Encountering the rare ancient dragons in Elden Ring introduces a fresh combat experience compared to the more common variants in The Lands Between. Among these formidable creatures, Lichdragon Fortissax stands out as a prime illustration of how Elden Ring enhances repeated boss encounters with each iteration.
The showdown with Lichdragon Fortissax distinguishes itself through various elements not seen in other Elden Ring battles, such as the peril of death blight and the unconventional path to the boss arena. The significant challenge posed by Fortissax makes it one of the most demanding dragon bosses in the game, serving as a substantial hurdle on the path to a specific ending.
An Enigmatic Dragon, Touched by Death's Influence
Locating Lichdragon Fortissax
Many players may reach the conclusion of Elden Ring without ever encountering Lichdragon Fortissax or realizing its role in safeguarding one of the endings. The creature resides at the conclusion of the Deeproot Depths, a clandestine locale deep within the underground expanse of The Lands Between. Accessing this area involves defeating the Valiant Gargoyles or uncovering an illusory wall near the Three Fingers.
To face Lichdragon Fortissax, players must not only discover the arena but also progress through Ranni's questline to access the pinnacle of the Divine Tower of Liurnia. At this spot, atop Ranni's true deceased form, players uncover the Cursemark of Death, which must then be presented to Fia after overcoming her Champions in Deeproot Depths. After fulfilling these prerequisites, players earn the right to confront a colossal dragon infused with death blight and ancient red lightning.
Fortissax in Elden Ring: A Primordial Thunderclap with a Lethal Edge
Upon initiating the battle, Lichdragon Fortissax justifies the arduous journey to locate it with an exceedingly challenging combat experience. While conventional difficulty enhancements like heightened health and damage output elevate the Fortissax encounter above other ancient dragons, the true game-changer lies elsewhere. The introduction of Elden Ring's lethal death blight status sets this battle apart, accompanying most of the boss's actions and persisting within the battleground to compel players to maintain constant mobility to avoid instantaneous demise.
Complementing the death blight is a persistent lightning field enveloping the player, posing a substantial threat with periodic high-damage strikes. The seamless integration of these elements underscores how Lichdragon Fortissax dictates the battle's tempo. Amidst lingering death clouds and tracking lightning bolts, players must remain in constant motion throughout the engagement, unable to pause or regroup as safety is a scarce commodity within the arena.
The Timeless Enigma of Ancient Dragons
Ancient dragons, typified by their association with red lightning and four wings detached from their forelimbs, stand out among the dragon populace in Elden Ring. Lichdragon Fortissax represents one of merely two named bosses featuring this distinctive design, although lesser iterations can be encountered in Crumbling Farum Azula. Even when compared to the formidable Lansseax in Altus Plateau, Fortissax's battle offers a significantly distinct experience. This exemplifies how refining repeated enemy types can create a clear demarcation between ostensibly similar encounters.