In the shadowy depths of Elden Ring’s Sage’s Cave, players face one of their most elusive foes: the Black Knife Assassin. This formidable boss, shrouded in invisibility, strikes with deadly precision, leaving many Tarnished bewildered and vulnerable. To conquer this stealthy adversary, adventurers must employ clever strategies and keen observation skills. Whether using the illuminating Sentry’s Torch to reveal its presence or summoning Spirit Ashes to track its movements, mastering the art of detection is key to overcoming this challenge. Prepare for a battle where every splash in the water could signal your opponent’s next deadly strike.
The easiest way to get to the boss is to leave the Warmaster’s Shack and head north into a small forest, then turn east along the destroyed bridge. The Deathtouched Catacombs are located near the place that requires you to jump down. You will find the boss room at the end of this optional dungeon.
Reward for defeating
Defeating the Black Knife Assassin in Elden Ring offers players valuable rewards that enhance their gameplay experience. Upon vanquishing this elusive foe, players will receive the Concealing Veil, a unique talisman that grants increased stealth, allowing for more strategic approaches in future encounters. Additionally, players can earn a significant amount of runes, which are essential for leveling up and purchasing items throughout the game. This combination of rewards not only aids in character progression but also encourages players to confront this challenging boss, making the victory all the more satisfying.
For defeating the Black knife assassin, you will receive 1,600 runes and Assassin’s Crimson Dagger.
General tips
To effectively confront the Black Knife Assassin in Elden Ring, players should adopt a strategic approach that emphasizes agility and timing. First, consider utilizing Spirit Ashes, such as the Lone Wolf Ashes, to distract the assassin and create openings for attacks. The assassin is known for its high agility and swift attack patterns, making it crucial to dodge rather than rely solely on blocking. Focus on countering after the assassin’s jump attacks, as this is when you have the best chance to land hits. Additionally, aim for quick, successive strikes to stagger the boss, allowing for critical hits when vulnerable. Always be aware of your surroundings and maintain a mobile stance to avoid being caught off guard by the assassin’s rapid movements.
- You can use ghosts to distract the enemy. Lone Wolf Ashes are especially useful, as they can distract him.
- The Black knife assassin has a low stance value, so it’s easy to put him into stunned status. You can then launch a critical attack.
- The Black knife assassin starts the fight with incomplete health. Meaning you are in a more favorable position.
- This boss recovers health after performing a critical attack.
Melee build – how to fight?
To effectively fight the Black Knife Assassin in Elden Ring, players should adopt a melee build that emphasizes agility and precision. Utilizing quick, well-timed attacks is crucial, as the assassin is known for its speed and evasiveness. Players should focus on staying mobile, using dodges to avoid the assassin’s deadly backstab and lunging attacks. Observing environmental cues, such as ripples in the water caused by the assassin’s movements, can help pinpoint its location during the fight. Additionally, employing Spirit Ashes can provide distraction and allow for more opportunities to strike. Finally, utilizing weapons with high damage output and fast attack animations will increase the chances of landing hits while minimizing exposure to counterattacks.
The Black knife assassin is a very agile opponent. After attacking, he will immediately jump back to avoid your attack. Therefore, you shouldn’t rely too much on defending with the shield. It’s better to focus on dodging and rolling. You will have more time to hit the enemy when he misses.
Black knife assassin attacks with a dagger. He doesn’t have many attacks. In addition to single swings, he can also perform a quick stab. After avoiding it, you have the best chance to hit the boss. Don’t attack blindly, because the opponent uses dodges very often. Perform a rolling attack to make the enemy miss and be hit by you.
Using the Lone Wolf Ashes make the fight much easier. The summoned wolves will distract the boss and let you go on the offensive. It is very easy to make the Black knife assassin lose his posture, i.e. lead to a situation where he kneels and is exposed to a critical attack. Simply hit him a few times quickly.
What are the best strategies to use against the Black Knife Assassin
To effectively defeat the Black Knife Assassin in Elden Ring, players can utilize a combination of strategic approaches tailored to their play style. Here are the best strategies:
General Strategies
- Summon Spirit Ashes: Using Spirit Ashes, particularly the Lone Wolf Ashes, can significantly distract the assassin, allowing you to land attacks while it focuses on the summoned allies. This tactic is especially useful for melee and magic users alike.
- Observe Movement: For the variant that is invisible, watch for disturbances in the environment, such as splashes on water, to anticipate the assassin’s location and movements. Staying centered in the arena can help maintain awareness.
Melee Strategies
- Two-Handed Weapon Attacks: For melee fighters, wielding your weapon with both hands and focusing on quick stabbing attacks can maximize damage. The assassin can be staggered easily, allowing for critical hits during recovery periods after its attacks.
- Dodge and Counter: Instead of blocking, prioritize dodging its attacks to create openings. The best opportunities to strike occur after the assassin performs a jump attack or a lunging stab; these moments leave it vulnerable.
- Avoid Overcommitting: Do not chase the assassin after an attack; instead, let it come to you. Striking after it misses will yield better results than trying to hit during its swift movements.
Ranged/Magic Strategies
- Use Tracking Spells: Magic users should consider spells like Magic Glintblade, which can track the assassin even as it tries to dodge. This allows you to maintain pressure while keeping your distance.
- Bait Attacks: Create distance and bait out the assassin’s lunging or jump attacks. Once it commits, you can retaliate safely with ranged attacks or spells while avoiding its strikes.
Summary of Key Attacks to Watch For
- Lunging Stab: Can be blocked or countered if timed correctly.
- Jump Attack (Helmsplitter): Roll away as it descends, then capitalize on its recovery.
- Blade-Dragging Sweep: Back away when it plunges its dagger into the ground; this attack is often followed by a sweeping motion that can be dodged.
By employing these strategies, players can effectively navigate the challenges presented by the Black Knife Assassin and emerge victorious in this intense encounter.
What are the best weapons to use against the Black Knife Assassin
To effectively combat the Black Knife Assassin in Elden Ring, selecting the right weapons can significantly enhance your chances of victory. Here are the best weapon choices and their advantages:
Recommended Weapons
| Weapon | Type | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Black Knife | Dagger | Deals both physical and holy damage, effective for quick strikes and combos. |
| Erdsteel Dagger | Dagger | Fast attack speed, allowing for rapid hits; can be infused with different affinities (e.g., fire). |
| Uchigatana | Katana | High damage output with bleed buildup potential, effective for quick slashes. |
| Greatsword | Greatsword | Offers high damage and stagger potential, useful for interrupting the assassin’s attacks. |
| Rivers of Blood | Katana | Excellent for bleed damage, which can be particularly effective against agile enemies. |
Additional Considerations
- Weapon Level: It is recommended to have your weapons upgraded to at least +13 to +16 for standard weapons or +5 to +6 for somber weapons to maximize effectiveness against the assassin .
- Dual Wielding: Using dual daggers, such as two Erdsteel Daggers, can increase your attack speed and damage output, allowing you to capitalize on openings during the fight .
- Magic Options: If you prefer a ranged approach, consider using spells like Magic Glintblade, which can track the assassin even while it attempts to dodge .
Combat Strategy
- Focus on quick, successive strikes rather than heavy attacks to maintain agility and avoid the assassin’s swift counterattacks.
- Utilize weapons with stagger potential to interrupt the assassin’s animations, especially after its jump attacks or lunges .
By equipping the right weapons and employing effective strategies, players can turn the tide against the elusive Black Knife Assassin in Elden Ring.
