Mastering Fortissax: Sneaky Strategies To Cheese Your Way To Victory

how to cheese fortissax

Cheesing Fortissax in *Elden Ring* involves exploiting specific mechanics or strategies to defeat this formidable boss with minimal effort or risk. Players often seek out these methods to bypass the challenge, focusing on tactics like summoning powerful NPC allies, using ranged attacks to avoid direct confrontation, or leveraging environmental advantages. Common approaches include positioning Fortissax near cliffs for fall damage, using bleed or poison buildup to whittle down its health, or employing high-damage spells from a safe distance. While cheesing can make the fight more manageable, it requires careful execution and knowledge of the boss’s patterns to ensure success. This method is particularly appealing to players who prioritize efficiency or struggle with the boss’s aggressive and unpredictable moveset.

Characteristics Values
Boss Name Fortissax, the Fell God
Location Crumbling Farum Azula
Cheese Strategy Summon + RoB + Rivers of Blood
Summons Use spirits like Black Knife Tiche or Latenna the Albinauric
Weapon Rivers of Blood (RoB) for bleed buildup
Tactics Stay behind Fortissax, avoid frontal attacks, focus on bleed procs
Weakness Bleed, Frostbite (less effective)
Resistances High resistance to fire, lightning, and physical damage
Phase 1 Focus on bleed buildup, avoid tail swipe and breath attacks
Phase 2 Dodge or block the ground slam, continue bleed strategy
Health ~20,000 HP (varies by NG cycle)
Drops Dragon Heart, Dragon Greatsword, ~200,000 Runes
Difficulty High (requires precise timing and summon management)
Recommended Level 120+
Patch Latest patch (1.08 as of October 2023)

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Exploit Arena Traps: Lure Fortissax near traps, trigger them for massive damage without direct combat

Fortissax, the formidable dragon of Elden Ring, strikes fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned players. Its devastating breath attacks and relentless aggression make direct combat a perilous gamble. However, the arena itself holds a secret weapon: strategically placed traps that can turn the tide of battle in your favor. By exploiting these environmental hazards, you can inflict massive damage to Fortissax without ever needing to trade blows directly.

Here's how to master this cheese strategy:

Step 1: Locate the Traps

The arena housing Fortissax is riddled with deadly traps, primarily large, spiked pendulums that swing with bone-crushing force. Memorize their locations before engaging the boss. Pay close attention to the timing of their swings, as precision is key to this strategy.

Some traps are more effective than others. Prioritize those with wider arcs and faster swing speeds, as they offer a higher chance of hitting Fortissax multiple times.

Step 2: Lure and Bait

The key to success lies in manipulating Fortissax's aggression. Provoke the dragon into chasing you, leading it towards the traps. Use hit-and-run tactics, striking from a distance with ranged attacks or spells, then immediately retreating towards the trap's path. Fortissax's predictable pursuit pattern makes it susceptible to this baiting technique.

Patience is crucial. Don't rush the process; allow Fortissax to fully commit to its attack before triggering the trap.

Step 3: Timing is Everything

As Fortissax enters the trap's swing radius, time your activation perfectly. A well-placed roll or dodge can create the necessary window to trigger the trap at the optimal moment. Remember, the goal is to maximize the number of hits Fortissax takes from the swinging pendulum.

Caution: Don't Get Greedy

While tempting to repeatedly lure Fortissax into the same trap, over-reliance on this tactic can be risky. The dragon may adapt its behavior, becoming more cautious or aggressive. Mix up your strategy by alternating between trap exploitation and direct attacks to keep Fortissax guessing.

Additionally, be mindful of your own positioning. Don't get caught in the trap's path yourself!

Exploiting arena traps against Fortissax requires patience, timing, and a keen understanding of the boss's behavior. By mastering this cheese strategy, you can significantly reduce the difficulty of this challenging encounter, turning the arena's hazards into your greatest allies. Remember, in the world of Elden Ring, every advantage, no matter how unconventional, can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

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Poison Build-Up: Use poison weapons or items to stack damage over time, bypassing high health

Fortissax's towering health pool can make conventional damage strategies feel like chipping away at a mountain with a toothpick. Here's where poison steps in, a corrosive whisper that bypasses brute force for insidious efficiency.

The Mechanics of Decay: Poison damage in Elden Ring operates on a stacking system. Each successful hit with a poisoned weapon or item applies a stack, dealing a small amount of damage over time. Crucially, these stacks *add up*. Unlike direct hits, poison ignores Fortissax's massive health bar, chipping away at his vitality regardless of his current HP. This makes it ideal for whittling down his health during phases where direct attacks are risky or ineffective.

Weaponry of Woe: Opt for weapons with innate poison damage or those that can be infused with poison gems. Daggers like the Poisoned Dagger or the Serpentbone Blade excel at applying multiple stacks quickly due to their rapid attack speed. For heavier hitters, consider the Poison Moth Knife or the Poison Mist spell, which blankets an area in toxic fumes, dealing damage over time.

Strategic Application: Poison shines during Fortissax's aerial phases. While dodging his devastating dives and flame breath, pepper him with poisoned throws or maintain distance with the Poison Mist. During his grounded phases, focus on hit-and-run tactics, applying poison stacks while avoiding prolonged engagement. Remember, poison damage persists even when you're not actively attacking, allowing you to chip away at his health while repositioning or healing.

Maximizing Efficacy: Boost your poison build-up speed by equipping the Poisonfang Mask and the Poison-Infused Flask. These items increase the rate at which poison stacks accumulate, accelerating the decay process. Additionally, consider using the Poisoned Throw Flask to apply poison from a distance, keeping you out of harm's way while the poison does its work.

While not the fastest method, the poison build-up strategy offers a methodical and satisfying approach to defeating Fortissax. It rewards patience, precision, and a willingness to exploit the game's mechanics. By embracing the slow burn of poison, you can turn Fortissax's immense health into a liability, watching him crumble under the weight of his own toxicity.

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Summon Overload: Bring multiple summons to distract and overwhelm Fortissax while you attack freely

Fortissax, the formidable boss in Elden Ring, demands a strategic approach to overcome its relentless attacks and overwhelming presence. One effective tactic to gain the upper hand is the Summon Overload strategy, which leverages multiple summons to distract and overwhelm the boss, allowing you to attack freely. This method requires careful planning and execution, but when done correctly, it can significantly reduce the difficulty of the encounter.

Steps to Execute Summon Overload:

  • Prepare Your Summons: Equip yourself with a variety of summoning tools, such as Spirit Ashes or multiplayer summons. Aim for a mix of tanky summons to draw aggro and agile ones to harass Fortissax from multiple angles. Examples include the Black Knife Tiche for damage and the Great Wolf Spirit Ash for durability.
  • Timing is Key: Activate your summons just before engaging Fortissax or during its slower attack animations. This ensures they have maximum uptime to distract the boss.
  • Positioning Matters: Place your summons in a way that forces Fortissax to constantly shift its focus. For instance, position one summon in front and another to the side to create chaos.
  • Focus on Damage: While your summons handle aggro, prioritize high-damage attacks or spells. Use this window to target Fortissax’s weak spots, such as its head or tail, depending on your build.

Cautions and Considerations:

Over-reliance on summons can lead to complacency, as Fortissax’s attacks remain deadly. Always stay alert and be ready to dodge or heal if your summons fail to hold aggro. Additionally, ensure your summons are adequately upgraded to survive prolonged combat. Underleveled spirits will quickly be dispatched, rendering the strategy ineffective.

The Summon Overload strategy transforms the Fortissax fight from a grueling test of endurance into a manageable dance of distraction and damage. By carefully selecting and positioning your summons, you create opportunities to strike without constantly fearing retaliation. While it requires preparation and practice, this method is a testament to Elden Ring’s depth, allowing players to outsmart even the most fearsome bosses through creativity and resourcefulness.

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Ranged Cheese Strategy: Stay at max range, snipe with arrows or spells to avoid melee danger

Fortissax, the towering terror of the Elden Ring, is a formidable foe whose melee attacks can decimate even the most seasoned players. The Ranged Cheese Strategy offers a cunning alternative, leveraging distance and precision to neutralize this threat. By maintaining maximum range, players can avoid the devastating close-quarters combat that Fortissax excels in, instead whittling down its health from a safe distance. This approach requires patience, precision, and a well-equipped arsenal of ranged tools, but it can turn an otherwise brutal fight into a manageable, even predictable, encounter.

To execute this strategy effectively, start by positioning yourself at the farthest possible distance from Fortissax while still remaining within its aggro range. This often means staying near the edges of the arena, using the environment to your advantage. Equip your most powerful ranged weapon—whether it’s a bow, crossbow, or even a staff for spellcasting. For arrows, consider using heavy-hitting options like the Bolt of Gransax or Poison Arrows to maximize damage output. If spells are your preference, long-range incantations like Carian Slicer or Glintstone Pebble can be highly effective, though mana management becomes critical. The key is to strike a balance between damage per shot and resource conservation, as this fight can be lengthy.

One of the greatest advantages of this strategy is its ability to minimize risk. Fortissax’s melee attacks, while deadly, have limited reach, and its slower, more telegraphed moves make it easier to avoid from a distance. However, this approach is not without its challenges. Fortissax will occasionally close the gap with swift dashes or area-of-effect attacks, requiring you to dodge or reposition quickly. To counter this, keep a few healing flasks handy and practice timing your rolls to avoid being caught off guard. Additionally, be mindful of your stamina, as constant movement and dodging can deplete it rapidly.

Comparing this strategy to more aggressive, melee-focused approaches highlights its unique strengths. While close-quarters combat can yield faster results, it demands mastery of Fortissax’s attack patterns and leaves little room for error. The Ranged Cheese Strategy, on the other hand, prioritizes safety and consistency, making it ideal for players who value survival over speed. It’s particularly effective for builds that lack high vigor or poise, as it eliminates the need to tank hits or trade damage. However, it’s worth noting that this method may not be as satisfying for players seeking a more traditional, head-on challenge.

In conclusion, the Ranged Cheese Strategy is a tactical, low-risk approach to defeating Fortissax that emphasizes distance, precision, and resource management. By staying at maximum range and sniping with arrows or spells, players can avoid the dangers of melee combat while steadily chipping away at the boss’s health. While it requires patience and careful execution, this method is accessible to a wide range of builds and playstyles, making it a valuable tool in any Elden Ring player’s arsenal. With practice and preparation, even the most daunting foes can be brought to their knees from afar.

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Envoy Horn Abuse: Use Envoy’s Horn to stun Fortissax repeatedly, creating openings for safe damage

The Envoy's Horn is a game-changer in the battle against Fortissax, offering a tactical advantage that can turn the tide in your favor. This item, when used strategically, becomes a powerful tool for crowd control, allowing you to dictate the flow of combat. The key to this strategy lies in understanding the horn's ability to stun enemies, particularly the formidable Fortissax.

Tactical Application:

Imagine a scenario where Fortissax, with its relentless attacks, leaves you little room to breathe. Here's where the Envoy's Horn steps in as your secret weapon. By sounding the horn, you unleash a shockwave that stuns Fortissax for a precious few seconds. This brief window is your opportunity to strike. The strategy involves repeatedly stunning the boss, creating a pattern of controlled chaos. Each stun should be followed by a swift and focused assault, targeting Fortissax's weak points.

Step-by-Step Execution:

  • Timing is Crucial: Wait for Fortissax to initiate an attack, preferably a slower, more powerful move. As it winds up, sound the Envoy's Horn, ensuring the stun effect takes hold.
  • Strike with Precision: During the stun, unleash a combination of your most damaging abilities. Focus on critical hits to maximize damage.
  • Repeat and Adapt: Fortissax will recover, so be ready to repeat the process. Vary your attack patterns to keep the boss off-balance, ensuring it doesn't anticipate your moves.

Cautions and Considerations:

While this tactic is effective, it's not without risks. Overusing the horn may lead to diminishing returns, as Fortissax could become temporarily immune to its effects. Additionally, this strategy requires precise timing and a deep understanding of Fortissax's attack patterns. Practice and patience are key to mastering this technique.

The Envoy Horn Abuse strategy offers a unique approach to defeating Fortissax, emphasizing control and precision. By exploiting the horn's stunning capabilities, players can create a rhythmic dance of attacks and defenses, ultimately leading to a successful outcome. This method showcases the depth of tactical possibilities within the game, encouraging players to think creatively about item usage and enemy engagement.

Frequently asked questions

The easiest method involves using the Mimic Tear Ash Summon and equipping it with a high-damage weapon like the Rivers of Blood katana. Let the Mimic Tank and deal damage while you stay at a safe distance.

Yes, using a ranged weapon like the Crossbow or spells like Carian Slicer can be effective. Stay on the edges of the arena and target Fortissax's head to avoid its sweeping attacks.

Yes, applying poison or scarlet rot can significantly weaken Fortissax. Use weapons or spells that inflict these status effects and keep your distance while the damage accumulates.

Position yourself near the edges of the arena to bait Fortissax into slamming its wings, which can cause it to get stuck or take damage from the environment. Use this opportunity to attack safely.

While not a traditional cheese method, using a high-defense shield like the Greatshield of Fortissax can allow you to block its attacks and counter with spells or light weapons, making the fight easier.

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