Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has plenty of bosses for you to defeat. All of them will make you go through hell, including the Blackgaol Knight – a secondary boss.
The Blackgaol Knight is most likely going to be one of the first bosses you’ll fight in the new DLC. However, just like other bosses, you can take this one down if you’re prepared well and know the right tricks.
Blackgaol Knight guide
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to defeat Blackgaol Knight in Elden Ring so you can earn plenty of rewards.
Blackgaol Knight location in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
The Blackgaol Knight is located north-west of where you first start the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. You can find him in the Western Nameless Mausoleum.
Screenshot by Abdul Haddi / MapGenie
Depending on where you start your journey, you may encounter a few enemies on the way.
We recommend avoiding fighting them, as you want to save the energy for the Blackgaol Knight. Or, you can use them to warm up for the fight, whatever you prefer.
How to prepare yourself for the Blackgaol Knight fight
Blackgaol Knight’s weakness lies in Greatswords. You can also use Hammers, Greataxes, or Clossoal Weapons against him, but we’d recommend opting for a Greatsword. This is because it seems to be the only type of weapon that can counter his attacks.
Other than this, don’t waste your time gathering items that will inflict rot, poison, or frostbite on him, as he can resist all of them.
We will, however, recommend getting Scadutree Blessings, as this will help increase the amount of damage you deal and take.
Also, keep in mind that you can not summon a Spirit during your fight with this boss, so you’ll have to handle him alone. But by following the tips mentioned in this guide, you won’t need a companion anyway.
How to defeat Blackgaol Knight in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
Unlike most of the other bosses in Elden Ring, the Blackgaol Knight does not have two phases. So, you don’t have to worry about him becoming ruthless after the first phase.
The Blackgaol will be using only two weapons during the fight – a crossbow and a giant greatsword. When you first start the fight, he will most likely start attacking you with his crossbow if you’re far from him.
While he mostly uses regular bolts, he will occasionally attack you with flame bolts. You, of course, want to avoid getting hit by both of them.
When the Blackgaol Knight starts attacking you with his crossbow, you need to run horizontally and close the distance at the same time. This is because as soon as he stops firing, there will be a small window during which you can start hitting him with your weapon.
Credits: Fextralife / YouTube
You can also try to close the distance before he starts firing, but this is only for those who are confident they can reach and hit him in time.
Blackgaol Knight will also perform occasional jump attacks during the fight. There are two ways to handle them.
Credits: Fextralife / YouTube
First, you can dodge his jump attack and quickly perform a counterattack. Or, you can hit him while he’s in the air, which will knock him straight to the ground.
Other than the jump attack, Blackgaol will also try and hit you with two consecutive powerful attacks using his sword and deplete plenty of your health. His attacks resemble the Vacuum Slice Ash of War, but it has a follow-up.
Credits: Fextralife / YouTube
So, as soon as he launches a powerful wave slash attack, you need to dodge it quickly and then dodge the follow-up swipe attack.
Right after this, there will be an opportunity for you to hit him once or twice. But after hitting him, jump back, and repeat the strategy.
Credits: Fextralife / YouTube
After you deplete half of his health, Blackgaol Knight will drink a potion to regenerate his health. You can interrupt him by hitting him with an attack, but this will be extremely difficult as you’ll need to be close to him at that time.
Credits: Fextralife / YouTube
Throughout the fight, you need to focus on dodging his attacks and finding opportunities to land an attack. If you try to hit him from the front, he will either dodge the attack or perform a counterattack.
Just act offensively when he takes out his crossbow and defensively when he starts using his sword and you’ll defeat him in no time.
Rewards for defeating Blackgaol Knight in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
After you successfully defeat Blackgaol Knight in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, you’ll get the following rewards:
- Greatsword of Solitude
- Armor of Solitude
- Helm of Solitude
- Greaves of Solitude
- Gauntlets of Solitude
- 70,000 Runes
READ MORE: How to get Bloodfiend’s Arm in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
