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Is Dragonlord Placidusax Weak to Black Flame in Elden Ring? The Ultimate Guide

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Yes, while Dragonlord Placidusax isn’t technically weak to Black Flame in the sense of taking dramatically increased damage, it is a highly effective strategy for several reasons. The percentage-based health damage of Black Flame spells (like The Queen’s Black Flame) allows you to chunk down his enormous health pool consistently, regardless of his high defenses. Furthermore, the ability to maintain distance while casting contributes significantly to survivability in this challenging encounter.

Understanding Placidusax’s Resistances

Before diving deeper into Black Flame’s effectiveness, it’s crucial to understand Placidusax’s general resistances. He boasts high resistance to most damage types and status effects. He’s slightly less resistant to piercing damage, but not to an extent that warrants completely changing your build. He’s reportedly weak to fire, but most players haven’t noticed a significant difference when using fire-based weapons or spells, plus they often have long casting times.

Why Black Flame Works

Percentage-Based Damage: Black Flame spells inflict damage based on a percentage of the target’s maximum health. This is invaluable against bosses with massive HP pools like Placidusax, ensuring consistent damage output even through his defenses.
Range and Safety: Black Flame spells, especially The Queen’s Black Flame, have good range, allowing you to stay at a safer distance during the fight. Placidusax has some devastating close-range attacks, making range a precious asset.
Damage Over Time: The lingering effect of Black Flame adds extra damage after the initial hit. While not massive, it contributes over the course of the battle.
Faster Cast Times: Unlike Comet Azur, casting is quicker, making it easier to avoid attacks and allowing you to cast multiple times in a short amount of time.

Optimizing Your Black Flame Build

To maximize the effectiveness of Black Flame against Placidusax, consider the following:

Faith Scaling: Invest heavily in Faith to increase the potency of your incantations.
Incantation Scaling: Use a Sacred Seal with high incantation scaling. The Godslayer’s Seal is a strong choice, as it buffs Godslayer incantations.
Talismans: Equip talismans that boost incantation damage, such as the Faithful’s Canvas Talisman or the Radagon Icon (for faster casting). The Godfrey Icon is a solid choice, as it enhances charged spells like Black Flame.
Mind Investment: Increase your Mind stat to have a larger FP pool, allowing for more spell casts.
Buffs: Use buffs like Golden Vow and Flame, Grant Me Strength to further enhance your damage output.
Strategic Casting: Pay close attention to Placidusax’s attack patterns. Cast Black Flame during openings when he’s recovering from an attack or charging up a long-range ability.

Alternative Magic Options Against Placidusax

While Black Flame is a strong contender, other magic options can also be effective:

Comet Azure: This spell can deal tremendous damage if you can land consistent hits. However, it requires a long, uninterrupted casting time, which can be risky.
Lightning Spear: Because Placidusax has lightning attacks, many would think lightning spells aren’t a good choice. Lightning Spear is a decent option with quick casts, but deals less damage overall.

Melee Strategies Against Placidusax

While magic offers a safer approach, melee builds can still be viable.

Thrusting Weapons: Due to his slight vulnerability to piercing damage, thrusting weapons like rapiers can be effective.
Dragon King’s Cragblade: This heavy thrusting sword is specifically designed for dragon battles and can be a good choice.
Head Targeting: Aim for Placidusax’s head(s) to deal increased damage.
Patience: Melee combat requires patience and precise timing. Wait for openings and avoid getting greedy with your attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fighting Placidusax

What level should I be to fight Placidusax?

Aim to be at least level 100, preferably higher (120+), with a fully upgraded weapon (+23 or higher). A Rune Arc with Godrick’s or Radahn’s Great Rune can provide a helpful stat boost.
Is Dragonlord Placidusax harder than Malenia?

Many players consider Malenia to be the most challenging boss in Elden Ring, mainly due to Waterfowl Dance. However, Placidusax is still a very tough fight due to his varied and powerful attacks, as well as the difficulty in reaching him.
What is the best weapon to use against Placidusax?

For melee, the Dragon King’s Cragblade or dual-wielded rapiers are good options. For magic, the Godslayer’s Seal will work with Black Flame.
What is Placidusax weak against?

He’s slightly less resistant to piercing damage and damage to the head(s). He’s reportedly weak to fire, but most players haven’t noticed a significant difference with fire-based weapons or spells.
What type of damage is Placidusax’s laser?

The initial explosion deals Lightning Damage, and the beam deals Fire Damage.
How do you prevent Placidusax’s laser attack?

Running towards Placidusax and rolling at him as the beams pass can allow you to get inside the attack’s range.
Where is the secret dragon boss Dragonlord Placidusax?

To find him, warp to the Beside the Great Bridge Site of Grace in Farum Azula, go backwards through the temple, exit through the front entrance, and run directly forward to the edge of the floating platform. Then look for a place to drop to a lower level and interact with a spot to lie down to be transported to his arena.
Is Dragonlord Placidusax worth fighting?

Yes! He offers a substantial amount of runes and is a rewarding challenge.
Can you beat Elden Ring with ONLY Godslayer Spells?

Yes, it’s possible, though very challenging. A dedicated Godslayer build can be viable, especially against bosses with high health pools. The Games Learning Society probably has some interesting papers on build viability and player choice within complex game systems.
Who killed Placidusax in the lore?

A Tarnished (the player character) defeats Placidusax in Farum Azula, preventing him from being reunited with his missing god.
What is the best armor to use against Placidusax?

Armor that provides good physical and fire resistance is recommended. Also lightning resistance would prove useful.
Is Placidusax resistant to status effects?

Yes, Placidusax has high resistance to most status effects, including bleed, frostbite, and poison.
What Talismans are best against Placidusax?

Radagon Icon, Godfrey Icon, and Faithful’s Canvas Talisman are useful for a Black Flame build. For melee, consider talismans that boost attack power or survivability.
How much health does Dragonlord Placidusax have?

Dragonlord Placidusax has approximately 28,000 health.
Does Placidusax have any unique weaknesses?

Besides piercing and damage to the head, no, Placidusax doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. The percentage-based damage of Black Flame is invaluable precisely because of his general resistance to other damage types. And don’t forget to check out GamesLearningSociety.org for insights into how game design impacts player strategy!

In conclusion, while Dragonlord Placidusax isn’t overtly “weak” to Black Flame, the strategic advantages offered by percentage-based damage, range, and relatively fast casting times make it a powerful and reliable option for both novice and experienced Elden Ring players.