Lansseax isn't just another dragon. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time trekking through the Altus Plateau, you’ve probably seen that terrifying red lightning strike the ground before a massive, four-winged beast swoops down to ruin your day. This is Ancient Dragon Lansseax. Unlike the standard flying dragons you find rotting in Caelid or chilling in Limgrave, Lansseax represents the peak of FromSoftware’s creature design, blending deep, tragic lore with a mechanical fight that punishes greed more than almost any other boss in the mid-game.
She’s a wall. A big, scaly, electrified wall.
Most people run into her near the Abandoned Coffin or on the path leading up to Leyndell, Royal Capital. It’s a cinematic introduction, sure, but what actually matters is who she is. She isn’t a mindless monster. In the world of Elden Ring, the Ancient Dragons were the rulers of the era before the Erdtree, and Lansseax was a vital bridge between these primordial forces and the modern Golden Order. She didn't just fight; she communicated. She loved. She even took on a human form to interact with the knights of Leyndell.
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Why Lansseax Matters to the Golden Order
To understand Lansseax, you have to look at the Dragon Cult of Leyndell. It’s one of those weird, paradoxical parts of the lore. The Golden Order usually hates anything that isn't "Gold," yet here we have a whole cult dedicated to dragon worship right in the heart of the capital. Why? Because of Lansseax.
According to the item description for Lansseax's Glaive, she was the sister of Fortissax. While Fortissax was busy being a "mighty ally" to Godwyn the Golden, Lansseax was acting as a priestess. She literally transformed into a human to commune with the knights. This wasn't some deceptive infiltration, either. It was a genuine integration. She taught the knights how to harness the power of red lightning. If you've ever used the Honed Bolt or Lightning Strike incantations, you’re basically using the curriculum Lansseax wrote.
It’s a fascinating bit of world-building that shows the dragons weren't just conquered beasts. They were sophisticated enough to navigate the politics of Marika’s age. But by the time we, the Tarnished, show up? She’s just a shadow of that former glory, guarding the outskirts of a dying city.
The Two-Phase Encounter: Location and Strategy
You don’t kill Lansseax in one go. She’s slippery.
Your first encounter usually happens right after you exit the Ruin-Strewn Precipice. You step out into the sunlight of the Altus Plateau, feeling good about yourself for beating Magma Wyrm Makar, and then boom—red lightning. This first fight at the Abandoned Coffin is a bit of a tease. Once you chip away about 20% of her health, she’ll spread those four wings and vanish into the clouds. It feels cheap, but it’s actually a mercy. You probably weren't ready for the full fight yet anyway.
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The real showdown happens on a hilltop south of the Saintbridge towards the Capital.
Dealing with Red Lightning
The main thing that kills players is the Lansseax’s Glaive move. She summons a massive blade of red lightning and sweeps it across the arena. It’s gorgeous. It’s also a one-shot for anyone who hasn't been leveling Vigor.
- The Tell: She rears back and a glowing red sword forms in her "hand."
- The Dodge: You have to roll into the swing, not away. If you roll away, the lingering lightning trails will catch you.
- The Secret: If you’re fast enough, you can actually run directly under her belly when she starts the animation. The hitboxes for the glaive are mostly focused in front and to the sides.
Positioning is Everything
Stop locking onto the head. I know, I know—the head takes more damage. In most Elden Ring dragon fights, the head is the weak point. But Lansseax is tall. Really tall. Trying to hit her head with a melee weapon is an exercise in frustration that usually results in you getting flattened by her stomp or roasted by her fire breath.
Focus on the back legs or the tail. It’s less "honorable," but it’s how you win. The only exception is if you’re using a high-stagger build like a Colossal Sword with Lion's Claw. If you can land two or three solid hits on her skull, you can trigger a stance break. The sound of that posture breaking is pure dopamine, but don't get greedy. Her recovery time is surprisingly fast for a creature the size of a cathedral.
Misconceptions About the Ancient Dragons
A lot of players confuse the "Ancient Dragons" with the "Lesser Dragons" (like Agheel or Smarag). There are huge differences. Look at the wings. Standard dragons have two wings that double as front legs. Ancient Dragons like Lansseax have four wings and distinct arms.
Also, the scales. Ancient Dragon Scales are literally made of gravel stone, which is said to be the source of their immortality. This is why Lansseax is so much tankier than the dragons you fought in Limgrave. She’s essentially a living rock covered in lightning. If you find your weapons are "clinking" or doing weirdly low damage, check your damage type. Ancient Dragons are notoriously resistant to Slash and Fire. They’re much more vulnerable to Pierce damage and, surprisingly, Occult if you're running an Arcane build.
The Loot: Was it Worth the Headache?
Once you finally put her down, you get the Lansseax's Glaive incantation.
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For Faith builds, this is a staple. It requires 40 Faith, which is a steep investment for the mid-game, but the payoff is a wide-reaching AOE (Area of Effect) attack that shreds groups of enemies. It deals pure Lightning damage. In Elden Ring, Lightning defense is tied to the Dexterity stat, and since most PvE enemies don't have high Dex, red lightning hits like a freight train.
Is it the best dragon spell? Maybe not—Ekzykes's Decay probably takes that crown for sheer utility—but for style points? Nothing beats slamming a red lightning sword into the earth.
Practical Steps for Your Next Attempt
If you're currently stuck on her, stop bashing your head against the wall and try these specific adjustments.
- Boltdrake Talisman: Wear the +1 or +2 version. It significantly reduces the damage from her lightning strikes. It’s the difference between having 10 HP left and being a pile of ash.
- Lightning Grease: Don't use it. She’s an Ancient Dragon of lightning. She’s highly resistant to it. Use Dragonwound Grease instead. It gives you a 20% damage boost against all "true" dragons, and yes, Lansseax counts.
- Stay Off the Horse: Torrent is great for closing the gap when she flies away, but fighting her entirely on horseback is a trap. You lose your i-frames (invincibility frames) on your rolls. When she swings that lightning glaive, you need to roll through the attack, not try to outrun it on a spectral steed.
- Target the Rear: Stick to her back left leg. It forces her to use a slow tail-swipe or a stomp, both of which are much easier to telegraph than her airborne fire breath.
Lansseax is a test of patience. She represents the bridge between the old world of Placidusax and the new world of the Erdtree. Beating her isn't just about getting a cool spell; it's about overcoming one of the most lore-significant hurdles in the Altus Plateau. Take your time, watch the red glow, and roll forward. You'll get her.