The Elden Ring DLC has introduced a wealth of new content for players to explore, and one of the Elden Ring Runes standout challenges is the formidable Blackgaol Knight boss. Hidden within the eerie confines of the western nameless mausoleum, this boss presents a daunting yet rewarding challenge for adventurers willing to test their skills. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, this guide will help you navigate the treacherous terrain, locate the Blackgaol Knight, and prepare for an intense battle.

Finding the Western Nameless Mausoleum

Route 1: Northwest Path

To locate the Blackgaol Knight, start at the northwest area of your spawn point in the DLC. This region is marked by an unsettling atmosphere, filled with ominous tomb birds and scattered tombstones. The desolate environment sets the stage for the trials ahead, hinting at the dangers lurking within. Keep an eye out for landmarks such as broken statues and ancient ruins that serve as subtle indicators of the mausoleum’s location.

Route 2: Southwestern Approach

Alternatively, you can approach the mausoleum from the southwest. Begin at the three-way crossroads and head towards the tunnel near the tower settlement of Beirulat. Though this route is less obvious, it provides a unique pathway to the mausoleum. Here, utilizing your Riptide ability will significantly enhance your movement speed, allowing you to traverse the terrain more efficiently.

Regardless of which route you take, be prepared to encounter hostile enemies along the way. Be strategic with your engagements and conserve your resources for the upcoming battle.

Navigating to the Arena

Once you've reached the westernmost entrance of the nameless mausoleum, prepare for the next phase of your journey. The entrance is nestled among steep cliffs, making it easy to overlook. Be vigilant as you approach, ensuring you don’t miss the opening.

Upon entering, you will encounter a staircase leading downward. Follow this staircase to the bottom, where a massive door awaits. Behind this door lies the arena where the Blackgaol Knight is ready to engage in combat. Take a deep breath, ensure your equipment is optimized, and step forward into battle.

The Blackgaol Knight Battle

Understanding the Enemy

The Blackgaol Knight is a relentless and aggressive boss, known for his rapid attacks and formidable strength. His combat style is a mix of swift swordplay and unpredictable movements, making him a challenging opponent. Expect him to use a combination of powerful slashes, lunging attacks, and counters that punish reckless aggression.

Preparation Tips

Before facing the Blackgaol Knight, proper preparation is crucial. Here are some key steps to ensure you're ready for the battle:

Upgrade Your Gear

Enhance both your weapons and armor to maximize survivability and damage output.

Ensure your weapon of choice is upgraded to its highest possible level to deal optimal damage.

Equip armor that balances defense and mobility to withstand the Blackgaol Knight’s aggressive attacks.

Study Attack Patterns

The Blackgaol Knight has distinct attack patterns that can be learned with practice.

Spend the first few attempts observing his movements and timing your dodges accordingly.

Identify his attack wind-ups to anticipate and counter effectively.

Utilize Buffs and Consumables

Use buffs that enhance your attack power, stamina recovery, or resistances.

Stock up on healing items, such as Flask of Crimson Tears, to sustain yourself during the battle.

Employ status-inflicting items like poison or bleed to chip away at the Knight’s health over time.

Summon Allies

If you’re struggling, summon NPC allies or other players to aid in the fight.

Having allies can provide distractions, allowing you to land crucial hits while the boss is occupied.

Stay Mobile and Defensive

The Blackgaol Knight is quick and unrelenting; staying mobile is essential to avoid taking excessive damage.

Utilize rolling and sidesteps to evade incoming attacks.

Create openings by waiting for the boss to finish a combo before retaliating.

The Battle Strategy

Phase 1: The Duel Begins

The battle begins with the Blackgaol Knight rushing toward you with aggressive strikes.

Use light attacks to test his defenses while carefully avoiding his heavy swings.

Maintain a mid-range distance, allowing you to react quickly to his movements.

Phase 2: Increased Aggression

Once his health drops below 50%, the Blackgaol Knight becomes even more aggressive.

Expect faster attack combos, as well as new abilities such as ground slams that create shockwaves.

Remain patient and strike only when an opening presents itself.

Phase 3: Final Assault

In the final phase, the Blackgaol Knight enters a berserk state, dealing increased damage.

Avoid his desperate final attacks, which have a larger hitbox and greater reach.

Stick to hit-and-run tactics to whittle down his remaining health.

What Happens If You Fail?

Failing to defeat the Blackgaol Knight will not reward any Elden Ring Runes. Additionally, you will not respawn at the original Grace Land; instead, you’ll reappear at the arena entrance, allowing you to retry the battle without losing significant progress.

This mechanic increases the stakes of the fight, emphasizing the importance of strategic gameplay and preparation. Keep refining your tactics with each attempt, and eventually, victory will be yours.

Rewards for Defeating the Blackgaol Knight

Upon successfully defeating the Blackgaol Knight, you will be rewarded with:

Knight’s Remnant Blade: A powerful weapon imbued with unique properties.

Echoes of the Blackgaol: A rare consumable used to enhance gear.

Elden Ring Runes: A significant amount to aid in leveling up.

Blackgaol Knight Armor Set: A stylish yet formidable armor set with high defense stats.

Conclusion

Finding and defeating the Blackgaol Knight in the Elden Ring DLC is a challenging yet rewarding experience. By locating the western nameless mausoleum and navigating to the arena, you set the stage for an epic confrontation. With proper preparation, strategic planning, and persistence, you will emerge victorious.

As you refine your skills and buy Elden Ring Items master the battle mechanics, the satisfaction of overcoming one of Elden Ring’s most formidable foes will be well worth the effort. So gear up, summon your courage, and step into the arena prepared to claim your victory!