In the shadowy depths of Elden Ring, players face the Cemetery Shade, a formidable optional boss lurking within the eerie confines of the Black Knife Catacombs. This encounter is not just a battle against a mere specter; it’s a test of strategy and skill as the Shade employs swift teleportation and relentless melee attacks, all while accompanied by relentless skeletons. With its ability to immobilize foes and unleash devastating combos, defeating the Cemetery Shade demands both precision and patience. Equip yourself with knowledge and tactics to conquer this dark adversary and emerge victorious from the grave.
This boss can be encountered both in Black Knife Catacombs in Limgrave, and in Tombsward Catacombs on Weeping Peninsula. This is an optional boss that isn’t required to beat the game.
Reward for defeating
Defeating the Cemetery Shade rewards players with Twinsage Sorcerer Ashes, which allows them to summon a powerful ally during battles. Additionally, players earn 3,500 runes and Deathroot, enhancing their resources for future challenges. This optional boss fight, located in the Black Knife Catacombs, not only tests players’ combat skills but also provides valuable rewards that can aid in further exploration and encounters within the world of Elden Ring.
The Cemetery Shade drops the Lhutel the Headless ashes. Thanks to this, you will be able to summon a powerful knight. Summoning costs 106 FP.
General tips
To effectively tackle the Cemetery Shade in Elden Ring, consider these general tips to enhance your chances of victory. Preparation is key: stock up on healing items and equip gear that offers high resistance to bleeding, as the Shade’s attacks can inflict this status quickly. Summoning Spirit Ashes can significantly shift the battle in your favor by distracting the boss and allowing you to focus on dealing damage. Prioritize eliminating the accompanying skeletons before engaging the Shade directly; this will simplify the fight and reduce chaos. Throughout the battle, maintain mobility to avoid its swift teleportation attacks and be ready to dodge its immobilizing green projectile. Lastly, timing your counterattacks after its combos can maximize damage while minimizing risk.
- The boss is very fast and can teleport from far away. Cemetery Shade is the most dangerous at close distance.
- The boss can attack in quick succession. The attacks don’t do much damage, but they do inflict bleeding very quickly. It is worth using the equipment that protects against bleeding.
- The boss can stop you with his web. Watch out for this attack. Dodge to the side when you see the boss shooting out a web.
- Equpping a strong shield can make the battle easier. as a strong counter after parrying a hit will allow you to hit the opponent, however sometimes dodging is the way to go.
- Cemetery Shade is invlnerable to any kind of negative status – you cannot apply poison, bleed, frostbite, scarlet rot or sleep.
- However, the boss doesn’t like holy damage . As a result, use items and weapons that add holy damage.
- You can make the fight easier by using ashes or summoning an ally. When it comes to spirit ashes, try to find one that summon wolves. Your ally will help distract the opponent.
Mage build – how to fight?
To effectively combat the Cemetery Shade in Elden Ring, a Mage build can leverage its strengths in ranged magic and versatility. Focus on utilizing powerful spells like Rock Sling or Meteorite of Astel, which deal significant damage and can stagger the enemy, allowing for safer engagements. It’s also crucial to maintain distance to avoid the Shade’s melee attacks while keeping your FP replenished for continuous spellcasting. Summoning spirits can provide additional distractions, giving you the opportunity to unleash devastating spells without taking direct hits. Remember, timing your attacks and dodging effectively will be key to overcoming this challenging foe.
When you enter the arena, use the ashes to summon reinforcements – it can be wolves, skeletons or demi-humans. Every one of these spirits will be helpful.
It’s a good idea to let the summoned reinforcements attack first. While the boss is dealing with them, start attacking him with spells from a safe distance. However, be careful, as after taking damage, he can very quickly appear right in front of you.
Sometimes, when the distance is quite big, the boss will start to form a green cocoon on its head. After a while, it will fire a projectile that will paralyze you. If it hits you, the boss will come over and grab you, dealing a lot of damage. When the cocoon grows to its maximum size, dodge to the side. Moreover, to increase the chances of dodging, move far away from the boss before he shoots the projectile – this will make dodging easier.
Cast spells whenever you can. Cemetery Shade’s weakness is its low health pool. The sooner you deal him damage, the better. Heal yourself only when the boss is far away from you or when he is busy with your summons.
Melee build – how to fight?
To effectively engage the Cemetery Shade as a melee fighter, begin by eliminating the accompanying skeletons to simplify the battle. These skeletons can quickly overwhelm you, especially since they attack in tandem with the boss. Once the skeletons are dealt with, focus on maintaining a medium distance from the Cemetery Shade, as it frequently teleports and can unleash rapid multi-hit combos. Utilize a shield with 100% physical resistance to block its attacks, and be prepared to counterattack after successfully defending against its strikes. Timing is crucial; wait for the Shade to finish its combos before retaliating. Additionally, keep an eye out for its green projectile attack, which can immobilize you if hit—dodge this by moving away or using cover. With its low health pool, aggressive but calculated strikes can lead to a swift victory.
After you enter the arena, you have a moment to use items or ashes that will help you in battle. Consider increasing bleed resistance, as each enemy attack applies this status.
The enemy teleports before nearly every attack, which may seem confusing at first. Especially that sometimes it is done to mislead you and attack at a different time. It pays off to have the shield raised at any time and counter after each successful block.
The opponent has access to various attacks. Sometimes, he will attack once (after which he’ll teleport again) or peform a combo. If a combo is taking place, it is best to perform a dodge to save stamina. In this case, skip the counter, as you may risk taking severe damage because of the induced bleed. If you’re dealing with severe bleeding, use Stanching Boluses.
When the opponent raises both his weapons, it means that he is about to perform a quick combo. It is better to dodge in that case, as even a shield won’t protect you from bleeding status. Try to roll towards him to get behind the opponent’s back. You can attack him once behind.
The fight consists of one phase – the enemy doesn’t receive new attacks after half of his health bar is depleted. Also, watch out for an attack where the enemy creates a web – you can recognize it by a green “orb” that the boss will start to conjure. If the web hits you, you’ll be immobilized for a moment, during which the enemy will attack you a few times.
What are the best weapons to use against Cemetery Shade
When facing the Cemetery Shade in Elden Ring, selecting the right weapons can significantly enhance your chances of victory. Here are the best weapon options and strategies tailored for this challenging encounter:
Best Weapons Against Cemetery Shade
Melee Weapons
- Weapons with High Physical Damage: Since the Cemetery Shade has low health, using weapons that deal substantial physical damage can quickly whittle down its HP. Fast-hitting swords or daggers are ideal for landing multiple hits during openings.
- Shields with 100% Physical Resistance: Equip a strong shield to block the Shade’s fast melee attacks. This will allow you to guard counter effectively, dealing damage while maintaining your defense.
Ranged Weapons
- Swift Glintstone Shard: This spell is effective due to its quick casting time, allowing you to hit the Shade before it teleports away. It’s particularly useful for mages who need to maintain distance while dealing damage.
- Greatbows: Using a Greatbow can be advantageous as it knocks down the Cemetery Shade if you time your shots right after it teleports, giving you a chance to follow up with additional attacks.
Spirit Ashes
- Summon Allies: Utilizing Spirit Ashes like the Lone Wolf Ashes or Skeletal Soldiers can distract the Cemetery Shade and its accompanying skeletons, allowing you to focus on dealing damage without being overwhelmed.
Additional Tips
- Avoid Bleed Damage: The Cemetery Shade’s attacks can quickly build up bleed status, so consider using weapons or items that mitigate this effect, such as Stanching Boluses.
- Holy Damage Weapons: Although not directly mentioned in the search results, weapons that deal holy damage can be effective since the Cemetery Shade is weak against such attacks.
By carefully selecting your weaponry and employing strategic tactics, you can overcome the Cemetery Shade and claim your rewards in this thrilling boss encounter.
What are the best weapons for a melee build against Cemetery Shade
When preparing to face the Cemetery Shade in Elden Ring with a melee build, choosing the right weapons is crucial for maximizing damage output and survivability. Here are the best weapon options tailored for this encounter:
Best Weapons for Melee Build Against Cemetery Shade
1. Blasphemous Blade
- Type: Greatsword
- Strengths: This weapon not only deals significant damage but also has a powerful Ash of War that can heal you on kills, making it ideal for sustaining through the fight. Its high stagger potential allows you to break the Cemetery Shade’s stance easily.
2. Greatsword of Solitude
- Type: Colossal Sword
- Strengths: Known for its impressive damage output and hyperarmor, this weapon can withstand hits while delivering heavy blows. Its moveset is effective for staggering enemies, making it a solid choice against the fast-moving Cemetery Shade.
3. Colossal Weapons (e.g., Great Axe)
- Type: Colossal
- Strengths: While they have slower attack speeds, their high damage and stagger potential can be advantageous. However, ensure you have enough poise to withstand the Shade’s rapid attacks.
4. Spear (e.g., Partisan or Naginata)
- Type: Spear
- Strengths: Spears offer excellent range and quick thrusting attacks, allowing you to poke at the Cemetery Shade while keeping a safe distance. They can also be infused with bleed for additional damage over time.
5. Dual Wielding Weapons (e.g., Twinblades)
- Type: Twinblades
- Strengths: Dual-wielding allows for rapid attacks that can quickly deplete the Cemetery Shade’s low health pool. Look for weapons with good scaling and Ashes of War that enhance your damage output.
Additional Recommendations
- Shields: Equip a shield with 100% physical damage negation to block attacks effectively and perform guard counters after successful blocks. This is crucial as the Cemetery Shade inflicts bleed damage even through shields.
- Ashes of War: Consider using Ashes of War that enhance your weapon’s effectiveness against the Shade or provide additional effects like healing or increased damage.
By leveraging these weapons and strategies, you can effectively tackle the Cemetery Shade and emerge victorious from this challenging encounter.
