Quick Links
The Blackgaol Knight is the first Great Boss you may face inElden Ring’sShadow of ErdtreeDLC, and it can be a tough boss if you walk in unprepared. However, with a few tips and tricks, it will be much easier to understand his patterns and that willmake a difference between life and death. The reward for fighting him is well worth it, so stay persistent in your pursuits.
TheShadow of ErdtreeDLC inElden Ringis full of tough bosses. This being one of the first, you might not have all the upgrades and gear that you will get later as you adventure around the area.That can make it a little harder to get to the end of this fight, but doing so will help you get through the rest of them and finish the DLC story.
Elden Ring: Shadow of The Erdtree - How To Get The Blade of Mercy Talisman
Finding the Blade of Mercy Talisman in the Elden Ring DLC will help players flesh out their builds and do a significant amount of damage quickly.
Finding the Blackgaol Knight
Western Gravesite Mausoleum
Finding the Blackgaol Knight is not as difficult as it may seem at first, as players can get to the area as soon as they arrive in the Shadow Realm.Heading west from the Scorched Ruins Site of Grace, you will find yourself infront of the Western Gravesite Mausoleumand able to give the Blackgaol Knight a fight for its life.
Do not attack the field of worms on the way here, as they are not hostile until provoked, and it will not end well for you if they are.
Preparing For the Blackgaol Knight
The Right Equipment For The Job
Facing the Blackgaol Knight will require acombination of skill and luckthat allows you to catch him off guard. He is very strong against status effects, with those having little to no effect on him. He also has some tricky attacks that give him an added advantage on an unsuspecting player, such as an attack that looks like a familiar one but hasan extra strike to catch you by surprise.
The best way to counter him is to have aweapon with high stagger potential. This can be something like theBloodhound’s Fangbut can be a weapon from any heavy strike category, such as Hammers, Great Katana, Greataxes, and Colossal Weapons.Magic users can use one of theheavy Greatswords inElden Ringand focus on the scaling stat of their choice. You will want it to be upgraded to at least +6.
You will not be able to use Spirit Ashes for this fight.
It is also recommended byYouTuber Fextralifethat you shouldgo and get more Scadutree Blessingsif you are struggling with this fight, and you should go into the fight with at least Scadutree Level 1 or 2 if you want to have an easier time. Preparing all of this in advance will make the fight less frustrating. Additionally, you shouldput away any items, spells, and anything else that inflicts status effectsas it will not help.
The Blackgaol Knight’s Abilities
Moves And Countermoves
The Blackgaol Knight has around seven moves that players will want to prepare for. Thesemoves have recommended counters as well, and it is best to be thinking ahead as you get to know his attack pattern. This will keep you from being caught by surprise and allow you to know when to strike. For this fight, theBlackgaol Knight will switch between a Crossbow and a Greatsword.
Counter
Arrow Barrage
When you put distance between yourself and the Blackgaol Knight, he will switch to his Crossbow and fire off 10 arrows rapidly in your direction. This move typically begins the fight and an audible cue for it can be heard.
Run to the side of the arena or put up your shield to reduce damage if you are not fast enough.
Overhead Slash
He will use his Greatsword to swing from his back and slash overhead to deal massive damage.
Either dodge to the right or use a shield.
Jump Slash
He will leap into the air and slash down to the ground. He will stay low to the ground for a few seconds to recover.
Either dodge to the right or use a shield. Alternatively, he can be staggered back if you catch him midair.
Greatsword Slash
If you lose your footing or get staggered yourself, he will stab quickly toward you and can finish off your health if you are at about 40% life.
Don’t neglect your stance and break off his patterns by rolling away or using your shield.
Quick Slash
This is usually a 3-step attack, wherein he uses this attack twice in a row, once to either side, and ends it with an Overhead Slash. But this move can be used in succession up to three times.
Keep rolling, preferably backwards, or use a shield.
Spirit Slash
He will raise his sword above his head with both hands and charge an attack. He will release it after about a second in one second.
Dodge to the right and do it again as he often follows this move with a Quick Slash. Or use a shield.
Wide Slash
After slamming his weapon into the ground, he will turn quickly and move forward to deliver a wide-sweeping attack.
Tips & Tricks To Fight The Blackgaol Knight
Knowing When To Act
The Blackgaol Knight ismost dangerous at range. He will use his Crossbow whenever you hang back, which will most likely mean taking more damage if you only have a large melee weapon to protect you.A shield can allow you to block his ranged attacks, but staying close is better.
He will attempt touse hisFlask of Crimson Tearsas soon as he gets down to a certain amount of health, which will heal him. This can be interrupted, but it is quite difficult to do, so don’t be surprised or disheartened if he completes it. Unlike otherbosses inElden Ring, thisone does not have a second phase or a different series of attacksafter he gets down to half-health. He simply tries to heal and continues as normal.
If you need to heal, using a shield and staggering him before moving back around him is often better than trying to back up due to his Crossbow attacks.
The hardest attack to counter will be the somewhat familiar attack mentioned earlier in the form of the Spirit Slash, in which he raises his sword above his head and slams it toward the player. However, he also can combo this with a Quick Slash that can catch you off guard and knock you off your feet. It also deals a fair amount of damage if it hits you and can be lethal.Keep your guard up and remember to dodge twice.
Your goal is tostagger him or interrupt his attacks when you may. You can occasionally catch him midair, and using your heavy attacks you can often stagger him back. With some persistence and these tips, you’ll quickly vanquish the Blackgaol Knight inElden Ring’s Shadow of the ErdtreeDLC.
