Facing the Decaying Ekzykes in Elden Ring is no small feat; this optional dragon boss lurks in the treacherous lands of Caelid, embodying both power and decay. With its formidable health pool and devastating scarlet rot attacks, players must employ strategic agility and elemental prowess to emerge victorious. This guide will delve into effective tactics, including the best weapon choices and movement strategies, to help you conquer this fearsome foe and reap the rewards of Runes and unique incantations. Prepare for a battle that tests your skills and resilience against one of the game’s most challenging adversaries.
Location
The Decaying Ekzykes is located in Caelid, specifically near the Caelid Highway South site of grace. This optional boss can be found along the road that runs through the Southern Aeonia Swamp Bank, just north of the Cathedral of Dragon Communion. Players can easily access this area to engage in battle, and it’s advisable to prepare adequately before attempting to defeat him, as he poses a significant challenge.
The Decaying Ekzykes is found in Caelid. You can find him near Caelid Highway South site of grace (8 on our map) Once you arrive, travel to the area shown in the screenshot.
Reward for defeating
Defeating the Decaying Ekzykes yields significant rewards that enhance your gameplay experience in Elden Ring. Upon victory, players receive 38,000 Runes and a coveted Dragon Heart, which can be used to unlock powerful dragon incantations at the Church of Dragon Communion. Additionally, you will gain access to the new incantation called Ekzyke’s Decay, further expanding your magical arsenal and strategic options in future battles5.
For defeating the Decaying Ekzykes, you will receive Runes (38,000) and a Dragon Heart . Defeating him will also unlock a new incantation called Ekzyke’s Decay , which will be available in the Church of Dragon Communion.
General tips
To effectively tackle the Decaying Ekzykes in Elden Ring, consider these general tips to enhance your chances of victory. Utilize mobility by engaging the fight on horseback, as this allows for quick escapes from the dragon’s scarlet rot attacks. Focus on exploiting its weaknesses; the Decaying Ekzykes is particularly vulnerable to fire, frostbite, and bleeding damage, so equip weapons or spells that inflict these statuses. Prepare adequately by stocking up on Preserving Boluses to counteract scarlet rot buildup, and try to stay behind the boss to avoid its powerful frontal attacks. Lastly, summon allies or Spirit Ashes to distract the dragon while you deal damage, making the battle more manageable and strategic.
- The battle allows the use of Ashes or other players.
- Decaying Ekzykles is vulnerable to all negative statuses. However, attacks based on fire element will work best.
- Moreover, he is vulnerable to frostbite and bleeding.Scarlet rot and poison also work.
- This enemy often uses attacks that induce scarlet rot status. Therefore, prepare a supply of Preserving Boluses.
- Beware of its rotting breath . Not only does it impose a scarlet rot status very quickly, it also deals very high damage. If you are close,get behind him. If, on the other hand, you’re too far, run away from him.
- Consider using a mount during this battle , Thanks to this, you will maintain mobility and be able to retreat if needed.
- Target his legs and wings . The head is the most vulnerable part of the opponent’s body, but it is hard to reach.
How to defeat?
To effectively defeat Decaying Ekzykes in Elden Ring, players should adopt a strategy that maximizes mobility and exploits the boss’s vulnerabilities. Utilize Torrent, your mount, to maintain distance and dodge the dangerous scarlet rot breath attacks that Ekzykes unleashes. Focus on attacking from behind, targeting its legs and wings, while being mindful of its powerful tail swipes and stomps. It’s crucial to have Preserving Boluses on hand to counteract the scarlet rot buildup. Additionally, employing fire-based attacks will significantly enhance damage output, as Ekzykes is particularly weak to fire. By combining agility with targeted strikes, players can whittle down its health while avoiding the more lethal attacks.
Consider fighting while mounted. Thanks to Torrent, you’ll be able to easily avoid clouds that induce scarlet rot status. As a result, have a supply of Preserving Boluses to counter the negative status.
It is best to stick to the back of the opponent and attack his legs as often as possible . However, when you see him getting ready for a spin, move a little further away from him to avoid a tail hit. If you feel the moment right, you can jump, which will also protect you from taking damage.
The decomposing Ekzykes will also occasionally lift his leg and then perform a heavy stomp with it . This is a good time to focus on its other leg, or even the wing, until the dragon makes a sharp turn again, forcing you to reposition yourself.
Relatively often, the dragon will spray a cloud that quickly builds up a scarlet rot status . At such moments, it’s best to move away from the beast and wait for the cloud to thin out.
There will be times when a dragon creates a much larger cloud, often after it takes to the air and then lands hard. So when you see it starting to fly, it is better to get away . As the nickname of the enemy says, his condition does not allow him to hover for too long, so you do not have to worry about air attacks.
Moving away from the enemy, however, carries the risk that in a moment he will start to breathe rotting breath . It usually does it from left to right and over a relatively long distance.
At this point, you can go to his side and attack one of the wings, or you can run completely behind him and use this moment to attack the legs safely. However, keep in mind that after this action, the cloud will also hover around the enemy. So there may be times when you have to distance yourself from it again.
What are the best weapons to use against Decaying Ekzykes
When battling Decaying Ekzykes in Elden Ring, selecting the right weapons is crucial for maximizing damage and overcoming this formidable foe. Here are the best weapon options to consider:
Best Weapons Against Decaying Ekzykes
| Weapon Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Uchigatana | This katana inflicts Hemorrhage, which is particularly effective against Ekzykes due to its vulnerability to bleed damage. |
| Fire-Based Weapons | Weapons that deal fire damage are highly effective, as Ekzykes takes double damage from fire attacks. Fire Grease can enhance any weapon’s effectiveness. |
| Frostbite Weapons | Weapons that inflict Frostbite can also deal significant damage, as Ekzykes is moderately weak to this status effect. |
| Magic Spells | Long-range spells like Loretta’s Greatbow or fire-based incantations (e.g., O Flame!) can be advantageous, especially when attacking from a distance. |
| Melee Weapons with Slash Damage | Any weapon that deals standard or slash damage will be effective, as Ekzykes is weak to all types of physical damage. |
Additional Tips
- Target Weak Points: Aim for the head for increased damage output, but be cautious of its attacks while doing so.
- Mobility: Utilize Torrent to maintain distance and dodge its scarlet rot breath attacks effectively.
- Status Effects: Combining bleed and frostbite effects will help whittle down Ekzykes’ substantial health pool more efficiently.
By equipping the right weapons and employing strategic tactics, players can significantly improve their chances of defeating Decaying Ekzykes and claiming valuable rewards.
What are the best fire-based weapons to use against Decaying Ekzykes
When facing Decaying Ekzykes in Elden Ring, utilizing fire-based weapons can significantly enhance your chances of victory due to the boss’s extreme vulnerability to fire damage. Here are some of the best fire-based weapon options to consider:
Best Fire-Based Weapons Against Decaying Ekzykes
| Weapon | Details |
|---|---|
| Flame of the Redmanes | A powerful incantation that deals significant fire damage. Ideal for ranged attacks against Ekzykes. |
| Fire Whip | This whip not only has a long reach but also inflicts fire damage, making it effective for keeping distance while attacking. |
| Fire Scimitar | A curved sword that deals both slashing and fire damage, allowing for quick attacks with added elemental effect. |
| Magma Wyrm’s Greatsword | A colossal sword that deals massive fire damage and has an area-of-effect attack that can hit multiple times. |
| Uchigatana with Fire Grease | While primarily a bleed weapon, applying Fire Grease can turn this katana into a dual-threat weapon, dealing both bleed and fire damage. |
Additional Tips
- Fire Grease: Regardless of the weapon you choose, applying Fire Grease will enhance your weapon’s fire damage output, making it a valuable item to bring into the fight.
- Incantations: Consider using fire-based spells like O Flame! or Flame, Grant Me Strength to augment your attacks further.
- Upgrade Your Weapons: Ensure your weapons are upgraded to at least +13 to maximize damage output against Ekzykes.
By equipping these fire-based weapons and utilizing strategic gameplay, you can exploit Decaying Ekzykes’ weaknesses and secure a hard-fought victory.
