When Should I Fight Fortissax in Elden Ring?
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The optimal time to fight Lichdragon Fortissax in Elden Ring is typically around level 80-100 with a weapon upgraded to +18 or higher. This recommendation assumes a relatively competent player using a well-optimized build. However, numerous factors influence this decision, including your build, skill level, and willingness to employ specific strategies.
Understanding the Fortissax Fight
Before diving deeper into when to fight Fortissax, it’s essential to understand what you’re getting into. Fortissax is a unique and powerful dragon boss located in the Deeproot Depths. He primarily deals lightning damage, making resistance to lightning crucial for survival. He also inflicts Deathblight which causes instant death if the meter fills, so strategies to avoid this are paramount.
Fortissax’s moveset includes lightning strikes, claw attacks, and a devastating lightning breath attack. The arena itself is relatively large, providing ample space to maneuver, but can also make closing the distance difficult for melee builds. He’s a significant challenge, but the reward – access to the Age of Order ending – is often worth the effort.
Factors Influencing the Fight’s Difficulty
Several factors significantly impact the difficulty of the Fortissax fight:
Build Optimization
Your character build is paramount. A build focused on Strength and Dexterity will allow you to wield powerful weapons and deal substantial damage. A Faith-based build offers access to Incantations that can both deal damage and provide healing and buffs. An Intelligence-based build is able to use powerful sorceries to damage the boss from a distance. Make sure your stats are invested in your primary damage stats to optimize damage.
Weapon Selection and Upgrade Level
The weapon you choose and its upgrade level are crucial. Weapons with high damage output and good scaling with your stats are ideal. Consider weapons with innate Bleed buildup to inflict extra damage over time. As mentioned earlier, aim for a weapon upgraded to at least +18, but a fully upgraded weapon (+25 for standard weapons, +10 for Somber weapons) will significantly ease the fight.
Vigor and Endurance
Don’t neglect your Vigor and Endurance stats. Sufficient Vigor (HP) is essential to withstand Fortissax’s powerful attacks. Endurance (Stamina) is crucial for dodging, blocking, and attacking. A minimum of 40 Vigor is highly recommended, and aiming for 50-60 is a good idea for a smoother experience.
Armor and Talismans
Armor with high Lightning Resistance is essential. Talismans like the Lightning Scorpion Charm (boosts lightning damage dealt) and the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman (significantly increases physical damage negation) can be very helpful. The Immunizing Horn Charm will help resist Deathblight.
Spirit Ashes
Spirit Ashes can significantly ease the fight by drawing Fortissax’s attention and providing opportunities to attack. Powerful summons like the Black Knife Tiche or Mimic Tear can be incredibly effective.
Detailed Level Recommendations
While level 80-100 with a +18 weapon is a good starting point, let’s break down level recommendations based on playstyle:
- Level 80-90: This is a challenging but doable range for experienced players with optimized builds and good knowledge of Fortissax’s moveset. Expect to die multiple times and rely heavily on dodging and timing.
- Level 90-100: A more comfortable range for most players. You’ll have more HP and damage output, making the fight more forgiving.
- Level 100+: This range makes the fight significantly easier. You’ll be able to withstand more attacks and deal more damage, making the encounter less stressful.
Recognizing When You’re Ready
Ultimately, the best way to determine if you’re ready to fight Fortissax is to assess your own abilities and gear. Ask yourself these questions:
- Am I comfortable dodging most of Fortissax’s attacks?
- Do I have a weapon that deals significant damage?
- Can I survive multiple hits from Fortissax?
- Do I have a good understanding of the Deathblight mechanic and how to avoid it?
If you can answer yes to most of these questions, you’re likely ready to take on the challenge.
Preparing for the Fight
Before heading into the fight, ensure you have the following:
- Lightning Resistance: Equip armor and talismans to maximize your Lightning Resistance.
- Deathblight Resistance: Use items or spells that increase resistance to Deathblight.
- Healing: Stock up on healing flasks and any other healing items.
- Buffs: Consider using buffs like Golden Vow or Flame, Grant Me Strength to increase your damage and defense.
Tips and Strategies
- Stay mobile: Constantly dodge and reposition to avoid Fortissax’s attacks.
- Target his head: Attacking his head deals more damage.
- Use Spirit Ashes: Summon a powerful Spirit Ash to distract Fortissax and create opportunities to attack.
- Learn his attack patterns: Pay attention to his telegraphs and learn how to dodge each attack.
- Be patient: Don’t get greedy with your attacks. Focus on dodging and only attack when you have a safe opening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What level is recommended for Fortissax?
The generally recommended level for fighting Lichdragon Fortissax is between 80 and 100. However, this is a guideline, and your personal skill and build play significant roles.
2. What weapon upgrade level do I need for Fortissax?
Aim for a weapon upgrade level of at least +18 or higher, although a fully upgraded weapon (+25 for standard or +10 for Somber) will make the fight considerably easier.
3. How do I resist Fortissax’s lightning damage?
Equip armor with high Lightning Resistance. Use talismans like the Lightningproof Talisman or the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman for added protection. Consider using spells or consumables that temporarily boost your lightning resistance.
4. How do I avoid Deathblight from Fortissax?
Deathblight builds up quickly. Make sure you keep moving to avoid getting struck by the cloud attack. Use the Immunizing Horn Charm.
5. What are some good Spirit Ashes to use against Fortissax?
Black Knife Tiche and the Mimic Tear are both excellent choices due to their high damage output and ability to draw aggro. The Lhutel the Headless is a great tank summon that can draw Fortissax’s attention.
6. What are Fortissax’s weaknesses?
Fortissax is resistant to most damage types, but he is particularly vulnerable to damage from physical attacks and Bleed buildup.
7. What rewards do I get for defeating Fortissax?
Defeating Fortissax grants you a Remembrance of the Lichdragon which can be exchanged for powerful items, and also progresses Fia’s questline and the Age of Order ending.
8. Can I summon other players to help me fight Fortissax?
Yes, you can summon other players to assist you in the fight. Using a Furlcalling Finger Remedy will allow you to see summon signs placed by other players.
9. What stats should I focus on for fighting Fortissax?
Prioritize Vigor (for HP), Endurance (for Stamina), and the primary stats for your chosen build (Strength, Dexterity, Faith, or Intelligence).
10. Where is Fortissax located?
Fortissax is located in the Deeproot Depths, accessed by following Ranni’s questline and using the coffin in the Lake of Rot or by progressing through Fia’s questline.
11. Is Fortissax an optional boss?
Yes, Fortissax is an optional boss. However, defeating him is required to progress Fia’s questline and unlock the Age of Order ending.
12. What’s the best strategy for melee builds against Fortissax?
Stay close to his legs and dodge his attacks. Aim for his head whenever possible to maximize damage. Consider using weapons with Bleed buildup to inflict extra damage over time.
13. What’s the best strategy for ranged builds against Fortissax?
Maintain a safe distance and use ranged attacks to damage him. Be mindful of his lightning attacks and dodge accordingly. Use Spirit Ashes to draw his attention and create openings for attacks.
14. What incantations or sorceries are effective against Fortissax?
Incantations that deal lightning damage can be effective if you have enough faith, despite Fortissax’s resistance to lightning damage. Sorceries like Comet Azur and Ranni’s Dark Moon can also deal significant damage if used strategically.
15. What happens if I die during the Fortissax fight?
You will respawn at the nearest Site of Grace. You can then return to the arena to try the fight again.