How to Defeat Putrescent Knight in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

“The much-anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring has finally been released, introducing a host of new challenges for our characters to face.”

The Putrescent Knight in Shadow of the Erdtree is a formidable enemy, possessing a diverse range of attacks. Along with the help of his warhorse, there are many elements to monitor and only limited opportunities for successful damage.

Although it is not necessary for progression, facing the Putrescent Knight as an optional boss adds an element of challenge to the game. Defeating this boss also rewards the player with the Remembrance of Putrescence, which can be presented to Enia in Roundtable Hold to unlock the powerful Vortex of Putrescence sorcery or the formidable Putrescence Cleaver.

Continue reading for a complete guide on locating and defeating the Putrescent Knight.

Putrescent Knight location

Out of all the boss battles featured in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, reaching the Putrescent Knight may prove to be the most challenging. Simply make your way to the Fissure Depths Site of Grace and proceed up the stairs. Once you reach the top, leap off the bull’s head statue and you will easily spot the Knight riding on his horse.

A Dexerto map pin location detailing where the Putrescent Knight is found
dexerto/FromSoftware

The Putrescent Knight’s location on the map

To reach the Fissure Depths, begin at the Cerulean Coast located in the South of the map. Proceed West and continue along the coast until you reach The Fissure Site of Grace. Once there, enter the large hole in the ground and the Stone Coffin Fissure Site of Grace should be easily accessible.

After that, all you need to do is continue heading East until you reach the previously mentioned Fissure Depths. Proceed forward, jump into the abyss once more, and prepare to confront your next enemy.

Strategies for Defeating Putrescent Knight

Prior to tackling the night, it is crucial to understand the boss’ connection with Frostbite. Not only does it possess significant resistance to this type of damage, it also inflicts Frostbite upon being struck by certain attacks. Therefore, having appropriate resistances and utilizing various outgoing damage types are essential for triumphing in this encounter.

When the boss spots you, its first move will be to ride across the arena on its horse. As soon as you touch down, summon any help you have ready to aid in the battle (Mimic Tear is always a reliable choice.) Then, quickly dodge the boss’s initial attack.

The fight begins against the Putrescent Knight
dexerto/FromSoftware

Watch out for his ranged attack

To address the more timid efforts first, the primary regular attack of the Putrescent Knight involves throwing his weapon. Although it can be easily dodged, the animation is quick, so remain alert for the brief wind-up.

Furthermore, it will continue to charge and attack with its sharp blades, just as it did at the beginning of the battle. Evading is the simplest course of action, although it is also feasible to block its attacks. However, blocking allows for the opportunity to counter and inflict damage simultaneously, making it the more advantageous choice.

The main concern is a combination of two moves that can swiftly end the battle if you are caught off guard. The Knight will first dismount from his horse and then strike the ground with his weapon. While this can be evaded by rolling away, it happens quickly and inflicts significant damage, so it’s important to stay alert.

The player strafes to the side to attack the Putrescent Knight
dexerto/FromSoftware

Strafe to the side to get attacks in

The Knight will then perform a strange spinning charge on foot while his mount charges at you twice. These attacks can be avoided by blocking or dodging, but it is recommended to stay far away rather than attempting to counterattack.

The conclusion of this two-part combination attack presents the best opportunity to land powerful hits and also allows for a chance to heal if necessary.

Putrescent Knight phase 2

The upcoming stage of the battle will prove to be challenging. Once the Putrescent Knight’s health drops below 60%, it will start to float in anticipation of its blue flame assault. This attack consists of three pulsating waves of fire that cause considerable harm and induce Frostbite buildup.

If you have a good grasp of the pulse rhythm, you can roll forward when the shockwave approaches. This will enable you to evade its impact. Another, more secure option is to roll towards the edge of the arena, as far away as you can. By doing this, you will avoid the area of effect and protect yourself from Frostbite.

The Putrescent Knight rises on slime
dexerto/FromSoftware

Watch out for his extended cast as he rises out of the slime

Once the cast is finished, the Putrescent Knight will resume his regular rotation with one small change. Occasionally, he will unleash another wave of flames that you will have to roll over in order to avoid, as you won’t have enough time to move out of range.

Take your time dealing damage from there, being careful not to get too greedy and attacking only when the boss is vulnerable after heavy attacks or long casts. This is all the information you need to successfully defeat the Putrescent Knight in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring.

In addition, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all the new boss locations for your convenience.

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