Crumbling Farum Azula is one of the most intense and awe-inspiring areas in Elden Ring. From the moment you step into this floating ruin amidst a turbulent sky, you’re met with overwhelming sights, dangerous enemies, and a series of challenges that will test your skills and patience. In my own playthrough, this area marked a turning point. It was where I realized how critical smart rune management and tactical patience are. If you're farming Elden Ring Runes or trying to survive long enough to level up, this is the place where your strategy truly matters.

Here are my personal top tips for surviving and thriving in Crumbling Farum Azula.

1. Approach With a High-Level Build
By the time you reach this area, you should ideally be around level 100–120. Anything less and you'll be punished harshly. The enemies hit hard and swarm quickly. Before entering, make sure you've spent your Elden Ring Runes wisely to improve your health, stamina, and damage output.

2. Use Spirit Ashes Wisely
Don't overlook your Spirit Ashes in this zone. Some fights, especially the Godskin Duo, can be almost unbearable without a solid summon. I used the Mimic Tear and upgraded it as much as possible beforehand. It gave me just enough breathing room to focus on positioning.

3. Watch Your Step—Literally
Crumbling Farum Azula is filled with narrow walkways, broken bridges, and sudden drop-offs. There’s a lot of verticality in this area. Keep your camera controlled, and don’t rush forward without scouting the ground. I lost count of how many times I fell to my death simply because I wasn’t paying enough attention.

4. Farm Runes Carefully
If you're short on runes, the beastmen in this area can be an excellent farming source. There's a site of grace not far from a group of them, and they drop a decent amount each run. If you're in a rush and looking for an alternative, some players opt to buy runes elden ring to quickly strengthen their characters before tackling this zone. Just be sure to do so from a trusted and safe source if you choose that route.

5. Buffs and Resistance Matter
Equip armor with high lightning resistance. Many enemies here, including the dragons, use devastating lightning attacks. I found the Bull-Goat Set surprisingly helpful when dealing with physical attacks, while the Crucible Tree armor gave me solid resistance to elemental damage.

6. Learn the Boss Patterns
From the Godskin Duo to Maliketh, the bosses here are unforgiving. Watch attack patterns, don’t get greedy with your hits, and use buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength or Golden Vow. Maliketh, in particular, is one of the most cinematic and brutal fights in the game. It took me about a dozen tries before I could anticipate his second-phase flurry and dodge effectively.

7. Don’t Rush Exploration
Take your time to explore. There are hidden paths, rare items, and lore pieces scattered around the ruins. The Somber Smithing Stones and Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones you can find here are invaluable for upgrading your weapons before the endgame.

Crumbling Farum Azula feels like a climax in Elden Ring. It demands everything you’ve learned so far and rewards careful, deliberate play. Whether you're farming Elden Ring Runes, facing down brutal bosses, or trying to uncover every secret, it's a place that leaves a lasting impression. With the right preparation and a steady approach, you can conquer it—and come out stronger than ever.

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