Facing Bols, the Carian Knight in Elden Ring is a daunting challenge that tests both skill and strategy. Nestled within the confines of Cuckoo’s Evergaol, this colossal foe wields devastating melee attacks and a powerful magical ability known as Greatblade Phalanx. To emerge victorious, players must master the art of dodging his formidable strikes while exploiting his size to evade damage. With precise timing and clever positioning, you can turn the tide of battle, claim your reward of 4,600 Runes, and unlock the spell that could enhance your arsenal. Prepare for an epic showdown where every move counts!
Reward for defeating
Defeating Bols, the Carian Knight rewards players with valuable items that enhance their gameplay experience. Upon his defeat, you will receive 4600 Runes, which can be used for leveling up or purchasing items, along with the powerful spell Greatblade Phalanx. This spell allows players to summon a protective barrier of blades, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities in future encounters. The combination of Runes and the spell makes this battle a worthwhile challenge for any adventurer in Elden Ring.
For defeating Bols, the Carian Knight, you will receive a spell, the Greatblade Phalanx and 4600 Runes.
General tips
To successfully defeat Bols, the Carian Knight in Elden Ring, players should adopt a strategic approach that emphasizes patience and adaptability. General tips include:
- Study Attack Patterns: Take time to observe Bols’ attack patterns and timing. Understanding when to dodge or block is crucial for avoiding damage.
- Utilize Summons: Consider summoning NPC allies or other players to help divert Bols’ attention, making it easier to land hits.
- Manage Resources: Keep an eye on your health and magic resources. Use healing items wisely and ensure you have enough FP for spells or special abilities.
- Choose the Right Equipment: Equip weapons and armor that suit your playstyle and provide adequate protection against magic attacks, as Bols uses sorcery.
- Stay Mobile: Constantly move around the arena to avoid being cornered and to create opportunities for counterattacks.
By combining these strategies, players can increase their chances of overcoming this formidable foe.
- Bols moveset is very similar to the one of giants you may have met on your way earlier in your journey. He often uses roars, stomps and sword attacks .
- The way to go here is to take advantage of his large size , as Bols is a huge enemy and many of his attacks may miss you if you stand close enough to him.
- The same goes for getting underneath his feet to avoid attacks. This which make him busy with turning towards you.
- His attacks create shockwaves that can hit you, even if you think you are safe. It is a good idea to dodge, even if you think you will not be hit, to avoid the shockwave.
- His roar does not work when you are behind him . Therefore, it is recommended to fight at close range.
How to defeat?
To defeat Bols, the Carian Knight, players should adopt a strategic approach that capitalizes on his size and attack patterns. Begin by positioning yourself near the outskirts of the arena to avoid his more devastating attacks. Staying close to his feet can help you dodge most of his linear strikes, as many of them will miss when you’re underneath him. Pay attention to his jumping sword slam, which creates a significant shockwave; dodging just before he lands is crucial. Utilize ranged attacks when he is recovering from his melee strikes, and be prepared to roll between his legs to evade damage. Lastly, exploit his vulnerability to bleed and poison damage by equipping appropriate weapons or items to maximize your effectiveness in battle.
As you enter the evergaol, move to the outskirts of the arena to begin the battle. In case of both melee and magic builds, stay close to the boss’s feet to easily get behind him.
Most of his attacks are linear , they mainly hit what’s in front of the boss. Therefore, by clinging to its legs, you will avoid most attacks. However, keep in mind that some of them create a shockwave that will hit you if you do not dodge.
One of his most dangerous attacks is jumping into the air and then attacking with a sword, creating a huge shockwave . Due to the small arena and the range of this attack, it is a good idea to dodge as the boss is about to strike the ground.
Bols also has access to a magical attack, namely Greatblade Phalanx. This attack is delayed. As soon as you get close to the boss or he to you, the blades will be fired in your direction. Fortunately, the blades don’t home well – all you need to to do is quickly dodge to a side.
What are the best weapons to use against Bols, Carian Knight
When battling Bols, the Carian Knight in Elden Ring, choosing the right weapons can significantly enhance your chances of victory. Here are the best weapon options and strategies to consider:
Recommended Weapons
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Bloodhound’s Fang
- A curved greatsword that deals high damage and has a unique skill for quick mobility.
- Effective for its bleed damage, which is particularly useful against Bols, who is vulnerable to Bleed effects.
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Hookclaws
- Fast and agile, these claws allow for rapid strikes and can inflict bleed damage.
- Ideal for players who prefer a quick hit-and-run strategy.
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Reduvia Dagger
- This dagger not only offers bleed damage but also has a ranged blood blade attack that can be used effectively from a distance.
- Great for maintaining distance while still dealing damage.
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Any Weapon with Hemorrhage-type Ash of War
- Weapons that can apply bleed effects will capitalize on Bols’ vulnerabilities, making them a solid choice.
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Ranged Options
- Since Bols doesn’t dodge attacks, ranged weapons like bows or crossbows can be effective.
- Spells like Greater Glintstone Shard or Rock Sling can deal substantial damage while keeping you at a safe distance.
Combat Strategy
- Upgrade Your Weapons: Aim for a weapon level of +5 to +8 for optimal performance against Bols.
- Utilize Bleed Effects: Equip weapons or items that inflict bleed damage, such as Blood Grease, Poison Grease, or Rot Grease, to maximize your damage output.
- Stay Close: Position yourself near Bols’ feet to avoid most of his linear attacks and create openings for counterattacks.
- Dodge Wisely: Be mindful of shockwaves from his attacks, especially after he performs ground slams or sword drags; dodging at the right moment is crucial.
By leveraging these weapons and strategies, you can effectively take down Bols and claim the rewards he guards.
What are the best strategies for melee builds against Bols
To effectively take down Bols, the Carian Knight in Elden Ring using a melee build, players should employ a combination of patience, strategic positioning, and weapon choice. Here are the best strategies to maximize your chances of victory:
Key Strategies for Melee Builds
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Stay Close and Underneath:
- Positioning is crucial; staying close to Bols’ feet allows you to avoid most of his attacks, which are primarily aimed in front of him. This tactic also enables you to dodge his shockwaves by rolling when necessary.
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Attack Patterns:
- Learn His Moves: Bols has predictable attack patterns. For example, his sword slams and stomps can be anticipated, allowing you to dodge effectively and counterattack during the recovery time of his moves.
- Get Behind Him: After dodging an attack, quickly move behind him to land hits. His large size makes it easier to maneuver around him and exploit openings.
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Weapon Choice:
- Use weapons that inflict bleed damage, such as Bloodhound’s Fang or Hookclaws, as Bols is vulnerable to bleed effects. Coating your weapon with Blood Grease or Poison Grease can further enhance your damage output.
- Upgrade your weapon to at least +4 for optimal effectiveness against his high health pool (5,109 HP) .
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Patience is Key:
- Avoid being greedy with attacks. Focus on landing a few hits and then retreating to safety. This approach minimizes the risk of taking unnecessary damage from his powerful strikes.
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Utilize Dodging Techniques:
- Roll towards Bols during certain attacks (like his sword drags) to position yourself for a counterattack while avoiding damage. For instance, when he prepares for a slam or a charge, rolling into him can keep you safe and allow you to strike after he recovers.
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Avoid Ranged Attacks:
- While melee builds should focus on close combat, be wary of his magical attack, Greatblade Phalanx. When he summons the blades, immediately run towards him to avoid the projectiles as they launch from above.
By combining these strategies with careful observation of Bols’ attack patterns and maintaining close proximity during the fight, melee builds can effectively defeat this formidable boss and claim their rewards.
