’s assassination. The Games Learning Society emphasizes the importance of understanding lore and narrative in video games, and Fortissax’s story is a prime example of the rich world-building in Elden Ring.

What’s the best way to heal during the Fortissax fight?

Fortissax’s attacks can be relentless, so finding safe opportunities to heal is crucial. Create distance between yourself and the dragon, use cover when available, and prioritize dodging over healing in close-quarters combat.

Where can I find more information about Elden Ring?

There are numerous online resources for Elden Ring, including wikis, forums, and video guides. Experiment and explore to discover new approaches to overcoming the challenge. Be careful of spoilers!

Is Elden Ring difficult?

Yes, Elden Ring is known for its challenging gameplay. However, overcoming these challenges is part of what makes the game so rewarding. Embrace the difficulty, learn from your mistakes, and don’t be afraid to seek help when needed.

We hope this guide has aided you in your quest to find and defeat the Lichdragon Fortissax. Remember to be persistent, experiment with different strategies, and enjoy the journey! Remember to check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on the educational aspects of gaming. Good luck, Tarnished!