Does the Black Knife Deal Holy Damage in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, the Black Knife in Elden Ring does indeed deal 100% Holy Damage. This unique dagger is not just a typical melee weapon; its damage output is entirely attributed to Holy Damage, making it a potent choice against specific enemy types in the Lands Between. Moreover, its weapon skill, Blade of Death, also deals Holy damage, enhancing its overall effectiveness. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of the Black Knife, its associated abilities, and how it compares to other holy-based armaments in Elden Ring.
The Black Knife: A Deep Dive
The Black Knife is a dagger that scales primarily with Faith and Dexterity. This scaling makes it an excellent weapon for players who invest in these attributes. However, it is crucial to note that its damage isn’t based on physical attack like other conventional daggers; rather, it deals pure Holy damage. This damage type is particularly effective against Undead enemies, such as skeletons, deathbirds, and Tibia Mariners, making it invaluable in specific areas and encounters.
Blade of Death: A Unique Weapon Skill
The standout feature of the Black Knife is its weapon skill, Blade of Death. This skill allows the user to fire a projectile that deals significant Holy Damage and reduces the enemy’s maximum HP by 10% for 15 seconds. The damage also scales purely with Faith. This dual effect of burst damage and HP reduction makes the Black Knife a formidable choice, especially in longer engagements. The damage type for the Blade of Death is also Holy Damage.
Enhancing Holy Damage
The Black Knife’s damage can be further amplified using specific items and buffs. For instance, the Holy-Shrouding Cracked Tear and the Sacred Scorpion Charm can boost Holy damage output significantly. Additionally, generic attack buffs like Golden Vow can also enhance the weapon’s damage potential.
The Black Knife vs. Other Holy Weapons
While the Black Knife stands out for its dagger class and unique skill, several other weapons in Elden Ring also deal Holy Damage. These include:
- Maliketh’s Black Blade: A Colossal Sword that scales with Strength, Dexterity, and Faith, dealing holy-based damage. However, it is different from the Black Knife. This weapon also reduces max health and causes a damage over time effect.
- Winged Scythe: A sacred scythe which deals holy damage and is based on pagan belief.
- Blade of Calling: Another dagger that deals Holy Damage.
- Cipher Pata: A fist weapon that also delivers Holy Damage.
- Coded Sword: A straight sword that inflicts Holy Damage.
- Eclipse Shotel: A curved sword with Holy Damage properties.
- Envoy’s Greathorn: A colossal weapon that deals holy damage.
- Envoy’s Horn: A hammer that deals holy damage.
- Envoy’s Long Horn: A great hammer that deals holy damage.
Each of these weapons offers a different playstyle and scales with different attributes, allowing for varied builds centered around Holy Damage. However, the Black Knife’s unique skill and dagger class provide distinct tactical advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the primary attributes for the Black Knife?
The Black Knife primarily scales with Faith and Dexterity. Therefore, these are the most important stats to increase for optimal damage output.
2. Does the Black Knife’s weapon skill, Blade of Death, deal Holy Damage?
Yes, the Blade of Death weapon skill deals Holy Damage. It also reduces the enemy’s maximum HP and scales purely with Faith.
3. How can I increase the Holy Damage of the Black Knife?
You can increase the Holy Damage of the Black Knife by using items like the Holy-Shrouding Cracked Tear, the Sacred Scorpion Charm, and buffs like Golden Vow.
4. Is the Black Knife effective against all types of enemies?
The Black Knife is particularly effective against Undead enemies due to its Holy Damage. It may be less effective against enemies resistant to Holy damage.
5. Is the Black Knife a good weapon for a Faith build?
Yes, the Black Knife is an excellent choice for a Faith build because of its primary scaling with Faith and its Holy Damage output.
6. How does the Black Knife compare to Maliketh’s Black Blade in terms of Holy Damage?
Both weapons deal holy damage, but Maliketh’s Black Blade is a Colossal Sword that scales with Strength, Dexterity, and Faith and also deals additional damage over time, while the Black Knife is a dagger that scales primarily with Faith and Dexterity and deals only Holy damage. The Black Knife’s Blade of Death skill also offers a different gameplay strategy compared to Maliketh’s Black Blade.
7. What kind of damage does Maliketh’s Black Blade do?
Maliketh’s Black Blade deals sword damage that temporarily reduces your max health and causes a damage over time effect. It also deals holy damage.
8. What is the best armor to defend against Holy damage?
The Crucible Tree Armor is considered one of the best armor sets for protecting against Holy damage.
9. What incantation negates Holy Damage?
The incantation Lord’s Divine Fortification greatly increases Holy Damage negation for the caster and nearby allies.
10. What are some good talismans to counter Holy Damage?
The Haligdrake Talisman +2 is a great choice for increasing Holy damage negation, offering a 20% reduction in damage taken from Holy attacks.
11. What weapons, besides the Black Knife, deal Holy Damage?
Besides the Black Knife, other weapons that deal Holy Damage include the Blade of Calling, Cipher Pata, Coded Sword, Eclipse Shotel, Envoy’s Greathorn, Envoy’s Horn and Envoy’s Long Horn.
12. Does the Black Knife have any weaknesses?
Like all weapons, the Black Knife’s effectiveness can be diminished against enemies who are resistant to Holy damage.
13. Can the Black Knife be enhanced with weapon buffs?
Yes, the Black Knife can be enhanced with weapon buffs like Golden Vow to further increase its damage output.
14. Is the Black Knife considered a top-tier weapon in Elden Ring?
The Black Knife is considered a strong weapon in Elden Ring, especially due to its unique Blade of Death ability and consistent Holy Damage, making it an S-tier weapon.
15. What are the best ways to deal with Maliketh?
Maliketh is weak to Frost damage. Additionally, he is vulnerable to parries with the Blasphemous Claw when his sword glows gold. However, make sure you get behind him or under him to dodge some of his attacks that create frontal cone damage.
Conclusion
The Black Knife stands as a unique and powerful weapon in Elden Ring, primarily due to its consistent Holy Damage output and the potent Blade of Death ability. While it shines against Undead and enemies vulnerable to Holy Damage, its effectiveness can be increased with correct attribute scaling, buffs, and talismans. Understanding the intricacies of the Black Knife and how it fits within your chosen build is crucial for mastering its potential in the Lands Between.