Quick Links
The Death Knights are new optional bosses inElden Ring’s DLC,Shadow of the Erdtree, that present a daunting challenge for even the most experienced Tarnished. These death-corrupted warriors are loyal to their lord,Godwyn the Golden, even in his death. These knights are not to be taken lightly asthey wield the powers ofDragon Cult incantationsalong with their life-sapping grabs.
InShadow of the Erdtree,you can challenge two Death Knights, each offering a unique weapon for their defeat. The Death Knights are one of the coolest-looking enemies in the game. Many players would like to replicate their cool move set, and the following build honors that wish by allowing you to embody the relentless spirit of these dark knights in all their grim glory.
How To Get Death Knight Armor Set & Overview
TheDeath Knight Setcan be picked up from aDeath Knight corpse in the Darklight Catacombs. These catacombs can be reached by riding south from theCastle Watering Hole Site of Grace, and parkouring over the tombstones jutting out from the rocks.
The Death Knight Armor, with all of its pieces combined, provides moderate damage negation and a medium equipment load but offers a disappointing 47 poise. However,you can increase this poise to 63by equipping theBull-Goat’s Talisman.
How To Get Death Knight’s Twin Axes & Overview
The Death Knight’s Twin Axes can beobtained upon defeating the Death Knight at the end of the Fog Rift Catacombs. The Death Knight inhabiting this dungeon is among the weakest of the two you can find in the expansion. In addition to obtaining theDeath Knight’s Twin Axes, you’ll also receive theCrimson Amber Medallion +3for your efforts in taking down this formidable enemy. The Crimson Amber Medallion +3raises your maximum HP by 10%.
The Death Knight’s Twin Axes are dual-wielding axes, designed for players who specifically enjoypower-stancinginElden Ring. you’re able to upgrade these twin axes to +10 using Somber Smithing Stones and aSomber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. Listed below are the attributes required to wield the weapon effectively and its respective scaling:
14
12
16
C
How To Get Death Knight’s Longhaft Axe & Overview
TheDeath Knight’s Longhaft Axeis a Greataxe that is obtained upon defeating the second Death Knight at the end of theScorpion River Catacombs. This Death Knight has more HP than the one found in the Fog Rift Catacombs. In addition to the Longhaft Axe, you also acquire theCerulean Amber Medallion +3upon defeating this enemy. The Cerulean Amber Medallion +3increases your maximum FP by 12.5%.
The Death Knight’s Longhaft Axe scales primarily with strength and excels when two-handing the weapon. Just like Death Knight’s Twin Axe, you can also upgrade the Longhaft Axe to +10 using Somber Smithing Stones and a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. Listed below are the required attributes and scaling for this Greataxe:
23
10
18
D
Best Character Attribute Distribution For Death Knight Build
Since both Death Knight’s axes scale with strength and faith, it’s recommended to take advantage of this scaling and put together a build that also allows you to incorporate a few incantations into the mix. The following character attributes have been thoughtfully chosen to ensure that you may rely on both Death Knight axes and switch between them seamlessly. Moreover, the high investment in faith also offers you the ability to cast some of the powerful faith-based incantations:
This attribute distribution is designed for a character at level 190 and can be used as a reference by players at similar levels.
60
26
30
66
20
9
50
Arcane
8
You gain +50% strength buff when two-handing Death Knight’s Longhaft Axe, which further boosts its physical damage.
Best Talismans For Death Knight Build
InElden Ring, talismans play a major role in tailoring a build to your specific playstyle. Talismans provide unique buffs that allow you todeal additional damage, boost poise, and even negate physical damage. The following talismans are carefully chosen to support the Death Knight build and compensate for the lack of poise when donning the Death Knight set:
Best Buffs, Spells & Consumables For Death Knight Build
If you wish to take this Death Knight build to the next level, you’re able to consider incorporating certain spells and consumables thatincrease your overall damage while negating damage to yourself. The game offers a variety of support spells that bestow certain buffs upon the Tarnished. The following three incantations are excellent choices if your primary priority is to deal as much damage as possible and engage enemies at range:
You can stack Golden Vow and Flame, Grant Me Strength to dish out massive damage numbers!
In addition to these three spells, you could also consider incorporating theWondrous Flask of Physickinto this setup tofine-tune your build further and boost your weapons' elemental damage. The Lightning-Shrouding Cracked Tear and Stonebarb Cracked Tear are excellent choices to stance-break enemies quicker and complement the lightning Ash of War on both axes:
Death Knight Build Playstyle Recommendation
This Death Knight build is designed to fully harness the power of both Death Knight axes without being limited by your character’s stats. At 30 Endurance,you can comfortably wear the full Death Knight set and equip both Death Knight axeswhile still remaining at medium equipment load. In fact, this setup even allows you to carry a torch, an additional dagger, or a parrying small shield without being weighed down.
The flexibility of this build allows you toseamlessly switch between the Longhaft Axe and Twin Axes depending on the situation. The Twin Axes aregreat for quick strikes and power-stancing that can overwhelm enemies,while the Longhaft Axeexcels at stance-breaking and for its powerful Blinkbolt Ash of War.
Since you cannot remove the Ash of War on either of two axes, you could consider theBlack Steel Twinbladeas an alternative. This twinbladecan be found inShadow of the Erdtree, and it deals innate holy damage and can be infused with a variety of Ashes of War.
