Defeating the Death Knight: A Guide for Elden Ring Players

The Death Knight is an optional boss featured in Elden Ring and is exclusive to the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. These knights serve as personal guards to Goldwyn the Golden and traverse the Shadow Lands in search of a successor for their lord, aiming to bring about the Age of Duskborn.

Players can encounter two Death Knights, each located in distinct catacombs within Elden Ring. This guide will direct you to both bosses and provide a comprehensive strategy to defeat them with ease.

Locating the Death Knight Boss in Elden Ring

The Death Knight boss makes appearances in two separate catacombs: the Fog Rift Catacombs and the Scorpion River Catacombs.

To access the Fog Rift Catacombs, begin at the Castle Front site of grace in front of Castle Ensis. Head northwest until you see some Messmer Soldiers on various scaffolding.

Follow the path until you spot the catacombs ahead. Navigate through the catacombs to reach the Fog Rift Catacombs entrance, where you can challenge the Death Knight boss.

The Scorpion River Catacombs are situated in the Scadu Altus region. To reach them, head northwest from the Highway Cross site of grace to get to the Ancient Rauh Base. From there, continue west to arrive at the Temple Town Ruins site of grace.

From the Temple Town Ruins, proceed north through the ravine, keeping clear of the Kindred of Rot enemies. This route will take you to the Ravine North site of grace. Drop down from the cliff and stay close to the left wall.

Avoid the scorpions and mosquitoes in this area and keep heading left until you find the entrance to the Scorpion River Catacombs. Venture through the dungeon to locate the second Death Knight boss in Elden Ring.

Death Knight Boss Stats and Weaknesses

The Death Knight boss exhibits specific weaknesses to Holy and Pierce attacks. While they don’t have notable strengths, they are immune to Hemorrhage, Sleep, and Madness.

This boss has an 80 stance, which can be broken for a critical hit opportunity. Additionally, players can execute backstabs or parry its attacks for increased damage.

Optimal Stats for Engaging the Death Knight Boss

Given its vulnerability to Holy damage, players are advised to utilize a sorcery build centered around Holy incantations. For melee builds, consider equipping Malekith’s Black Blade or the Backhand Blade with the Keen ability (to apply holy grease).

Summoning your Mimic Tear for this battle can provide valuable distraction. Equip a Boltdrake Talisman +3 to minimize Lightning damage taken.

For potent jump attacks, combine the Claw Talisman with the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia to amplify damage with each successive hit.

Since this boss is humanoid, wearing light armor will enhance your evasiveness when rolling. Mix Opaline Hardtear into the Flask of Wondrous Physick for a significant defensive boost.

If you’re interested in trying out different builds, visit the Academy of Raya Lucaria to use Larval Tears for a reset with Rennala’s help.

Effective Strategy for the Death Knight in Elden Ring

In combat, the Death Knight primarily utilizes lightning-based attacks. One notable move is the Spinning Slash, where the boss channels lightning into their weapons and lunges forward twice before slamming down into the ground.

To effectively avoid this, you’ll need to dodge backward three times, which will open up opportunities for counterstrikes.

The second attack consists of a straightforward swing where the Death Knight strikes with both axes in separate directions. One variation includes a third delayed attack. This can become confusing, so it’s advisable to move back after the second swing and then jump forward for a slam attack.

The Death Knight also executes a grab attack, identifiable by a white light beneath them. During this move, they charge at you; if caught, the knight lifts you into the air, draining your health while replenishing their own.

This move is easily avoidable if timed correctly. Simply roll sideways as the knight approaches, and you may even land a backstab afterward.

The most formidable attack delivered by the Death Knight is the Lightning Spear. In this maneuver, the boss conjures a lightning bolt in their hand to throw at players. Additionally, six sigils appear in a circular formation behind them, launching lightning spears at the player.

This attack can occur twice and is particularly deadly if both strikes connect. Utilize the terrain or employ your mimic as a distraction to navigate through this attack safely.

In another move, the Death Knight transforms into a lightning bolt and dashes toward the player at remarkable speed. Roll sideways to evade, as blocking will leave your stance vulnerable.

The final attack is also one of the hardest to avoid. The Death Knight draws both axes back, charging with lightning.

After a brief moment, the Death Knight will swing their axes twice, releasing waves of electric current. If you’re positioned nearby, be ready to jump forward with each swing.

Otherwise, run as far as you can to avoid the lightning strike. Mastering all the Death Knight’s attack patterns will make this fight much more manageable.

Attack whenever you have the chance, keep your health topped off, leverage your mimic tear summon, and stay calm. You’ll take down the Death Knight before you know it.

Rewards from Defeating the Death Knight

Upon defeating the Death Knight in the Fog Rift Catacombs, players receive 110,000 Runes, as well as the Death Knight’s Twin Axes and the Crimson Amber Medallion +3.

Conversely, the Death Knight in the Scorpion River Catacombs drops 130,000 Runes, along with the Death Knight’s Longhaft Axe and the Cerulean Amber Medallion +3.