Elden Ring’s vast, dark landscape is home to some of the most epic boss battles in gaming history.
But while everyone raves about the big-ticket brawls, there are plenty of underappreciated showdowns that will leave you breathless – like Lichdragon Fortissax, a formidable foe with a deceptively straightforward moveset that belies its crushing power.
As we shine a light on this overlooked behemoth and four more unsung heroes of Elden Ring’s boss fight pantheon, you’ll be wondering: what other secrets lie hidden in the shadows?
Lichdragon Fortissax
As you face off against Lichdragon Fortissax, you’ll quickly realize that its deceptively simple moveset belies a complex web of telegraphed attacks and delayed strikes that require precise timing and spatial awareness to dodge effectively.
You’ll need to pay close attention to its posture, as subtle changes in its stance can tip off an impending strike.
Its vertical swipes and thrusts may seem straightforward, but these attacks often have persistent hitboxes that can catch you if you dodge too early.
To compete, you’ll need to master the art of delayed dodges and precision jumps.
Fortissax’s encounters serve as a true test of your reflexes and mastery of Elden Ring’s dodge mechanics.
This boss fight rewards patient players who’ve honed their timing and movement skills.
Full-Grown Fallingstar Beast
Beneath the beast’s cosmic façade lies a nuanced pattern of sweeping claws, leaping charges, and cascading starlight-infused attacks that require you to harmonize your dodges and weaves with its eccentric rhythms. To master this fight, you’ll need to internalize the Fallingstar Beast’s distinct attack sequences.
| Attack Type | Damage Profile | Counter Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeping Claw | Medium-range slash, 35 damage | Dodge to the outside, riposte during recovery |
| Leaping Charge | High-damage tackle, 50 damage | Jump-dodge or sidestep, punish with downswing |
| Starlight Cascade | Medium-range projectile, 20 damage | Weave between shots, counter with charged attack |
| Cosmic Scream | AoE blast, 40 damage | Run to the edge, use cover or long-range attack |
Abductor Virgins
The Abductor Virgins’ eerie ballet of grabs, slams, and slashing attacks requires you to steer through a complex web of telegraphed cues and baited aggression. As you dodge and weave between their coordinated attacks, you’re forced to analyze the tells that precede each slam or grab, exploiting the narrow windows of opportunity to strike back.
Here are 4 key insights to keep in mind when battling the Abductor Virgins:
- Master the art of dodge timing: The Virgins’ attacks are all about timing, and you’ll need to be spot-on with your dodges to avoid their devastating slams.
- Identify the tells: Learn to recognize the cues that precede each type of attack, and use that knowledge to inform your defensive strategy.
- Exploit the openings: After a successful dodge, look for openings to strike back and take advantage of the Virgins’ brief moments of vulnerability.
- Stay mobile: Keep moving to avoid getting caught in a corner or trapped by the Virgins’ aggressive advances.
Valiant Gargoyles
Facing off against the Valiant Gargoyles demands that you guide through a dizzying dance of dual threats, as each gargoyle’s distinct attack patterns and overlapping aggro zones require you to constantly reassess and adjust your defensive strategy mid-fight.
You’ll need to keep a close eye on their stagger timers, as leaving one gargoyle open to counterattacks can swiftly turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Their asynchronous attacks also create brief windows for high-damage ripostes, but be prepared to dodge or block the second gargoyle’s follow-up strike.
As you steer through this intricate ballet of stone and steel, you’ll uncover that the Valiant Gargoyles’ underappreciated fight rewards precise timing and spatial awareness.
Crucible Knight Ordovis
Maneuvering Crucible Knight Ordovis’s deceptively straightforward attack patterns requires you to parse the subtle tells and animation cues that betray his crushing blow combos. You’ll need to time your dodges and parries perfectly to avoid his devastating attacks.
Here are key strategies to keep in mind:
- Mind the stance: Note the direction of his sword and shield to anticipate his next attack.
- Watch for the wind-up: Ordovis’s strongest attacks have distinct tells, such as a brief pause or a change in his posture.
- Bait out the combo: Purposely trigger his combo attacks to create openings for counterattacks.
- Stay mobile: Keep moving to avoid his area-of-effect attacks and exploit his slow turning speed.
