Finding and unlocking the summon for the Putrescent Knight in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree can be a daunting task, especially for players who are not familiar with the intricate hidden areas and questlines that FromSoftware is known for. The Putrescent Knight summon is one of the most powerful and visually striking Spirit Ashes available in the DLC, making it highly sought after. With its aggressive combat style and unique plague-themed attacks, this summon can change the tide of challenging boss battles. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to get the Putrescent Knight summon, including where to go, what to defeat, and how to ensure you don’t miss it.
Understanding the Putrescent Knight Summon
What Makes This Summon Special?
The Putrescent Knight summon stands out due to its grotesque design, high damage output, and resilience in combat. This Spirit Ash brings forth a decayed, skeletal knight wielding a massive weapon, covered in rot and plague. Unlike many summons, the Putrescent Knight can tank damage while also dishing out wide-range attacks that stagger enemies. It’s an ideal companion for endgame content and DLC boss fights.
Requirements to Use
To use this summon, players need to have unlocked the Spirit Calling Bell from Roderika or have already activated Spirit Ash usage. Additionally, a decent amount of FP (Focus Points) is necessary, as the Putrescent Knight has a relatively high summon cost. Make sure you have the FP pool to support this spirit, or consider investing in Mind stat to increase your total FP.
Where to Find the Putrescent Knight Summon
Reach the Abyssal Woods
The first major step in acquiring the Putrescent Knight summon is reaching the Abyssal Woods area within the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. This is a hidden and eerie region filled with cursed enemies, dark atmosphere, and complex terrain. To access the Abyssal Woods, you must:
- Progress through the Shadow Keep and defeat its major boss.
- Locate the secret path that leads downward through the Hinterlands.
- Travel through the dense forest while avoiding or defeating the ghostly enemies.
This area is not marked directly on the map with obvious indicators, so take time to explore carefully. Use torches or lanterns to navigate the darker sections and watch for illusions or hidden ladders.
Find the Putrescent Knight Boss
Once inside the Abyssal Woods, you’ll eventually come across a fog wall leading to a boss arena. This is where the Putrescent Knight boss resides. This enemy is a formidable foe, armed with plague-infused melee strikes and charged lunges. Defeating the boss is a prerequisite for earning the summon.
How to Defeat the Putrescent Knight Boss
Prepare for the Fight
This boss is fast, aggressive, and inflicts status ailments like Scarlet Rot. Equip armor with high resistance to rot, and bring consumables that cure or reduce buildup. The following tips will help you survive the fight:
- Dodge through his lunges rather than backward to avoid follow-up attacks.
- Use rot-resistant talismans and gear such as the Mushroom Crown.
- Ranged builds can exploit brief windows after his charge attacks.
Use Summons or Co-op
Bringing in a summon like Black Knife Tiche or another strong Spirit Ash can help distract the Putrescent Knight, giving you opportunities to strike. Alternatively, summoning another player for co-op can make the fight more manageable, especially if you coordinate attacks and healing.
Victory and Reward
Upon defeating the Putrescent Knight boss, you will receive the Spirit Ash of Putrescent Knight as a drop. This item goes directly into your inventory and can be used at any time you’re able to summon spirits.
Upgrading the Putrescent Knight Summon
Find Glovewort Materials
To bring the Putrescent Knight to its full potential, you’ll need to upgrade it using Ghost Gloveworts. These are scattered throughout the base game and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Some higher-tier gloveworts can be found in late-game legacy dungeons or purchased from Twin Maiden Husks after offering the appropriate bell bearings.
Visit Roderika
Return to Roundtable Hold and speak to Roderika, who allows you to upgrade your Spirit Ashes. You’ll need increasing amounts of Ghost Gloveworts for each level of upgrade. It’s highly recommended to upgrade this summon to +10 if you plan on using it for DLC bosses and NG+ cycles.
Combat Performance of the Putrescent Knight
What It Does in Battle
Once summoned, the Putrescent Knight performs sweeping melee strikes and charged thrusts. It applies rot buildup over time, making it excellent for prolonged fights against high-health bosses. It can stagger many enemies and often holds aggro due to its imposing presence.
Best Scenarios for Use
This summon excels in tight arenas where its large swings can hit multiple targets. It’s also effective against enemies weak to rot or those that don’t resist status ailments. Combine it with weapons or spells that also deal status effects to overwhelm foes quickly.
Tips and Warnings
Don’t Miss the Boss
Because the Abyssal Woods is optional and hidden, it’s entirely possible to finish Shadow of the Erdtree without ever encountering the Putrescent Knight. Always explore thoroughly and look out for subtle path clues. If needed, consult NPC dialogue for hints about the woods.
FP Management
Due to the high FP cost, you may need to adjust your build. Consider equipping talismans that reduce FP consumption or increase your overall FP. Flask of Cerulean Tears usage may also need to be increased to support long-term summon usage in difficult fights.
Balance and Aggro
In some fights, the Putrescent Knight might take too much damage if you’re not supporting it. Keep pressure on enemies or use items that heal summoned spirits if necessary. Its large size also makes it a target, so be ready to intervene if it’s getting overwhelmed.
Getting the Putrescent Knight summon in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a rewarding challenge that adds a powerful ally to your arsenal. From uncovering the hidden Abyssal Woods to defeating the rot-infested knight itself, every step of the journey is steeped in the dark atmosphere that defines the DLC. With proper preparation, patience, and exploration, you’ll secure this incredible Spirit Ash and gain a significant advantage in your battles to come. Whether you’re taking on massive bosses or surviving ambushes in the Land of Shadow, the Putrescent Knight is a summon worth the effort to obtain and upgrade.