Mastering The Blackgaol Knight In Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree

As you enter Elden Ring's DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, you'll immediately be let off the leash to do just about anything you want. You can head off in any direction and explore, just like your first steps into Limgrave at the beginning of the adventure. You'll probably be feeling a little rusty, however, and want to bloody your blade by taking on a boss as soon as possible.

The game will subtly nudge you toward the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, but before you take them on, a stone's throw away from where your DLC experience begins, you'll be able to find the Blackgaol Knight, a great introductory challenge for any Elden Ring players that want to get their bearings. If you want to know how to beat them, then stick around, because we have all the answers.

Where To Find the Blackgaol Knight

As mentioned, this boss is close to where you begin the DLC campaign. If you head to the left of the first Site of Grace you encounter and hug the outer edge, you'll eventually come to the Western Nameless mausoleum.

Unlike most catacombs and dungeons in the game, you'll find that this one has a boss wall to traverse right at the gate. So before you head in, be sure to prepare accordingly because the fight begins the moment you step in.

How To Prepare

There aren't a ton of things suggested in terms of preparation here as this is a humanoid boss variant that will mainly rely on physical damage. Talismans like the Crimson Amber Medallion +3 and the Pearldrake Talisman +3 would be a good bet.

For the strategy below to work as planned, playing with a Greatsword or Colossal Sword that has effective range is essential. You can consider weapons like the Godslayer's Greatsword, Great Katana, or our personal favorite, the Dismounter.

How To Beat the Blackgaol Knight

Upon beginning this fight, you'll immediately witness the Blackgaol Knight's ranged attack, where they will use a crossbow to shoot a flurry of fire arrows at you. So wait for them to begin firing and then dodge repeatedly to the left or to the right.

After this, the Blackgaol Knight will generally aim to deal physical damage through leaping attacks and standard slash attacks. Note that unless your timing is impeccable, their leaping attack will continue even if you land a hit, so bear that in mind before committing to strikes.

Besides their flame arrow ranged attack, the Blackgaol Knight will also use an overhead slash that releases a ranged projectile. This can be dodged with a well-timed roll to the left or right. Thus, it's essential to be aware of these moves throughout the fight.

Rewards

If you manage to defeat the Blackgaol Knight, you'll gain the following:

• 70,000 Runes
• Greatsword of Solitude
• Helm of Solitude
• Armor of Solitude
• Gauntlets of Solitude
• Greaves of Solitude

The 70K runes are obviously a welcome boon, as is the new set of armor, but of all the rewards, the most useful is the Greatsword of Solitude, which is great for Dex and Strength builds and comes with a cool special move, Solitary Moon Slash.