Can You Reach Crumbling Farum Azula Without Burning the Erdtree?
The question of whether you can reach Crumbling Farum Azula without burning the Erdtree is a common one among Elden Ring players. The short answer is: no, you cannot directly access Crumbling Farum Azula without burning the Erdtree. The game’s narrative and progression are specifically designed around this pivotal event. However, there’s a twist involving the Flame of Frenzy, but even this still involves a significant change in the world. Let’s delve into the details.
The Mandatory Burn: Forge of the Giants
To reach Crumbling Farum Azula, players must progress through the game to a point where they reach the Mountaintops of the Giants. This involves a series of challenging encounters, including The Fire Giant. After defeating this colossal boss, you’ll reach the Forge of the Giants Site of Grace. Here, you are presented with a crucial narrative decision. You are required to speak to Melina and tell her that you are ready to burn the Erdtree. This act initiates a cutscene that transports you directly to the decaying, floating city of Crumbling Farum Azula.
The Flame of Frenzy Alternative
While the burning of the Erdtree is the standard method, there is an alternative, albeit still destructive, path. If you embrace the Flame of Frenzy, you can bypass Melina’s sacrifice and burn the Erdtree using the frenzied flame instead. This path has implications for the game’s ending but still results in the Erdtree being burned and you being transported to Farum Azula. Therefore, even with the Flame of Frenzy, you are not getting around the Erdtree burning, rather choosing a different source of the fire.
The Irreversibility of the Burn
It’s important to emphasize that accessing Crumbling Farum Azula is a point of no return for many aspects of the game’s map. The burning of the Erdtree significantly alters the world, transitioning you to the Ashen Capital. This progression locks players out of certain areas within the Royal Capital and sets the stage for the game’s final acts. Therefore, reaching Farum Azula is not something you can just dabble in; it has major consequences on your game state.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Crumbling Farum Azula
To further assist players in understanding the complexities of reaching and navigating Crumbling Farum Azula, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Which Belfry takes you to Crumbling Farum Azula?
None of the Four Belfries directly transport you to Crumbling Farum Azula. The Belfries take you to different, often challenging, areas within the world, and one of them (the first belfry) takes you within a small isolated area of Crumbling Farum Azula. However, the main route is always after burning the Erdtree at the Forge of the Giants.
2. Do you have to finish Crumbling Farum Azula to leave?
No, you do not have to complete Crumbling Farum Azula to exit. You can leave at any time by using the available graces and fast travel. This allows you to progress through the game or complete other tasks.
3. What is the recommended level for Crumbling Farum Azula?
The Elden Ring community generally recommends being between level 120 and 150 before entering Crumbling Farum Azula. However, skilled players can tackle it at a lower level, though expect a significant challenge.
4. What level should I be for the Godskin Duo?
The Godskin Duo, found within Crumbling Farum Azula, is a tough encounter. It’s best to be at least level 100 with weapons of +18 or higher.
5. Is there a way to glitch to Crumbling Farum Azula early?
Some players have discovered glitches to get into specific areas of Farum Azula, but these methods are very specific and usually unreliable after patches. Moreover, they don’t circumvent the mandatory story progression requirements for the main part of the area.
6. Is Crumbling Farum Azula an optional area?
Crumbling Farum Azula is not optional. You must complete it to progress through the main storyline. The bosses here are mandatory for reaching the final areas of the game.
7. What must I do to get to Crumbling Farum Azula?
You must defeat the Fire Giant in the Mountaintops of the Giants, go to the Forge of the Giants, rest at the site of grace, and then choose to burn the Erdtree either through Melina or the Flame of Frenzy.
8. What does the name Farum Azula mean?
“Farum” comes from the Greek word “Pharos,” meaning lighthouse, and “Azula” means blue in Portuguese. Thus, Farum Azula translates to “blue lighthouse.”
9. Where is the Fire Giant?
The Fire Giant is located in the Mountaintops of the Giants region. You reach the Mountaintops after progressing through Leyndell, Royal Capital.
10. What level should I be for the Fire Giant?
It’s recommended that you are at least level 110 with weapons at least +18 or higher before fighting the Fire Giant.
11. What do you get for defeating the dragons in Farum Azula?
The large dragon in the main area will drop 32,400 Runes and an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. Other dragons drop runes and lesser items.
12. What is the final boss of Crumbling Farum Azula?
The final mandatory boss of Crumbling Farum Azula is Maliketh, the Black Blade.
13. What is Placidusax weak to?
Placidusax is weak to Piercing damage and takes double damage from hits to his head.
14. Is Maliketh an optional boss?
Maliketh, the Black Blade is not an optional boss. You must defeat him to advance the story and progress toward the final areas of the game.
15. What is the best weapon against Placidusax?
Many players find the Dragon King’s Cragblade, a heavy thrusting sword, to be effective against Placidusax.
Conclusion
In summary, reaching Crumbling Farum Azula is an essential part of Elden Ring’s narrative. You cannot bypass the necessity of burning the Erdtree, whether through Melina or the Flame of Frenzy. While the area presents unique challenges and powerful bosses, understanding the path to it and the optimal levels for tackling its challenges can greatly enhance your gameplay experience. It’s a crucial step in your journey toward becoming Elden Lord. Prepare yourself well, and good luck, Tarnished!