The Lands Between in Elden Ring hold many secrets, some grand and world-shattering, others tucked away in dusty corners waiting to be unearthed. The Black Knife Catacombs fall somewhere in between. This seemingly unassuming dungeon in Liurnia of the Lakes offers a challenging gauntlet for Tarnished adventurers, with rewards for the brave and observant.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the Black Knife Catacombs, conquer its denizens, and claim its treasures.
Location and Approach
The Black Knife Catacombs lies nestled in the northeastern corner of Liurnia of the Lakes. You can reach them by heading northeast from the Ruined Labyrinth Site of Grace, past the Minor Erdtree. A stern Mausoleum Knight guards the entrance, ready to test your mettle before you delve into the shadows.
Be prepared to face a variety of undead enemies within the catacombs. Skeletons, the bread and butter of any good dungeon, dominate the early sections. However, these aren’t your average, mindless bone warriors. These skeletons possess a unique ability to revive after a short time unless properly dispatched with holy damage or a critical hit. This adds a layer of strategy to combat, forcing you to be methodical and ensure your victories are complete.
The catacombs are also home to some truly nightmarish denizens. Reanimated giants and grotesque crabs lurk in the watery depths, while spectral Cemetery Shades and the infamous Black Knife Assassins prowl the halls. These foes demand respect and a well-honed combat strategy.
A Walkthrough of Shadows and Secrets
The Black Knife Catacombs offer a labyrinthine layout, with branching paths and hidden corners. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas and what to expect within:
- Entrance Hall: Dispatch the Mausoleum Knight and be wary of the pressure plate trap that triggers a volley of arrows.
- Undead-infested Chambers: Navigate these initial chambers, taking down the regenerating skeletons and grabbing valuable crafting materials like Grave Gloveworts. A hidden wall on the left-hand side after the first room conceals a Grave Violet.
- The Guillotine Gauntlet: This section is a test of reflexes. Dodging the swinging blades requires precise timing and awareness of your surroundings. A Necromancer in the central chamber controls the blades. Taking him down will permanently disable the traps.
- Sewers and Crabs: Prepare for a damp and claustrophobic encounter with grotesque crabs. Be particularly wary of the two giant crabs that lurk in the deeper sections. Fire and blunt damage are effective against them.
- The Lever and the Cemetery Shade: Reaching a lever in the flooded section unlocks the path to the first boss fight – the Cemetery Shade. This spectral warrior wields a deadly scythe and employs a range of magical attacks. Spirit Ashes can be a valuable asset in this battle, drawing aggro and allowing you to flank the Shade. The reward for defeating it is the Twinsage Sorcerer Ashes, a powerful summon for your own arsenal.
Optional Black Knife Assassin Fight: A hidden passage near the lever room leads to a room bathed in an ominous red glow. This is the domain of a fearsome Black Knife Assassin, a much more aggressive variant than those encountered elsewhere. This fight is entirely optional, but the Assassin drops the Assassin’s Cerulean Dagger, a powerful weapon with a unique frostbite effect. Utilizing ranged attacks and dodging its swift strikes are key to defeating this deadly foe.
The Black Knifepoint: This valuable item is crucial for completing Rogier’s questline. It can be found in a chest near the hidden Black Knife Assassin fight.
Tips for Success
- Be wary of the regenerating skeletons: Don’t be fooled by a seemingly defeated enemy. Ensure they are properly dispatched with holy damage or critical hits.
- Bring holy damage: Equipping a weapon or spell with holy damage will make dealing with the skeletons significantly easier.
- Mind the traps: The pressure plate trap and the guillotine gauntlet demand focus and awareness.
- Utilize Spirit Ashes: The Cemetery Shade fight, and the optional Black Knife Assassin fight in particular, benefit greatly from the distraction and support offered by Spirit Ashes.
- Explore thoroughly: Hidden walls and passages conceal valuable items like the Black Knifeprint.
FAQs
Where to Find the Black Knife Catacombs:
- Located in the Liurnia of the Lakes region, northeast of the Ruined Labyrinth Site of Grace.
- Look for the Minor Erdtree and head further northeast. You’ll encounter a Mausoleum Knight guarding the entrance.
What Lurks Within:
- Brace yourself for an onslaught of skeletons with a surprising trick – they can revive until properly dealt with!
- Dodging guillotines and battling creepy crawlies in flooded sewers are just some of the dungeon’s “highlights.”
- Two bosses await: the infamous Black Knife Assassin and the Cemetery Shade.
Essential Loot and Rewards:
- The Black Knife Catacombs hold valuable crafting materials like Grave Glovewort and Root Resin.
- Uncover the Black Knifeprint, a key item in a certain quest (no spoilers here!).
- Defeat the bosses for unique rewards like the Assassin’s Cerulean Dagger and Twinsage Sorcerer Ashes.
Tips for Conquering the Catacombs:
- Consider summoning D, Hunter of the Dead, for the Black Knife Assassin fight. Any Spirit Ashes can provide a helpful distraction.
- Holy damage is highly effective against the undead hordes within.
- Be wary of the giant crabs in the flooded areas – they pack a punch!
- Explore every corner – hidden items are waiting to be discovered, often behind Stonesword Key doors.
Additional Resources:
- For a detailed walkthrough with visuals, check out a Black Knife Catacombs guide on YouTube ([YouTube black knife catacombs walkthrough]).
- IGN’s Black Knife Catacombs guide provides a comprehensive overview of the location, enemies, and loot [Black Knife Catacombs – Elden Ring Guide – IGN].
Q: Is the Black Knife Catacombs difficult?
The difficulty depends on your level and build. The regular enemies can be managed, but the bosses can pose a challenge.
Q: Do I need to complete the Black Knife Catacombs for the main story?
No, but it offers valuable rewards and quest items.
Q: Can I miss anything in the Black Knife Catacombs?
Yes, there are hidden items and a secret boss fight (the Black Knife Assassin) that’s optional but rewarding.
Q: What’s the best way to deal with the skeletons?
Holy damage or a weapon imbued with the holy ash of war is very effective. Focus on killing them permanently by shattering their skulls after they fall.
With this knowledge in hand, you’re prepared to delve into the Black Knife Catacombs and conquer its challenges. Remember, patience, exploration, and the right strategy will be your guiding light in this shadowy underworld.
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