BEASTMAN OF FARUM AZULA | ELDEN RING

My first few encounters with the Beastmen of Farum Azula in Elden Ring were... humbling, to say the least! These guys are fast, hit hard, and often come in groups. But after many attempts and a bit of trial and error, I've finally found some solid strategies to deal with these formidable foes. If you're looking to explore Farum Azula without constantly getting ambushed, or aiming to acquire materials they drop, then stick around! Where to Find These Menacing Beastmen? The Beastmen are pretty much everywhere once you get deep into Crumbling Farum Azula. You'll find them guarding key pathways, lurking around corners, and often patrolling in pairs or even trios. Key areas where they frequently appear include the path just after the Dragon Temple Lift, around the Dragon Temple Rooftop, and especially near the Crumbling Beast Grave site of grace. They blend into the crumbling architecture, so always keep an eye out, especially in dimly lit areas. Trust me, getting surprised by a dual-wielding Beastman is not fun! My Go-To Strategies for Defeating the Beastmen These Beastmen of Azula are agile and aggressive. They wield curved swords, often dual-wielding, and have a surprisingly long reach with their jump attacks. Here’s what worked for me: Poise Breaking is Key: They have relatively low poise. Heavy attacks, weapon arts like Lion's Claw, or even a well-timed guard counter can often break their stance, allowing for a critical hit. This was a game-changer for me, especially against single targets. Parrying Practice: If you're confident with parrying, these guys are excellent practice. Their attacks are telegraphed enough once you learn their patterns. A successful parry followed by a critical hit can take out most regular Beastmen quickly. Space Management: Don't let them corner you. They love to rush in. Keeping your distance and baiting their jump attack (which has a long recovery) can create openings. If you're a spellcaster, this is crucial. Dealing with Groups: This is where it gets tough. I found using area-of-effect (AoE) Spells or Ashes of War incredibly helpful. Also, try to lure one away at a time if possible. Sometimes, a well-placed ranged attack can aggro just one, allowing you to pick them off individually. Strike Damage: While not a massive weakness, I did notice that strike-type weapons (like hammers or fists) seemed to stagger them a bit more effectively than slashing weapons. Acquiring the Azula Beastman Ashes One of the most valuable rewards linked to these enemies isn't a direct drop from every Beastman, but rather a specific item you can acquire materials for: the Azula Beastman Ashes. These are fantastic Spirit Ashes that summon two Beastmen who can draw aggro and deal decent damage. To get them, you need to defeat the optional boss, the Beastman of Farum Azula (a named variant, not a regular enemy), found in the Dragon Temple. He’s tough, but the Ashes are worth it. I used them extensively in later areas! Beyond Combat: The "Lie Down" Prompt and Farum Azula's Secrets Farum Azula isn't just about fighting; it's also about exploration and secrets. Many players, myself included, have wondered about the famous "elden ring lie down prompt farum azula". This refers to a specific spot within the area, often associated with a gargoyle statue, where interacting with it by lying down can transport you to a hidden part of the area or reveal a secret. It’s a classic FromSoftware cryptic moment. Always keep an eye out for unusual environmental cues or prompts; Farum Azula is full of them, offering unique items and lore if you're observant. Exploring every nook and cranny really paid off for me in this ancient, crumbling city.