The Putrescent Knight is a formidable Legend Boss introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree. This sinister enemy appears as a decayed skeletal warrior mounted on a ghastly steed and wields a massive cleaver capable of tearing through even heavily armored players. Despite its terrifying appearance, defeating the Putrescent Knight is entirely optional and not required to progress through the expansion. However, many players choose to confront the boss due to its significant rewards, especially for those seeking a good source of Elden Ring Runes and valuable Elden Ring Items that support Holy builds.

 

Location and How to Access the Arena

 

You can find the Putrescent Knight at the end of the Stone Coffin Fissure dungeon. From the Fissure Depths Site of Grace, climb the nearby stairs and leap from the cliff into the lower arena. Upon landing, the boss appears shortly afterward. This battleground is rugged and rocky, so be mindful of uneven terrain during combat, as it can interfere with dodging and movement.

 

Understanding the Boss's Weakness

 

Although the Putrescent Knight resembles an undead creature, it is not classified as Undead, meaning certain anti-undead mechanics are ineffective. Nonetheless, it has a major vulnerability: it is highly susceptible to Holy Damage. You can capitalize on this weakness by infusing weapons with Holy attributes, casting Holy-based Incantations, and using consumables that enhance your Faith or Sacred attack power.

 

Recommended Spirit Summon

 

The most effective summon for this battle is Mimic Tear, particularly for players using Holy-oriented builds. The Mimic will duplicate your equipment, including buffs and weapon infusions, effectively doubling your Holy Damage output and distracting the boss, allowing you some breathing room.

 

Best Weapons and Armaments

 

Several weapons prove highly effective against this boss. The Barbed Staff-Spear is favored for its reach and thrust speed. Black Knife offers powerful damage over time effects, while Black Steel Greathammer provides massive stagger potential, though it requires careful timing due to slower attacks. When applying Ash of War: Sacred Blade, your weapon gains added Holy Damage and an extended strike range, making it ideal for punishing the boss between attacks.

 

Recommended Spells

 

Players with Faith-based builds should consider using Black Blade for its high damage potential and Ekzykes's Decay, which can inflict Rot if timed well. While Rot is not the main weakness, damaging the boss over time if you struggle to stay close can be extremely useful.

 

Crucial Elden Ring Items to Bring

 

Several consumables and talismans will make the fight noticeably easier. Holy Grease and Drawstring Holy Grease should be applied to your weapon before you engage. If using the Flask of Wondrous Physick, combining Holy-Shrouding Cracked Tear with Faith-knot Crystal Tear significantly boosts Holy Damage and Faith, especially during the early phase of the battle. Additional helpful tears include Glovewort Crystal Tear, Windy Crystal Tear, and Leaden Hardtear for poise and resistance.

 

Talismans such as Sacred Scorpion Charm increase Holy Damage at the cost of defense, while Ritual Shield Talisman can help reduce damage taken while at full health. Stalwart Horn Charm offers protection against stamina loss, and Radagon Icon reduces spell casting time if using Incantations. If weight is an issue for heavy armor, Great-Jar's Arsenal can help, while Erdtree's Favor +2 boosts stamina, HP, and equip load simultaneously.

 

Combat Strategy

 

Start the encounter by fully buffing before jumping into the arena. Drink your Flask containing Crystal Tears and apply Holy Grease to your weapon. Immediately summon the Mimic Tear to divide the Knight's attention. Maintain high mobility throughout the fight, staying mostly in the center of the arena to avoid terrain-induced errors.

 

The Putrescent Knight's attacks are wide and aggressive. It performs heavy swings from horseback, charges forward, and occasionally leaps toward you. Dodging sideways is more effective than backing away, especially during mounted cleaver attacks. After it completes long charge animations or impact-heavy swings, seize the opportunity to deal 2–3 weapon hits or cast a quick spell.

 

Once its health drops below approximately 50%, the boss tends to increase speed and aggression. Some players report the Knight becoming more unpredictable, so maintaining distance and waiting for specific openings becomes crucial. If you are using a slower weapon, dedicate your attacks only during clear recovery frames.

 

Boss Attack Patterns

 

The mounted cleaver swing is the most common move and covers a wide arc. Roll toward the side instead of retreating to avoid being clipped. The charge attack ends with a stomp from the steed, rolling forward into the attack usually allows you to avoid damage entirely. A bone eruption attack sends skeletal spikes from below; keep moving, as staying still almost always results in taking damage. During its dismount phase, it performs more grounded attacks with higher impact, so timing becomes even more crucial.

 

Using Elden Ring Runes

 

After defeating the boss, players receive a substantial amount of Elden Ring Runes, making this battle a popular late-game farming method. These runes can be invested into Faith, Vigor, or damage-scaling stats to further improve Holy build performance. Some players repeatedly fight this boss because of its high rune value relative to time spent defeating it.

 

You may also receive notable Elden Ring Items, which may include upgraded crafting materials used to enhance armaments or spirit ashes, offering strong advantages in later Shadow of the Erdtree battles.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The Putrescent Knight is a challenging but rewarding boss. While optional, defeating it offers an excellent way to accumulate Elden Ring Runes and useful Elden Ring Items, especially for those committed to a Faith or Holy Damage build. With proper preparation, prioritizing Holy buffs, summoning the Mimic Tear, and carefully reading attack patterns, even solo players can come out victorious. Patience, timing, and smart positioning are key, approach confidently and seize the opportunity when the Knight exposes itself. Good luck, Tarnished.