Shadow of the Erdtree Solves One Elden Ring Boss Mystery

Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion finally unveils the fate of Dragonlord Placidusax, a long-standing mystery. The expansion reveals the whereabouts of two of the three missing heads from this formidable boss.

Spoiler Alert: Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree lore and boss details follow.

Dragonlord Placidusax, a notoriously difficult secret boss found in Crumbling Farum Azula, is encountered in a weakened state, missing three heads and a wing. The recently released expansion provides a compelling explanation.

Placidusax's Missing Heads: A Battle with Bayle the Dread

Reddit user Matrix_030 highlighted a crucial discovery: two of Placidusax's missing heads are embedded in the neck of Bayle the Dread, another challenging dragon boss. The damage inflicted on Bayle—missing wings and limbs—suggests a brutal, mutually destructive encounter.

The Talisman of the Dread, found in Elder's Hovel, further illuminates this ancient battle. Its description details Bayle's challenge to Placidusax, resulting in "grievous mutual injury." Despite their injuries, both dragons remain incredibly powerful adversaries in Elden Ring. Bayle's aggressive fighting style presents a unique challenge, making early-game Spirit Ash summoning difficult without specific strategies.

While the location of Placidusax's third missing head remains unknown, many believe Bayle is responsible for its removal as well. The expansion has significantly enriched the lore surrounding these iconic Elden Ring bosses, providing a satisfying resolution to a long-standing question.