Among the many terrifying foes players encounter in the world of Elden Ring, the Putrescent Knight stands out as a grotesque and powerful enemy that haunts one of the most secretive and ominous areas in the game. Unlike many enemies that roam the Lands Between, this nightmarish creature does not show up during a casual exploration session. Instead, locating the Putrescent Knight requires uncovering a hidden region, defeating significant bosses, and understanding how to access late-game content that is easy to miss. For completionists, collectors of unique rewards, and those seeking to test their skill against one of Elden Ring’s more challenging bosses, the journey to find the Putrescent Knight is both thrilling and rewarding.
Understanding the Putrescent Knight
What is the Putrescent Knight?
The Putrescent Knight is a secret boss enemy introduced in the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. This boss is not part of the main story and is completely optional. However, it offers valuable loot, a unique fight with multiple phases, and deepens the lore surrounding the decay and rot plaguing the world. The boss is massive, dual-wielding sickles, and surrounded by rot-infused energy that can cause devastating damage over time.
Why Find the Putrescent Knight?
Beyond the satisfaction of defeating a powerful opponent, the Putrescent Knight drops exclusive gear, materials, and potentially a Remembrance that can be traded for unique weapons or spells. Its design and mechanics also make it a fan-favorite for challenge seekers. Additionally, it serves as a powerful example of the thematic decay that runs throughout the expansion’s content.
How to Reach the Putrescent Knight
Location: Fissure Depths (Shadow Realm)
The Putrescent Knight is located deep within an area called the Fissure Depths, a secret underground zone within the Shadow Realm introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree. This area cannot be accessed directly from the overworld and requires completing certain conditions to unlock the pathway leading to it.
Step-by-Step Access Guide
- Progress Through the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC: First, players must reach the late stages of the expansion. This includes completing several of the major legacy dungeons such as Belurat and the Shadow Keep.
- Defeat Romina, Saint of the Bud: One key requirement to access the area housing the Putrescent Knight is to defeat Romina. Her death unlocks access to deeper parts of the map.
- Reach the Spiral Rise: From the Shadow Keep, navigate to the Spiral Rise and descend into the cavernous depths of the Fissure area.
- Locate the Hidden Elevator: A hidden elevator behind a false wall or a breakable object within the cave system will take players even deeper into the Fissure Depths, where the rot becomes more concentrated and the enemies grow more grotesque.
- Fissure Depths Site of Grace: Once there, rest at the Site of Grace. You’re close. Proceed carefully, as the area is filled with powerful rot-infested enemies.
- Enter the Putrescent Chamber: The boss fog door can be found at the far end of the rot-filled tunnels after navigating past several stone golems and cursed knights.
Recommended Level and Preparation
Suggested Level and Gear
Due to the strength and speed of the Putrescent Knight, it’s recommended to be at least level 140 or higher. Players should have a +10 weapon (or its equivalent) and upgraded Spirit Ashes. The boss uses heavy rot and bleed mechanics, so high immunity resistance and talismans that reduce rot buildup are advised.
Useful Items to Bring
- Preserving Boluses: These help reduce Scarlet Rot buildup during the fight.
- Flame, Cleanse Me Incantation: Can remove rot entirely, making it a vital tool for Faith builds.
- Rot-resistant armor: Sets like the Mushroom Armor or Cleanrot Knight set provide extra defense against rot.
- Strong Summons: Spirit Ashes like Black Knife Tiche or Mimic Tear can help distract and deal consistent damage.
Boss Fight Mechanics
Phase One
The Putrescent Knight opens with wide, sweeping attacks using dual sickles. It has fast combos and will frequently leap at the player, covering ground quickly. During this phase, it builds up rot with each strike. Staying close can allow for interrupting some of its swings, but players need to watch for delayed attack timing to bait rolls.
Phase Two
At 50% health, the boss grows wings formed from rotten flesh and begins flying short distances. It rains rot from above and unleashes area-of-effect attacks that spread scarlet pools across the arena. Timing becomes crucial here, as remaining in these rot zones too long will result in quick death. Dodging through aerial dives and managing your stamina bar is essential.
Final Struggle
In the final third of its health, the Putrescent Knight goes into a frenzy, slashing relentlessly and leaving behind rot trails. Dodging to its back or side offers windows of opportunity. Use this moment to summon help, apply buffs, and land charged attacks while it resets between combos.
Putrescent Knight Rewards
Loot and Drops
- Remembrance of the Putrescent: Can be exchanged at Roundtable Hold for either the Rot-Sickles or a unique incantation that summons a cloud of scarlet rot.
- Rot-Eaten Sigil: A talisman that increases rot resistance and enhances damage while in proximity to rot zones.
- Runes: Defeating the boss grants a significant number of runes (around 300,000), which can be used to level up or purchase items.
Achievement and Completion Progress
Defeating the Putrescent Knight often counts toward 100% completion of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Players looking to unlock every boss entry and achievement must add this creature to their kill list. It’s a badge of honor to conquer such a monstrous foe.
Tips for Success
Study Attack Patterns
Most of the Putrescent Knight’s attacks are highly telegraphed but deceptive in timing. Practice patience, avoid panic rolling, and strike only after its animations fully complete. Summons help relieve pressure, allowing time to heal or reposition.
Don’t Underestimate Rot
Scarlet Rot can seem manageable at first, but it chips away health rapidly. Bring multiple ways to remove or prevent it. If you’re affected, retreat and heal rather than try to tank through the fight.
Balance Offense and Defense
This boss punishes overly aggressive tactics. Burst damage is effective, but knowing when to hold back is just as important. Buffs that increase defense or shorten spell cast times can give you the edge.
The Putrescent Knight is one of the most memorable and brutal encounters in Elden Ring’s expansive DLC content. Hidden deep within the Fissure Depths, this decaying nightmare awaits only the most determined Tarnished. With careful planning, the right gear, and a touch of persistence, this foe can be brought down and in doing so, players will unlock not just rewards, but also a deeper understanding of the rot that festers beneath the world. For those seeking a true challenge, finding the location of the Putrescent Knight is a quest well worth taking.