Crumbling Farum Azula is one of the most memorable areas in Elden Ring. Floating above storms and locked in a state of collapse, it is both the throne of the ancient Dragonlord and the stage for some of the toughest battles in the game. For players, it is a place of great challenge, rare rewards, and deep lore.
Lore: Time and Ruin
Farum Azula does not obey normal time. The city crumbles yet never fully falls, trapped in a moment of ruin. Its guardians remain frozen in eternal service, whether beastmen, knights, or dragons. Maliketh, the Black Blade, stands watch over Destined Death, while the remnants of Dragonlord Placidusax linger in a storm beyond reach of the Erdtree.
The city symbolises decay that cannot be undone. Even empires of dragons are not immune to ruin.
Bosses of Farum Azula
| Boss | Location | Key Features | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maliketh, the Black Blade | Central Temple | Fast, aggressive, uses Destined Death attacks | Remembrance of the Black Blade, Runes |
| Dragonlord Placidusax | Hidden arena accessed via storm clouds | Two-headed ancient dragon, cinematic lightning and time attacks | Remembrance of the Dragonlord, unique spells |
| Godskin Duo | Mid-area temple | Shared health bar, dangerous combination of Black Flame and melee attacks | Smithing resources, Runes |
Enemies in Farum Azula
| Enemy Type | Description | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beastmen of Farum Azula | Ancient servants of the Dragonlords, savage in combat | High aggression, quick combos | Stagger easily with strong weapons |
| Banished Knights | Corrupted knights wielding lightning | Tanky with heavy strikes and AoE lightning | Fire and bleed damage |
| Ancient Dragons | Colossal creatures tied to Farum Azula’s storms | Devastating breath and aerial attacks | Patience, ranged combat, dragon-slaying weapons |
| Skeletons & Lesser Beasts | Found in side corridors and ruined stairways | Swarm tactics, distracting players | Low health, weak to AoE |
Notable Loot
| Item | Type | Location / Enemy |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone | Upgrade Material | Found in hidden paths and guarded chests |
| Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone | Upgrade Material | Rare drops and hidden corners |
| Dragon incantations (e.g., Ancient Dragons’ Lightning Strike) | Incantation | Rewarded for exploration and defeating dragons |
| Beastmen’s Curved Sword | Weapon | Dropped by Beastmen |
| Dragonlord’s Remembrance | Boss Soul | Defeating Dragonlord Placidusax |
| Black Blade | Weapon (via remembrance) | Defeating Maliketh |
Gameplay Challenges
- Environment hazards: Collapsing bridges and bottomless pits demand careful movement.
- Group encounters: Beastmen and Banished Knights attack in pairs or clusters.
- Multi-phase bosses: Godskin Duo and Maliketh require mastery of timing and stamina.
- Exploration rewards: High-risk side routes often hide upgrade stones and unique incantations.
Legacy of Farum Azula
Crumbling Farum Azula is more than just another dungeon. It ties together the fading power of dragons, the curse of endless ruin, and the unending cycle of time in the Lands Between. For players, it represents both the pinnacle of challenge and the moment when history gives way to the rise of a new Elden Lord.
FAQ: Crumbling Farum Azula
Where is Crumbling Farum Azula located?
It is reached automatically after burning the Erdtree with the Flame of Ruin. The player awakens there as part of the main story progression.
Is Dragonlord Placidusax optional?
Yes. Placidusax is a secret boss hidden within the stormy depths of Farum Azula. Players must take a specific path to access his arena.
Is Maliketh the Black Blade mandatory?
Yes. Maliketh is a main story boss whose defeat is required to progress the game.
What level should I be for Crumbling Farum Azula?
Most players recommend being at least level 120–130, with weapons fully upgraded, before entering this area.
Can you return to Farum Azula later?
Yes, after defeating Maliketh, the area remains explorable. However, enemy placements and access may change slightly after story progression.
The Seven Swords Takeaway
Crumbling Farum Azula is both a battlefield and a tomb. It challenges the Tarnished with relentless enemies, rare loot, and unforgettable boss fights. At the same time, it symbolises the fate of even the mightiest powers of the Lands Between. For anyone exploring Elden Ring, this legacy dungeon is a turning point where lore, gameplay, and spectacle converge.
