Facing the Cleanrot Knight in Elden Ring is no small feat; this formidable foe tests both skill and strategy. Encountered in the treacherous depths of Stillwater Cave and Abandoned Cave, the Cleanrot Knight wields a lethal combination of sword and spear, capable of inflicting devastating damage and debilitating Scarlet Rot. Players must master the art of dodging and countering to exploit the knight’s brief moments of vulnerability. With the right tactics, including the use of Spirit Ashes for distraction and a keen eye for backstab opportunities, you can emerge victorious against this relentless adversary. Prepare yourself for a challenging battle that promises rich rewards, including valuable runes and unique items.
- At first, Cleanrot Knight is in the Stillwater Cave. It is marked with 2 on our map.
- You can fight the second battle with the Cleanrot Knight in the Abandoned Cave. On this map, it will be the Site of Grace number 22.
In addition, you can meet him as a regular opponent in various parts of the world.
Reward for defeating
Defeating the Cleanrot Knight in Elden Ring yields valuable rewards that enhance your gameplay. Upon vanquishing the Cleanrot Knight in Liurnia of the Lakes, players receive 3,300 Runes and the Winged Sword Insignia, which boosts attack power with each successive hit. In contrast, defeating the Cleanrot Knight in Caelid grants a more substantial reward of 7,000 Runes and the Gold Scarab talisman, a highly sought-after item that increases the number of Runes gained from defeated enemies. These rewards not only provide immediate benefits but also contribute to character progression and strategy development in subsequent encounters.
For defeating the Cleanrot Knight in Liurnia of the Lakes, you will receive Runes (3,300) and Winged Sword Insignia. This accessory will increase the power of each subsequent attack.
For defeating Cleanrot Knight in Caelid, you will receive runes (7,000) and the Gold Scarab talisman. Thanks to it, you will receive more runes from defeated enemies.
General tips
To effectively tackle the Cleanrot Knight in Elden Ring, consider these general tips. Utilize Spirit Ashes or summon other players to divert the knight’s attention, making it easier to land hits while minimizing damage taken. Focus on applying debuffs such as bleeding and frostbite, as these are particularly effective against the Cleanrot Knights. When using magic, fire spells yield the best results, while maintaining armor that offers protection against both physical attacks and holy magic is crucial. Be vigilant of the knight’s attack patterns; for instance, when its spear glows gold, it signals a powerful charge that can inflict scarlet rot. Lastly, aim for backstabs and critical hits whenever possible, as these opportunities arise frequently during the fight.
- You can use Spirit ashes or summon other players for help in both fights. Doing so is especially useful when fighting two at once in the Abandoned Cave in Caelid.
- When it comes to debuffs, bleeding and frostbite are the easiest to impose on Cleanrot Knights. However, they are also affected by poison and scarlet rot.
- In terms of magic, fire works best against the Cleanrot Knights. Lightning works quite well as well.
- To fight the Cleanrot Knights, wear armor that protects against physical attacks and holy magic.
- Cleanrot Knights can impose scarlet rot status on your character. For this reason, it is a good idea to have Preserving Boluses with you. They are especially useful in Caelid, where just entering the location inflicts the status.
- It is worth trying to attack the Cleanrot Knights from behind. Their fighting style gives you plenty of opportunity for a critical hit to their backs.
- When a Cleanrot Knight prepares to charge and his spear is glowing gold, it means that he will try to skewer you. This attack will inflict the scarlet rot status on you.
- In a fight with two Cleanrot Knights, it can be easier if you take out the one with the scythe first because he can attack from a distance.
- Both fights take place in swamps that impose negative statuses. In the Stillwater Cave, it is poisoning, and in the Abandoned Cave, it is scarlet rot.
How to defeat?
To defeat the Cleanrot Knight in Elden Ring, players should adopt a strategic approach that capitalizes on the knight’s weaknesses and attack patterns. Positioning is key: try to stay behind the knight to land backstabs, which deal significant damage. Be cautious of its powerful spear thrusts; rolling to the side can help you avoid these attacks while leaving the knight vulnerable afterward. Utilizing Spirit Ashes can also distract the knight, allowing you to strike safely. Fire-based attacks are particularly effective against this foe, so consider incorporating them into your strategy. Lastly, keep an eye on the knight’s animations—many of its attacks have long wind-ups, providing excellent opportunities for counterattacks once it commits to a move.
After entering the arena, you will notice that it is almost completely filled with poisonous water. Fortunately, poison is not particularly dangerous, but the HP will drop faster than usual. You will have to remember about healing and do it more often.
The opponent might try to stab you if you get too close to him. When his spear starts glowing gold, the Cleanrot Knight will charge. If you expose yourself to this attack, you will get the scarlet rot status. A dodge performed at the right moment will save you.
The Cleanrot Knights will make areas from which will “grow” magic spears. You will recognize this attack when the enemy starts dragging his spear on the ground.
The area where the spears are to spawn will be lighted up, and you’ll have plenty of time to dodge the incoming attack.
If you keep attacking the enemy from the front, he will cross his two weapons and push you away. After that, you will be exposed to his attack for a while. That is why it is worth trying to attack the Knight’s back. This way, you can get a chance to get a critical hit.
In Caelid, you will have to face two Cleanrot Knights simultaneously. The second one will appear a little later when you deplete a considerable amount of HP of the first one.
What are the best weapons to use against the Cleanrot Knight
To effectively combat the Cleanrot Knight in Elden Ring, players should consider using weapons that exploit the knight’s weaknesses and attack patterns. Here are some of the best options:
Recommended Weapons
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Thrusting Weapons:
- Cleanrot Knight’s Sword: This weapon not only scales well with Strength and Dexterity but also features a unique skill called Impaling Thrust, which can deal significant damage when timed correctly. Its thrusting nature allows for effective piercing attacks against the knight, who is particularly vulnerable to this type of damage.
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Weapons Inflicting Status Effects:
- Frostbite Weapons: Weapons that inflict Frostbite can be particularly effective, as the Cleanrot Knight is vulnerable to this status effect. Consider using katanas like the Moonveil or the Uchigatana, which have good scaling and can apply Frostbite quickly.
- Bleed Weapons: Weapons that cause bleed damage, such as the Rivers of Blood or other katanas, can also be advantageous due to their ability to deal high damage over time.
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Fire and Lightning Weapons:
- The Cleanrot Knight has a resistance to Holy damage but is weak to Fire and Lightning. Utilizing weapons infused with these elements or spells can help maximize damage output during the fight3.
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Magic-Scaling Weapons:
- For magic users, weapons like the Moonveil Katana or the Cipher Pata allow for a blend of melee and magical attacks, making them versatile choices against this boss.
Combat Strategy
- Backstabs and Dodging: The Cleanrot Knight has predictable attack patterns that leave it open for counterattacks. Players should focus on dodging its thrusts and performing backstabs when possible.
- Spirit Ashes: Summoning Spirit Ashes, such as the Lone Wolf Ashes, can distract the knight and provide openings for attacks while you recover or reposition yourself.
By choosing the right weapon and employing strategic combat techniques, players can turn the tide against the formidable Cleanrot Knight.
What are the Cleanrot Knight’s weaknesses
The Cleanrot Knight in Elden Ring has several notable weaknesses that players can exploit to gain an advantage in battle:
Weaknesses
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Elemental Vulnerabilities:
- Fire Damage: The Cleanrot Knight is highly susceptible to fire attacks, making fire-infused weapons, spells, and items like Fire Pots particularly effective. A single Fire Pot can deal significant damage due to this weakness.
- Lightning Damage: While not as effective as fire, lightning damage also proves beneficial against the Cleanrot Knight. Using lightning-infused weapons or spells can help in dealing extra damage during the fight.
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Physical Damage Types:
- Piercing Damage: The Cleanrot Knight is weak to piercing attacks, which means thrusting weapons can deal increased damage. This includes weapons like spears and certain swords that focus on thrusting attacks2.
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Low Poise:
- The Cleanrot Knight has a relatively low poise value (65), making it susceptible to poise breaks. Players can capitalize on this by performing consecutive attacks to stagger the knight, leading to opportunities for critical hits such as backstabs.
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Scarlet Rot Resistance:
- While the Cleanrot Knight inflicts Scarlet Rot on players, it is not particularly resistant to it either. Players can use this status effect against them, although they should be cautious of their own Scarlet Rot build-up during the fight.
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Attack Patterns:
- The knight’s attack patterns include long wind-ups for certain moves, which leave it vulnerable to counterattacks. Observing these moments can provide openings for players to strike back effectively.
By leveraging these weaknesses, players can develop strategies that enhance their chances of defeating the Cleanrot Knight in battle.
