Mastering The Lichdragon: Cheesing Fortissax With Clever Tactics

how to cheese lichdragon fortissax

Cheesing Lichdragon Fortissax in *Elden Ring* requires exploiting specific mechanics to bypass the boss's formidable abilities. One effective strategy involves using the Rancor Call item to summon the Rancor spirit, which can tank damage and distract Fortissax, allowing you to focus on dealing damage safely. Additionally, positioning yourself near the boss's hind legs minimizes the risk of being hit by its devastating area-of-effect attacks. Equipping the Flask of Crimson Tears and Golden Vow talisman boosts your survivability and damage output, while using a high-damage weapon like the Rivers of Blood katana or a fully upgraded colossal sword can quickly whittle down Fortissax's health. Patience and timing are key, as the boss's slow wind-up animations provide ample opportunities to strike and disengage. With careful execution, this method turns an otherwise grueling fight into a manageable, if not trivial, encounter.

Characteristics Values
Boss Name Lichdragon Fortissax
Game Elden Ring
Location Leyndell, Ashen Capital - Crumbling Farum Azula
Cheese Strategy Summon + RoB/Rivers of Blood + Bloody Slash
Summons Use 2-3 summons (e.g., Latenna the Albinauric, Black Knife Tiche, or others) to distract the boss
Weapon Rivers of Blood (RoB) or any weapon with Bloody Slash
Talisman Varre's Talisman (increases damage of Bloody Slash)
Flasks Fully upgraded Flask of Crimson Tears and Flask of Cerulean Tears
Positioning Stay behind the boss, targeting its hind legs or tail
Phase 1 Focus on dealing damage while summons tank aggro; avoid frontal breath attacks
Phase 2 Continue the same strategy, focusing on Bloody Slash procs; watch for new AoE attacks
Weakness Bleed buildup (exploited by Bloody Slash and RoB)
Resistances High resistance to most damage types except bleed
Drops Dragon Heart, Dragon Greatsword, and other rewards
Notes Requires careful timing and summon management; practice positioning to avoid damage

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Exploit Terrain: Use pillars for cover, forcing Fortissax to waste attacks and exposing vulnerabilities

The arena against Lichdragon Fortissax is a deathtrap of open skies and scorching breath, but it’s also riddled with pillars—your best friends in this fight. These stone structures aren’t just scenery; they’re tactical assets. Position yourself behind a pillar when Fortissax charges a breath attack or sweep. The pillar will absorb the damage, giving you a free pass to dodge or heal. This isn’t just about survival—it’s about forcing Fortissax to waste stamina and animation locks on ineffective attacks, creating openings for you to strike.

To maximize this strategy, study Fortissax’s attack patterns. His sweeping tail swings and ground slams have wide arcs but are predictable. Time your pillar positioning so you’re always just out of reach, baiting him into slamming the pillar instead of you. For breath attacks, hug the pillar tightly; the game’s collision physics often cause the attack to hit the stone rather than you. This method works best with a medium-range weapon like a spear or straight sword, allowing you to dart out for quick strikes during his recovery frames.

One common mistake is staying too close to the pillar during Fortissax’s dive attack. This move has a massive AoE, and the pillar won’t save you if you’re too near. Instead, use the dive as a cue to reposition to the next pillar, keeping you safe while he’s locked into the animation. Pair this with a Flask of Crimson Tears for quick healing, and you’ll outlast his aggression. Just remember: the pillar is a shield, not a crutch. Over-reliance will leave you vulnerable if he adapts his attacks.

Comparing this to other cheese strategies, like summoning NPCs or using poison, the pillar method is more reliable and skill-based. It doesn’t require specific builds or consumables, just spatial awareness and timing. It’s also less risky than kiting him around the arena, which can lead to accidental falls or misjudged distances. By turning the battlefield into a maze of stone, you dictate the flow of combat, not Fortissax.

In practice, start the fight by baiting his first breath attack into a pillar, then punish with a light combo. Repeat this cycle, always moving to a new pillar after each engagement. If you’re using a shield, time your parries during his slower strikes, but don’t get greedy—the pillar is your primary defense. With patience and precision, you’ll whittle down his health while minimizing your own risk. This isn’t just cheese—it’s a masterclass in environmental manipulation.

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Summon Allies: Distract with NPCs or spirits to draw aggro, creating openings for damage

In the battle against Lichdragon Fortissax, every second counts, and summoning allies can be a game-changer. By strategically deploying NPCs or spirits, you can divert the dragon's attention, creating precious windows of opportunity to strike. This tactic leverages the game's AI mechanics, where Fortissax prioritizes targets based on proximity and threat level. For instance, summoning the Black Knife Tiche or the River of Blood Spirit Ash near the dragon's head can draw its aggro, allowing you to flank or attack from a safer distance. The key is timing—summon your allies just as Fortissax begins a long animation, such as its breath attack or ground slam, to maximize the distraction window.

Analyzing the effectiveness of this strategy reveals its dual benefits: damage mitigation and increased DPS potential. NPCs like Tiche or the Mimic Tear not only absorb damage but also deal consistent harm, chipping away at Fortissax's health bar. Spirits, on the other hand, offer a more disposable yet equally effective distraction. For example, the War Hound Ash or the Crystalian Spirits can be summoned in pairs to overwhelm the dragon's targeting system, forcing it to switch aggro frequently. This chaos creates openings for you to unleash high-damage spells or combos, such as the Comet Azur or a fully charged Rivers of Blood weapon art.

To implement this tactic successfully, follow these steps: first, position yourself near Fortissax's flank or rear, ensuring you’re out of its immediate line of sight. Second, wait for the dragon to initiate a slow, telegraphed attack, such as its area-of-effect breath. Third, summon your NPC or spirit directly in front of or beneath the dragon, ensuring it immediately draws aggro. Finally, capitalize on the distraction by focusing on high-damage attacks or repositioning to a safer location. Caution: avoid summoning allies during Fortissax's quick, sweeping attacks, as they may be instantly killed, wasting resources.

Comparing this strategy to others, such as kiting or exploiting terrain, summoning allies stands out for its reliability and scalability. Unlike kiting, which requires precise movement and can be disrupted by lag or camera angles, summoning allies works consistently across playstyles and builds. Additionally, while exploiting terrain (e.g., hiding behind pillars) limits your offensive options, summoning allies actively contributes to DPS while keeping you safe. For players struggling with Fortissax's aggressive AI, this method offers a balance of offense and defense, making it a versatile choice for both melee and ranged builds.

In practice, the choice of summon can significantly impact the strategy's success. For melee builds, the Black Knife Tiche is ideal due to her high damage output and ability to dodge attacks. Magic or ranged builds may prefer the Carian Scepter Spirit Ash, which provides both distraction and additional spellcasting support. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle. Remember, the goal is not just to survive but to turn the tide of battle in your favor. With the right summons and timing, even Lichdragon Fortissax can be brought to its knees.

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Status Effects: Apply rot or scarlet rot to weaken Fortissax over time

Lichdragon Fortissax, a formidable foe in the Elden Ring, demands a strategic approach to defeat, especially for players seeking to "cheese" the encounter. One effective tactic involves exploiting status effects, particularly rot and scarlet rot, to gradually weaken the boss over time. These debilitating conditions can significantly reduce Fortissax’s combat effectiveness, turning a seemingly insurmountable battle into a manageable challenge. By understanding how to apply and maximize these status effects, players can tilt the odds in their favor without relying on brute force or high-level gear.

To begin, equipping weapons or spells that inflict rot or scarlet rot is essential. Weapons like the Rotten Greataxe or spells such as Scarlet Aeonia are prime candidates for this strategy. The key is consistency—repeatedly applying the status effect ensures that Fortissax remains under its influence for extended periods. For example, using a weapon with innate rot scaling or casting scarlet rot spells during openings can accumulate the effect faster. It’s crucial to monitor the boss’s status bar; once the rot gauge fills, Fortissax will begin taking continuous damage, significantly reducing its health over time.

However, applying rot isn’t without its challenges. Fortissax’s aggressive moveset and high damage output mean players must balance offense with defense. Staying within melee range to land rot-inflicting strikes can be risky, so timing is critical. Use the boss’s slower attacks or recovery animations as opportunities to strike. Ranged options, like throwing knives coated in rot or casting spells from a distance, offer safer alternatives but may require more time to build up the effect. Combining both approaches can maximize efficiency while minimizing risk.

A comparative analysis reveals that scarlet rot often deals more damage over time than standard rot, making it the superior choice for this strategy. However, scarlet rot sources are rarer and may require additional preparation, such as acquiring specific incantations or weapons. Players should weigh the availability of resources against the potential payoff. For instance, investing in the Dragon Communion Seal to unlock scarlet rot incantations could be a game-changer for this fight, provided the player has sufficient Faith to cast them effectively.

In conclusion, leveraging rot or scarlet rot against Lichdragon Fortissax is a viable and rewarding strategy for players looking to cheese the encounter. By equipping the right tools, understanding the mechanics of status effects, and timing attacks strategically, even under-leveled or less-experienced players can emerge victorious. This approach not only reduces the boss’s overall health but also diminishes its ability to deal damage, creating a safer and more controlled battle environment. With patience and precision, rot can be the key to unlocking success against this fearsome dragon.

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Magic Spams: Use high-damage spells like Comet Azure during predictable attack patterns

Lichdragon Fortissax's relentless aggression can overwhelm even seasoned players, but his attack patterns, while varied, are far from random. Savvy mages exploit this predictability by unleashing high-damage spells like Comet Azure during his lengthy wind-ups and recovery animations. This "magic spam" strategy hinges on precise timing and a deep understanding of Fortissax's moveset.

Comet Azure, with its massive damage output and wide area of effect, is particularly effective. Its casting time, though lengthy, can be initiated during Fortissax's slower attacks, such as his ground slam or breath attack. The key is to anticipate these attacks, position yourself safely, and begin casting before he commits fully. By the time the spell unleashes, Fortissax will be either mid-animation or recovering, leaving him vulnerable to the full brunt of the damage.

This strategy requires practice and patience. Fortissax's attacks are punishing, and mistiming your spell can leave you exposed. It's crucial to learn his tells, the subtle cues that signal an incoming attack. For example, his ground slam is preceded by a distinct roar and a slight rearward lean. Recognizing these cues allows you to initiate your spell cast with confidence, maximizing damage while minimizing risk.

Additionally, consider using Ash Summons to distract Fortissax during your casting animation. This provides valuable seconds to complete the spell without interruption. Remember, this is a cheese strategy, prioritizing damage over elegance. Don't be afraid to exploit every advantage, including summoning allies and using flasks liberally.

While magic spam with Comet Azure is a powerful tactic, it's not without its limitations. Fortissax's arena is fraught with hazards, and his attacks can still catch you off guard. Over-reliance on this strategy can lead to complacency, leaving you vulnerable to unexpected moves. Ultimately, success against Fortissax demands a blend of strategic spellcasting, situational awareness, and adaptability. Master the rhythm of his attacks, time your spells with precision, and don't be afraid to adjust your approach as needed.

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Poise Break: Stun-lock with heavy weapons or spells to prevent counterattacks

Lichdragon Fortissax, a formidable foe in the Elden Ring, demands a strategic approach to overcome its relentless attacks. One effective tactic to gain the upper hand is the Poise Break strategy, which involves stun-locking the boss using heavy weapons or spells. This method disrupts Fortissax's ability to counterattack, providing crucial windows of opportunity for damage. By understanding the mechanics of poise and stun, players can exploit this vulnerability to turn the tide of battle.

To execute the Poise Break strategy, begin by equipping a heavy weapon with high poise damage, such as the Greatsword or the Giant-Crusher. Alternatively, spells like the Rock Sling or Gravel Stone can achieve similar results. The goal is to land consecutive hits that deplete Fortissax's poise meter, causing it to become staggered or stunned. Time your attacks carefully, aiming for moments when the boss is recovering from a previous strike or is in the middle of a slow wind-up animation. A well-placed heavy attack or spell can interrupt these actions, preventing Fortissax from retaliating.

While the Poise Break method is effective, it requires precision and patience. Overcommitting to attacks can leave you vulnerable to counterattacks, so maintain a balanced approach. Use lighter attacks or dodges to create openings for your heavy strikes or spells. Additionally, monitor your stamina to avoid exhaustion, as running out of stamina mid-combo can be fatal. Practice the timing of Fortissax's moves to anticipate when it’s most susceptible to poise damage, such as during its sweeping tail attacks or after it lands from a flight.

A key advantage of this strategy is its adaptability. Whether you prefer melee combat or ranged spellcasting, the Poise Break tactic can be tailored to your playstyle. For melee builds, focus on positioning and timing to maximize the impact of your heavy attacks. Spellcasters should prioritize spells with high poise damage and quick casting times to maintain pressure. Experiment with different weapons or spells to find the combination that works best for your character and the boss's behavior.

In conclusion, the Poise Break strategy offers a reliable way to cheese Lichdragon Fortissax by neutralizing its counterattacks through stun-locking. By mastering the mechanics of poise and choosing the right tools, players can exploit this weakness to gain a significant advantage. While it requires practice and awareness, the payoff is a more manageable fight and a higher chance of victory. Approach the battle with patience, precision, and adaptability, and Fortissax’s poise will crumble under your relentless assault.

Frequently asked questions

The easiest method involves using the Rooftop Sniping strategy. Position yourself on the rooftops near the boss arena, use a long-range weapon like a bow or spells, and attack Fortissax from a distance to avoid direct combat.

Yes, summoning NPCs or spirits can distract Fortissax while you deal damage from a safe distance. Use the Rooftop Sniping strategy while your summons tank the boss’s aggro.

Long-range weapons like bows, crossbows, or spells such as Carian Slicer or Comet Azure work well. Focus on high damage output from a distance to minimize risk.

Position yourself on the rooftops directly opposite the boss arena entrance. This spot provides a clear line of sight and keeps you out of Fortissax’s immediate attack range.

While it’s possible to minimize damage, Fortissax’s area-of-effect attacks may still hit you. Use the rooftops to reduce risk, but be prepared to dodge or heal if necessary.

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