Elden Ring’s latest DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, has introduced several formidable opponents to challenge even the most seasoned Tarnished. Among these is the Blackgaol Knight—an optional boss who is both mechanically challenging and a test of patience. This guide will help you track him down, unravel his combat patterns, and reap the glorious rewards that follow his defeat.
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Blackgaol Knight Location
Starting from the initial point of the DLC, you need to head northwest. Stick close to the cliffside in the Shadow Realm, and you will notice an area teeming with ethereal, transparent tendrils shooting up from the ground. If you see a location dubbed the Western Nameless Mausoleum, you’re precisely where you need to be. The Blackgaol Knight can be found here, standing as a sentinel in this mysterious region.
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How to Beat the Blackgaol Knight
Engaging the Blackgaol Knight can be daunting if you don’t know what to expect. The moment the battle begins, he will likely initiate with his crossbow, launching a relentless barrage of fire bolts in your direction. To dodge this effectively, sprint diagonally right towards him. This allows you to swiftly close the gap and land one or two hits as he pauses to reload or sheath his crossbow.
The crossbow attack, while intimidating, is actually the easiest to dodge once you grasp his timing. However, maintaining too much distance will prompt him to keep using it, forcing you into a potentially endless loop of evasion. Therefore, getting close enough to prompt his other attack patterns is key.
In close combat, the Blackgaol Knight boasts a variety of powerful moves, each of which requires fine-tuned timing to counter. One of his most frequent moves is a jumping vertical attack. This can be easily dodged to the side or parried, at which point you can follow up with a couple of hits while he’s off-balance.
Another significant attack is his combo move, which involves either two or four successive slashes. If you manage to dodge or parry the initial attack, this will disrupt his chain, giving you an opportunity to reset his stance. Through practiced timing, interrupting his combo can become second nature, substantially easing the fight.
The Knight also has a potent ranged attack where he charges his sword in a vertical stance, surrounded by white wind energy. Charging forward with timed dodges is the best defense here. Blocking is hazardous; it will break your Poise, leaving you exposed to devastating follow-ups. If he transitions from this charged attack to a horizontal slash, dodge towards him for a free hit. Remember, blocking this horizontal slash is also inadvisable due to severe Poise damage and its potentially fatal consequences.
Blackgaol Knight Drops
Upon triumphing over the Blackgaol Knight, you can lay claim to his impressive loot. Defeating him will reward you with his entire armor set and his formidable greatsword. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the items you will receive:
Greatsword of Solitude
Helm of Solitude
Armor of Solitude
Gauntlets of Solitude
Greaves of Solitude
This armor set is notably one of the heaviest discovered so far, making it an excellent choice for Strength and stamina builds. These pieces provide substantial protection and can turn your Tarnished into a near-unstoppable force, particularly suited for those looking to endure heavy hits and keep fighting.
With a strategic approach and a good understanding of the Blackgaol Knight’s attack patterns, mastering this battle is feasible. Recognize his cues, time your dodges and parries accurately, and you’ll acquire one of the most beneficial armor sets in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Good luck, Tarnished, and may your perseverance lead you to victory.
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