Lichdragon Fortissax is one of the most iconic hidden encounters in Elden Ring, offering players a dramatic battle against a corrupted ancient dragon. Locating this formidable boss requires completing specific NPC questlines and traversing deep underground regions. Understanding the exact steps will ensure you do not miss this essential legend fight during your journey through the Lands Between.
Progressing Fia's Questline for Key Items
To reach Lichdragon Fortissax, players must first advance the storyline associated with Fia, the Deathbed Companion. This quest involves obtaining the Cursemark of Death from the Divine Tower of Liurnia after advancing Ranni's questline. Handing this key item over to Fia later in her journey is mandatory to unlock the encounter.
Players should interact with Fia at Roundtable Hold until she provides the weathered dagger, initiating the crucial chain of events. Following the subsequent events involving D, Hunter of the Dead, will allow Fia to move to her final location.
Reaching the Prince of Death's Throne
The physical location of the boss fight is situated deep within the Deeproot Depths at the Prince of Death's Throne. Players can access this underground realm either by resting in a stone coffin after defeating the Valiant Gargoyles or by navigating through the subterranean sewer network beneath Leyndell.
Once inside Deeproot Depths, navigate across the massive tree roots to reach the Across the Roots Site of Grace. Defeating Fia's Champions in the nearby arena will clear the area and allow you to speak with Fia directly.
Entering the Deathbed Dream to Begin the Fight
After defeating her champions, approach Fia and choose to let her hold you when prompted. Exhaust her remaining dialogue options and hand over the Cursemark of Death to progress her path.
You must then reload the area by resting at the nearby Site of Grace and talking to her again until she falls asleep. Interacting with her slumbering body grants the option to enter the Deathbed Dream, immediately triggering the battle against Lichdragon Fortissax.
Key Strategies for Defeating Lichdragon Fortissax
Lichdragon Fortissax wields deadly lightning attacks combined with Death Blight buildup, making preparation critical. Equipping gear or talismans that boost Death Blight resistance helps prevent instant death during combat.
Targeting the dragon's head yields maximum damage, though attacking its hind legs offers a safer position against forward strikes. Ranged spellcasters and players using spirit summons can effectively distract the boss while dealing heavy damage from a distance.
