To uncover the secrets of the Cathedral of Dragon Communion in Elden Ring, adventurers must navigate the treacherous landscape of Caelid. This ancient site, shrouded in mystery and danger, serves as a gateway to powerful draconic incantations that can turn the tide in battle. With a formidable Banished Knight guarding its entrance and the looming threat of the Decaying Ekzykes nearby, reaching the cathedral is no small feat. However, for those brave enough to venture forth, the rewards are immense—unlocking devastating spells that channel the might of dragons themselves. Prepare for a journey filled with peril and power as you seek to master the art of Dragon Communion.
Where is the Cathedral of the Dragon Communion?
The Cathedral of Dragon Communion is situated in the Caelid region, specifically in the southern part of the game map. Players can easily find it by starting at the Caelid Highway South Site of Grace and heading east along the main road until reaching a fork, where they should turn south. The cathedral’s towering structure is visible from a distance, guiding players to its entrance. Inside, adventurers will encounter a Banished Knight guarding the altar, which is essential for accessing powerful dragon incantations in exchange for Dragon Hearts obtained from defeating dragons throughout the game world.
The Cathedral of the Dragon Communion is located in the Caelid region, in the southern part of the map. The closest site of grace is the Caelid Highway South – from there, you will be able to spot the high tower of the Cathedral. Simply go towards it.
We have marked the exact location of the Cahedral on the map below.
Along the way, you may encounter a boss, Decaying Ekzykes, which we have described in detail on a separate page of the guide. This dragon is extremely dangerous and may be too demanding for characters with a lower experience level. Fortunately, you can avoid him – go towards the Cathedral instead of fighting, and after a while, he will lose interest in you.
Be careful when entering the Cathedral of Dragon Communion – on the right side of the door is a Banished Knight, armed with a shield and a great sword. He will attack you as soon as you cross the threshold. After defeating him, you will be able to use the new Site of Grace.
In the picture below we have shown the altar where you can buy dragon incantations.
Cathedral of Dragon Communion – what can you do there?
The Cathedral of Dragon Communion serves as a pivotal location in Elden Ring where players can engage in the Ritual of Dragon Communion. Here, adventurers can purchase powerful dragon incantations by exchanging Dragon Hearts, which are obtained from defeating dragons throughout the game. The offerings at this altar expand as players defeat more dragons, making it essential to return periodically for new spells. Notably, the cathedral features a challenging Banished Knight guarding the entrance, requiring players to be prepared for combat before accessing the altar and unlocking potent abilities such as Rotten Breath and Dragonice.
The Cathedral of Dragon Communion is one of the two places where you can purchase dragon incantations. Interact with the altar to open the shop. You can buy the incantations in exchange for Dragon Hearts, obtained by defeating encountered dragons and Magma Wyrm. The cathedral expands its offer as you kill more dragons, so it is worth returning there once in a while. The incantations offer at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion is vaster than at the Church of Dragon Communion.
What are the best strategies to defeat the Banished Knight at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion
To defeat the Banished Knight at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion, players should employ a combination of strategic approaches that leverage the knight’s weaknesses and capitalize on effective combat techniques. Here are some of the best strategies:
Preparation
- Equip Lightning Weapons: The Banished Knight is particularly weak to Lightning damage. Using weapons like the Lightning Spear or Bolt of Gransax can significantly increase your damage output against him.
- Boost Item Discovery: To maximize loot drops, equip items like the Silver Scarab talisman and consume a Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot to enhance item discovery.
Combat Strategies
- Backstab Opportunities: The knight can be backstabbed, especially after he performs a charging attack. Timing your approach to hit him from behind when he recovers from an attack can yield significant damage2.
- Staggering Attacks: Use heavy attacks or charged attacks to stagger the knight. This opens up opportunities for critical hits, making it easier to take him down quickly23.
- Dodge and Counter: The Banished Knight has a predictable attack pattern. Focus on dodging his strikes and countering immediately after he misses, particularly after his heavier attacks which leave him vulnerable.
Utilizing Buffs
- Buff Your Damage: Before engaging, consider using buffs like the Flame Grant Me Strength incantation to increase your damage output. This can help you deal more damage in fewer hits, making the fight shorter and less risky23.
Environment Awareness
- Use the Terrain: The Cathedral’s layout can be used to your advantage. Lure the knight to areas where you can create distance or use obstacles to avoid his attacks while planning your counterattacks.
By combining these strategies—preparation with appropriate gear, effective combat techniques focusing on backstabbing and staggering, and utilizing buffs—you can successfully defeat the Banished Knight at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion and claim valuable rewards.
What are the best weapons to use against the Banished Knight
To effectively combat the Banished Knight at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion in Elden Ring, utilizing the right weapons can significantly enhance your chances of victory. Here are some of the best weapon options:
Top Weapons Against the Banished Knight
| Weapon | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Banished Knight’s Greatsword | Greatsword | High damage output; effective with bleed builds when infused with Blood Affinity. Great for stagger and critical hits2. |
| Banished Knight’s Halberd | Halberd | Strong piercing damage; excellent reach and can stagger enemies easily. Particularly effective due to its scaling with strength and dexterity14. |
| Lightning Spear | Spear | Deals significant Lightning damage, which is effective against the knight’s weaknesses. |
| Bolt of Gransax | Spear | Powerful ranged option that deals Lightning damage, allowing you to attack from a distance. |
| Naga Kiba | Katana | Good for bleed builds; offers fast attacks and can be paired with powerful Ashes of War like Double Slash for added effectiveness2. |
Weapon Recommendations
- For Heavy Damage: The Banished Knight’s Greatsword is a top choice due to its high base damage and ability to inflict bleed, making it particularly deadly in prolonged fights.
- For Reach and Versatility: The Banished Knight’s Halberd provides excellent reach and can deal both piercing and slashing damage, making it versatile against various enemies.
- For Lightning Damage: Using weapons like the Lightning Spear or Bolt of Gransax can exploit the knight’s vulnerability to Lightning, allowing for quicker takedowns.
By selecting one of these weapons and utilizing their strengths, players can effectively overcome the challenges posed by the Banished Knight at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion.
