Conquering the Putrescent Knight: A Comprehensive Elden Ring Boss Battle Guide

In the deep, shadowy world of Elden Ring's "Shadow of the Erdtree" DLC, players encounter formidable enemies that test their skills and resolve. One such adversary is the Putrescent Knight, an optional legend boss lurking in the depths of the Stone Coffin Fissure. This comprehensive guide bestows upon you the necessary preparation and strategies to conquer the skeletal combatant of decay and unravel the clandestine revelations that lie in await at the endpoint of your perilous adventure.

How to Prepare for the Putrescent Knight Boss Fight

Putrescent Knight waits at the end of the vast underground Stone Coffin Fissure, located south of Cerulean Coast. To reach the Site of Grace named 'Fissure Depths,' you must jump off the edge of a high cliff, plunging deep into the cavernous dungeon. However, the path to Stone Coffin Fissure remains sealed until you break Miquella's Great Rune during the main storyline of "Shadow of the Erdtree." Therefore, before contending with this intimidating boss, you must progress in the game. Given the high damage dealt by the Putrescent Knight, it's advisable to upgrade your Scadutree Fragment blessings. Equip armor with robust defense and a shield offering 100% physical block, and ensure your endurance stats allow for these items without overburdening your build. As the boss employs frost attacks, gear-enhancing frost resistance is also essential. Summoning Thiollier as a cooperator and utilizing Spirit Ashes can alleviate some pressure during the fight. Considering you must contend with the knight and his undead horse, summoning assistance is a strategic decision.

Putrescent Knight's Combat Strategy

Upon taking a deep plunge into the Fissure Depths, Putrescent Knight will emerge on its undead mount. The boss approaches from a distance, giving you time to buff yourself with a Flask of Wondrous Physick or summon a spirit ash. Armed with a large, skeletal, curved blade, the Putrescent Knight can execute devastating attacks. It swings the blade down with a double-handed grip and uses it one-handed for combo swings. These attacks inflict physical damage and can be blocked with a 100% physical block shield and ample stamina. However, unlike other mounted bosses, Putrescent Knight can dismount. After initial attacks, it will leap into the air and perform a dive attack, continuing its assault on the ground with double-handed charging spin attacks, complicating the battle.

The Horse's Role and Defensive Play

Despite its decaying hind legs, the steed is swift and can knock you down while you manage the knight’s attacks. Hence, summoning a Spirit Ash helps create breathing room. Focus your attacks on the knight since the horse doesn’t take damage. After charging, the horse submerges into the ground and reappears beneath the knight to remount or attack again. Defensive play is crucial due to the high damage caused by its attacks. Block attacks with your shield and dodge the horse’s charges. Engage in powerful attacks during the knight's recovery periods. Maintain distance as Putrescent Knight can hurl its curved blade like a boomerang.

The Sludge Barrage

When the horse's hind legs elevate the knight, prepare for a deadly barrage of sludge projectiles that burst into blue flames, dealing significant frost damage. These projectiles are challenging to dodge and cause substantial damage even when blocking. However, a single wave shouldn’t inflict frostbite. An alternative attack involves the knight spreading sludge in an AOE that ignites into frost flames. Keep a defensive stance, using openings to either attack or heal after sustaining heavy damage, but avoid healing during the boss’s combos or consecutive attack waves.

Exploit Weaknesses

Putrescent Knight is susceptible to bleed damage and can be staggered. Leverage these weaknesses to land more hits, particularly with a spirit ash companion. This strategy can expedite the demise of this challenging boss.

Putrescent Knight Rewards

Defeating the Putrescent Knight and its horse rewards you with 220,000 Runes and Remembrance of Putrescence. You can consume the Remembrance for more runes or exchange it with Finger Reader Enia at the Roundtable Hold for new items. This victory grants access to the hidden garden, home to St. Trina, which is vital for progressing Thiollier’s quest line. Will you dare to imbibe the nectar? Move forward to face the next formidable foe: Death Rite Bird in Charo's Hidden Grave. Need more help? Refer to our comprehensive list of Shadow of The Erdtree bosses and tips and tricks to conquer them.