One of the new bosses introduced in the Elden Ring Shadow of Erdtree expansion is the Blackgaol Knight. This giant spectral warrior is one of the first bosses you'll encounter in the Western Nameless Mausoleum.

Armed with both a crossbow and a sword, his combined attacks are dangerous for players. In this guide to the Blackgaol Knight, we'll help you prepare for your encounter with this boss.

Blackgaol Knight Location

To find the Blackgaol Knight, head to the Western Gravesite Mausoleum, located at the western edge of the Gravesite Plain. Starting from the Scorched Ruins site of grace, move directly west. On your way, you will encounter a field with strange, worm-like creatures.

They are harmless unless attacked, so avoid engaging them. Eventually, you will arrive at the mausoleum where the Blackgaol Knight awaits. This area is accessible right from the beginning of your journey in the Land of Shadow.

Blackgaol Knight Weakness

If you have already tried fighting the Blackgaol Knight, you might have noticed that he is resistant to all status ailments. He does not bleed, and is immune to decay, poison, or frost debuffs. Therefore, save your consumables and focus on direct attacks. His main vulnerability lies in the ability to interrupt his attacks with heavy weapon strikes.

Greatswords, hammers, colossal weapons, large katanas, and great axes are particularly effective. Each hit from these weapons can stagger the enemy’s attacks, giving you open moments to retreat and avoid his next strikes.

Weapon Recommendations

One of the best weapon choices for this battle is the Bloodhound’s Fang, thanks to its skill, Bloodhound’s Finesse. This move allows you to dash forward with invincibility frames, strike the knight, and then leap back out of reach of his blows. Proper use of this skill can allow your character to avoid dangerous enemy swings during the knight's horizontal or vertical slashes.

For mages, relying solely on spells against the Blackgaol Knight is not advisable. The boss moves quickly, making it difficult to target him with spells or incantations. Instead, consider using magical weapons.

The Darkmoon Greatsword, Onyx Lord’s Greatsword, Death’s Poker, and Royal Greatsword, which you can obtain from Blaidd’s quest, are excellent choices for intelligence-based builds. Faith-based builds can make use of the Golden Order Greatsword or Blasphemous Blade. Make sure your chosen weapon is upgraded to at least +6. If you need more Smithing Stones, find Bell Bearings for the Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold.

How to Beat Blackgaol Knight

The Blackgaol Knight has one phase and a consistent set of attacks throughout the fight. His most common combo is a vertical strike followed by a horizontal sweep. Dodge to the side to avoid the first, and backward for the second.

If your character is fast enough, you can roll forward and strike him from behind. Although he won’t remain stunned for long, a successful hit can give you enough time to retreat before his next move.

Occasionally, the knight will perform a jump attack. Dodge it and counterattack while he recovers. If you’re too far away, he will switch to his crossbow, shooting one bolt followed by a volley. He can also use explosive fire bolts, so stay alert and avoid the incoming projectiles. He will constantly aim at you, but you can run sideways to dodge these shots. If you are close enough, you can interrupt his crossbow attacks with strikes.

Blackgaol Knight's most dangerous move is his weapon's unique skill. He raises his sword, emitting a vertical arc of moonlight, followed by a powerful horizontal slash. Dodge to the side to avoid the moonlight beam, and again forward or to the side to dodge the subsequent slash. By maintaining a medium distance, you can avoid this combo while staying close enough to attack when he finishes his move.

General Tips for the Blackgaol Knight Fight

When the Blackgaol Knight uses his crossbow, he becomes vulnerable during the shooting and reloading animations. You can take advantage of this by staying at a distance, causing him to draw his crossbow, then run up to him and attack. Also, beware of his Blasphemous Blade-like weapon that sends out a destructive wave followed by a charged slash. Dodge both attacks to avoid significant damage.

Melee Strategies

Your key strategy for those using a traditional melee build will be "hit-and-run." This approach is the safest, but be careful not to create too much distance, as the knight may use his crossbow barrage if you stray too far. A shield can block most strikes, but it’s still better to dodge heavy enemy combos. A high poise rating is crucial if you use heavy weapons. Although you rarely stun the knight, he mustn’t stun you during your attacks.

Alternatively, a counterattack strategy while blocking can be effective if you have enough poise and your weapon has good staggering potential. Use a shield with 100% physical block and counterattack each time his strike bounces off your shield. Manage your stamina wisely and use the Curved Sword talisman to increase counterattack damage.

Breaking Blackgaol Knight balance is challenging due to his high resistance, but skills like Blasphemous Blade or similar abilities can knock him down. Ashes of War like Giant Hunt and Lion’s Claw are also effective.

Ranged Strategies

Mages will face difficulties in this fight due to Blackgaol Knight aggressiveness and ability to dodge spells. It’s best to use spells with short casting times. The primary strategy involves spamming the Maliketh’s Black Blade spell. It grants super armor and balance during the casting animation, allowing you to withstand enemy attacks. Combine it with heavy armor and the Godfrey Icon talisman to increase spell damage.

The second part of Maliketh’s Black Blade can stagger the knight, and its maximum health reduction prevents the knight from restoring a significant amount of health after using a flask at 50% HP. Enhance spell damage with the Fire Scorpion Charm and Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear in your Wondrous Physick flask.

Due to the knight’s small hitbox and quick reaction, it’s better to use spells like Magic Glintblade and Night Shard, which have short casting times. Avoid using AoE spells like Black Flame Ritual and Meteorite, as they make you vulnerable. Quick spells such as Lightning Bolt and Black Flame are better suited.

Victory and Rewards

Once you reduce the Blackgaol Knight’s health to about half, he will drink from a Flask of Crimson Tears, restoring some HP. His attack pattern will remain the same, so continue your strategy until you defeat him. After victory, you will receive the Greatsword of Solitude, which has the same moonlight arc skill as the knight’s, as well as his armor set.

This is heavy gear if you have enough attribute points to wear it. With these tips and strategies, you will be well-prepared to face the Blackgaol Knight and achieve victory in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in Elden Ring.