Quick Links
There are dozens and dozens of new bosses in theElden RingDLC, and some of them can be encountered almost as soon as you enterShadow of the Erdtree. Blackgaol Knight is one of these bosses that can be found very soon after entering the Realm of Shadow, and in some ways, it’s a reminder that you need to explore and power up before you’reready to take on the DLC bosses.
Though it’s about the same size as the Tarnished, theElden RingDLC Blackgaol Knight boss is no joke, and requires some specific strategies to beat for both melee and spellcaster builds. Don’t take this boss lightly, and be careful with when you choose to attack this high-Poise boss, to get one of thebest rewards in the early game: one of the heaviest and most physically defensive sets in the DLC.
Updated July 26 ,2024 by Erik Petrovich: The Blackgaol Knight Shadow of the Erdtree boss is one of the first that many players entering the DLC will face, but it’s certainly not the easiest, especially if you go in unprepared – or without any Scadutree Fragments. But just having a powerful build isn’t enough to beat the Blackgaol Knight boss in the Western Mausoleum. You also need to understand the Blackgaol Knight weaknesses and how to respond to itsattacks to come out on top, no matter your Blessing level. This guide has been updated to include a variety of tips across the entire walkthrough, including new details the boss' weaknesses, Blackgaol Knight caster tips, and elaborations to just about every section in this guide to beat the Blackgaol Knight boss.
Western Nameless Mausoleum & Blackgaol Knight Location
To get to the Western Nameless Mausoleum, and defeat the Blackgaol Knight, you must headthrough the Gravebird-infested and gravestone-ridden area to the northwest of the DLC spawn location. You can also get here byheading southwest from the Three-Path Cross site of Grace, near the tunnel that leads to Belurat, Tower Settlement.
The Gravebirds can be a bit of a nuisance, but you’re able to easily avoid them by riding Torrent all the way to the mausoleum entrance in thefar west of this area surrounded by cliffs. Jump off and enter the doorway to find the boss door at the bottom of the stairs. The fight begins as soon as you step through.
If you die during the Blackgaol Knight boss fight, don’t worry about having to run all the way back from that initial Site of Grace. You will be offered the option to respawn just outside the entrance to the Blackgaol KnightElden RingDLC boss, right at the top of the stairs.
How To Counter
Greatsword attacks
Attacks with its equipped Greatsword, with the same four-hit animation given to all Greatswords. Can be wielded one or two-handed, with associated movesets.
If you can do a Jumping heavy attack, it is possible to stop the boss' attack combo. Otherwise, just dodge backward and wait for the boss to stop attacking for a second or two of oppotunity.
Storm Blast & Follow-Up
The Knight will raise its greatsword, blast a wave of physical damage forward, then close the gap with a quick dash and strike. Can be cast from a long distance.
Dodge to the side of the physical blast, then dodge into the boss' follow-up attack, to get a few seconds of reprieve to attack the boss or heal.
Crossbow Barrage
The Knight loads up its crossbow and fires a barrage of a dozen or so crossbow bolts fired increasingly faster
Walk to the side when at mid-to-long range to avoid these. Do not dodge, as you will likely be hit by bolts upon standing up, and they deal a ton of damage.
Dash Slash
Dashes forward with sword held in two hands and slashes after a moment of holding the strike.
Dodge towards the boss when it dashes toward you, either when it dashes on its own or follows up its physical blast wave with a dash slash.
Strategies To Beat Blackgaol Knight
General Blackgaol Knight Boss Tips
If you are having trouble with any boss inElden Ring, you can always go out to explore other areas to get stronger before returning to try again. This is ultimately the most effective strategy to overcome any boss in the game.
Spellcaster Blackgaol Knight Strategies
Blackgaol Knight Boss Rewards
By beating the Blackgaol Knight in the Western Nameless Mausoleum, you will earn five rewards: theGreatsword of Solitude, and all four pieces of the Blackgaol Knight armor set. Also called the Armor of Solitude set, the Blackgaol KnightShadow of the Erdtreeboss drops this incredibly heavy, butincredibly defensive and stylish, armor set upon defeat.
The Greatsword of Solitude is a black Greatsword that’s noticeably shorter than some other Greatswords inElden Ring. However, the Greatsword of Solitude’s strength lies in its Ash of War, which can’t be altered. When used, this allows the Tarnished to copy the Blackgaol Knight’s slam and charge combination move.
Activate this Ash of War to slam your weapon down and blast a ray of physical damage forward, a bit like the Blasphemous Blade’s animation. Then while that animation is playing out, press the Heavy Attack input (R2/RT) to leap forward and attack your target from a great distance. If timed right, this is almost impossible to dodge, as your target will have just dodge out of the blast of damage heading their way.
