The Death Knight is a lightning-winged knight fought twice in Shadow of the Erdtree: once in the Fog Rift Catacombs with twin axes and once in the Scorpion River Catacombs with a longhaft axe. The Death Knight weakness is Holy damage, which it does not resist at all.
Quick facts
| Locations | Fog Rift Catacombs (Gravesite Plain) and Scorpion River Catacombs (Rauh Base) |
| HP (NG) | 19,285 (Fog Rift) / 24,080 (Scorpion River) |
| Runes (NG) | 110,000 / 130,000 |
| Drops | Death Knight’s Twin Axes and Crimson Amber Medallion +3 (Fog Rift); Death Knight’s Longhaft Axe and Cerulean Amber Medallion +3 (Scorpion River) |
| Weak to | Holy (0 negation); Fire and Pierce are the next best (20) |
| Resists | Standard, Slash, Strike, Magic and Lightning (40) |
| Immune to | Hemorrhage, Madness |
| Parry / Spirit Ashes | Parryable; Spirit Ashes allowed in both fights |
| Difficulty | ▰▰▰▰▰▰▱▱▱▱ 6/10 (Tarnished Wiki rating) |
What is the Death Knight weak to?
Both Death Knights share the same defences. Lower negation means more damage gets through, so Holy hits for full value while most physical and lightning damage loses 40%.
| Damage type | Negation | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Holy | 0 | Best choice |
| Fire | 20 | Good |
| Pierce | 20 | Good |
| Standard, Slash, Strike | 40 | Resisted |
| Magic | 40 | Resisted |
| Lightning | 40 | Resisted |
- Status effects: Hemorrhage and Madness do nothing. Poison, Scarlet Rot, Frostbite and Sleep can all build up (roughly 650 buildup needed).
- Easy Holy options: the Sacred Blade Ash of War on any blade, or Holy-infused weapons on a Faith build.
Where to find the Death Knight
- Fog Rift Catacombs (twin axes): in the Gravesite Plain, directly north of Fog Rift Fort. A Site of Grace sits just inside the entrance; the boss waits at the end of the dungeon.
- Scorpion River Catacombs (longhaft axe): in the western part of Rauh Base, directly west of the Ravine North Site of Grace at the end of the Scorpion River. This is the tougher of the two fights.
Key attacks and how to avoid them
- 3-Swing Combo: roll back twice, then forward to counter.
- Lightning Dash Grab: dodge left or right as its wings ignite.
- Knight’s Lightning Spear: roll sideways or hide behind pillars.
- Blinkbolt: roll to either side as it charges.
- Thunder Wave: run away from the expanding rings.
How to beat the Death Knight
- Holy damage is the only real weakness; Fire or Pierce are the fallback.
- The Boltdrake Talisman cuts lightning damage.
- Heavy and charged attacks break its stance faster; it can also be parried.
- A Spirit Ash that draws aggro gives you free hits during its long combos.
- Use the arena pillars against its projectiles.
FAQ
What is Death Knight weak to?
Death Knight is weak to Holy (0 negation). Fire and Pierce also do more damage than other types.
Is Death Knight immune to bleed?
Yes. Both Death Knights are immune to Hemorrhage and Madness, so bleed builds should switch to Frostbite, Poison or Holy.
Can you parry the Death Knight?
Yes, the Death Knight can be parried, and Spirit Ashes are allowed in both catacomb fights.
Is Death Knight required?
No, Death Knight is an optional boss.
More Shadow of the Erdtree guides: the full DLC boss list and the boss checklist.
Stats checked against Fextralife (NG values); locations cross-checked with the wiki.gg Elden Ring wiki.
Further reading: Death Knight on the Fextralife Elden Ring wiki.