How to Farm Black Knight Armor
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The best way to farm Black Knight armor in the Dark Souls series (specifically, Dark Souls, Dark Souls Remastered, Dark Souls III, and Demon’s Souls – procedures are similar across the games, but specific enemy locations differ) is to identify locations where Black Knights reliably spawn, increase your Item Discovery stat, and repeatedly defeat them until the desired armor pieces drop. This involves optimizing your character build for quick kills and efficient farming runs. Patience is key, as the drop rates can be low. Focus on a specific armor piece at a time can also improve mental endurance during farming.
Understanding Black Knight Armor Farming
Black Knight armor is highly sought after for its excellent physical defense and poise. However, acquiring a full set requires dedication and a good understanding of the game’s mechanics. The process involves more than simply repeatedly killing Black Knights; strategic preparation significantly boosts your chances of success. This preparation encompasses item discovery optimization and route planning.
Item Discovery: Your Key to Success
Item Discovery directly influences the likelihood of enemies dropping items. Several methods exist to increase this crucial stat:
- Covetous Gold Serpent Ring: This ring drastically boosts Item Discovery. In Dark Souls Remastered, it’s found in Sen’s Fortress after defeating the mimic. In Dark Souls III, it’s located behind an illusory wall in Irithyll Dungeon.
- Symbol of Avarice: This helmet, obtained by killing mimics or through a rare drop, provides a substantial boost to Item Discovery but drains HP over time. It is present in Dark Souls, Dark Souls Remastered, Dark Souls III.
- Humanity/Embers: In Dark Souls and Dark Souls Remastered, having a high Humanity count (up to 10) boosts Item Discovery. In Dark Souls III, being Embered increases Item Discovery.
Location, Location, Location: Prime Farming Spots
Choosing the right farming location is crucial for efficiency. The following areas offer reliable Black Knight spawns:
- Dark Souls/Dark Souls Remastered:
- Undead Burg: The Black Knight near the Taurus Demon bridge is a relatively easy early-game farm.
- Kiln of the First Flame: This area features multiple Black Knights that respawn indefinitely, making it the most efficient farming location, although it is only accessible at the very end of the game.
- Dark Souls III:
- Catacombs of Carthus: One Black Knight is found near the entrance.
- Smouldering Lake: Several Black Knights roam this area, but be cautious of the environment.
- Untended Graves: A Black Knight is present here, but this area is only accessible by going back to the very first area of the game.
Optimizing Your Farming Run
Once you’ve identified your farming location and maximized your Item Discovery, optimize your farming run:
- Pathing: Plan an efficient route that allows you to quickly reach and defeat the Black Knight(s) without unnecessary detours or enemy encounters.
- Weapon Choice: Use a weapon that deals high damage and allows for quick kills. Weapons with good poise breaking capabilities are especially useful.
- Armor Choice: Wear armor that offers good balance between defense and mobility.
- Rinse and Repeat: Continuously repeat the farming run, resting at a bonfire to respawn the Black Knight(s) after each kill.
A Note on Persistence
Farming Black Knight armor can be tedious. Drop rates are notoriously low, meaning you might spend hours farming before acquiring a single piece. Stay patient, maintain a positive attitude, and remember the satisfaction of finally completing the set.
Black Knight Weapons vs. Armor
It’s worth noting that Black Knights drop weapons as well as armor. While this article focuses on the armor, the same principles of Item Discovery and efficient farming apply to obtaining their weapons. In many cases, the weapons are considered even more valuable than the armor due to their unique movesets and scaling. Therefore, while farming for armor, be aware that you may acquire some powerful weapons along the way.
Additional Tips for Effective Farming
- Know the Attack Patterns: Understanding the Black Knight’s attack patterns allows you to dodge or block effectively, minimizing damage taken and speeding up your farming runs.
- Utilize Backstabs and Parries: Backstabbing or parrying Black Knights can significantly reduce their health and create openings for critical attacks.
- Consider Co-op: While it doesn’t increase drop rates, farming with a friend can make the process more enjoyable and efficient.
- Take Breaks: Farming for extended periods can be mentally exhausting. Take regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain focus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the benefits of wearing Black Knight armor?
Black Knight armor offers excellent physical defense, fire resistance, and high poise. This makes it ideal for players who want to withstand heavy attacks and maintain their stability during combat. It is also sought after for its iconic look.
2. Is Black Knight armor worth farming for?
Whether it’s “worth it” is subjective and depends on your playstyle and goals. If you prioritize high defense and poise, then yes, it can be a valuable asset. However, the low drop rates mean it requires a significant time investment.
3. What is the drop rate for Black Knight armor?
The exact drop rate varies depending on the game and your Item Discovery stat, but it is generally considered to be quite low, often around 1-5% per piece without item discovery boosts.
4. Does increasing my Luck stat increase the drop rate?
In Dark Souls 1 and Demon’s Souls, Luck directly influences Item Discovery. In Dark Souls 3, Item Discovery is a separate stat increased via other means (Embered, Rings, and equipment).
5. Which Black Knight is easiest to farm early in the game?
The Black Knight in Undead Burg (near the Taurus Demon bridge in Dark Souls/Dark Souls Remastered) is a relatively easy target early on, although it is only there once per playthrough.
6. What is the best weapon to use against Black Knights?
Weapons with good poise breaking capabilities, such as greatswords, greathammers, and ultra greatswords, are effective against Black Knights. Weapons that deal lightning damage can also be effective.
7. Does killing a Black Knight with a specific weapon increase the drop rate?
No, the weapon you use to kill a Black Knight does not affect the drop rate of their armor or weapons.
8. Can I respawn Black Knights infinitely?
In certain areas, such as the Kiln of the First Flame in Dark Souls/Dark Souls Remastered, Black Knights respawn indefinitely. In other locations, they may only appear once per playthrough.
9. Does joining a covenant affect the drop rate of Black Knight armor?
No, joining a covenant does not influence the drop rate of Black Knight armor.
10. Can I trade for Black Knight armor with other players?
Yes, in most Dark Souls games, you can trade items with other players. This can be a faster way to acquire the armor if you have something of value to offer in exchange.
11. Is the Black Knight armor better than other early-game armor sets?
Yes, the Black Knight armor generally offers better defense and poise compared to most early-game armor sets, but its weight may be a factor.
12. What does “poise” do, and why is it important?
Poise determines your ability to withstand attacks without being staggered. Higher poise allows you to continue your actions even when hit, which can be crucial in combat.
13. Is there a specific order in which Black Knight armor pieces tend to drop?
No, the drop order is entirely random. You may get the chest piece first, or you may get the gauntlets last.
14. What happens if I run out of Estus Flasks while farming?
If you run out of Estus Flasks, you can return to a bonfire to replenish them. Be careful not to die, as you will lose your souls.
15. Is there a way to make the Black Knights easier to defeat?
Yes, learning their attack patterns and exploiting their weaknesses (such as backstabbing and parrying) can make them significantly easier to defeat. Using a weapon that deals high damage and has good poise breaking capabilities is also crucial.