The Enigmatic Order: Unveiling the Black Knights of Dark Souls 1
The world of Dark Souls 1 is fraught with peril, and few enemies evoke as much dread and respect as the Black Knights. These formidable warriors, clad in scorched armor and wielding devastating weapons, are a true test of skill for any player. One question consistently surfaces among newcomers and veterans alike: How many Black Knights are there in the game? The answer is 13, scattered throughout Lordran. These are not simply repetitive encounters; each one represents a challenging mini-boss fight, and the weapons they wield are highly sought after.
Where to Find These Burning Blades of Lordran?
The 13 Black Knights aren’t evenly distributed across the world. Some areas feature multiple encounters, while others hold only one. Here’s a breakdown of their locations:
- Undead Burg: One Black Knight, armed with a sword, stands guard before you reach the tower.
- Undead Parish: Another Black Knight, also wielding a sword, patrols the top of the tower overlooking the Hellkite Dragon.
- Catacombs: One Black Knight makes his stand within the shadowy depths.
- Darkroot Basin: A Black Knight armed with a greatsword guards a secluded path.
- Tomb of the Giants: Yet another Black Knight, equipped with a greatsword, resides in this dark, unforgiving realm.
- Demon Ruins: A single Black Knight stands vigilant amidst the fiery landscape.
- Lost Izalith: Here, you’ll face two Black Knights, one with a greatsword and another with a halberd.
- Kiln of the First Flame: This is where you’ll encounter four Black Knights, each potentially wielding a different weapon: sword, greatsword, greataxe, or halberd. This is the only place where Black Knights respawn.
It is worth noting that while 13 black knights are found in the game through normal progression, it is possible to meet less. If one plays their cards correctly they can miss one or two of the Knights that spawn.
The Allure of the Black Knight
The Black Knights represent a significant challenge to players in Dark Souls, with their high damage output and equally high armor. But their presence, beyond just providing a difficult challenge, plays a role in teaching players the importance of preparation and skill. The Games Learning Society can provide insights into the design decisions that make encounters, such as that with the Black Knights, so engaging. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Knights
1. Do any Black Knights Respawn in Dark Souls 1?
Generally, Black Knights do not respawn. The exception is the Kiln of the First Flame, where four Black Knights will respawn after resting at a bonfire. This makes the Kiln the only place where you can repeatedly farm them for their weapons and souls.
2. Where Can I Farm Black Knights in Dark Souls 1?
The Kiln of the First Flame is the only reliable location for farming Black Knights. All other Black Knights appear only once per playthrough.
3. What is the Strongest Black Knight Weapon in Dark Souls 1?
The Black Knight Halberd is widely considered the strongest Black Knight weapon. Its high damage output, long reach, and versatile moveset make it a powerful choice for both PvE and PvP.
4. What are Black Knights Weak To?
Black Knights are particularly vulnerable to Frostbite. Inflicting Frostbite with weapons like the Irithyll Straight Sword can deal significant damage and stagger them. They are also susceptible to backstabs and parries.
5. Which Black Knight Weapon is Best Overall?
As mentioned, the Black Knight Halberd is generally considered the best due to its balance of damage, range, and moveset. However, individual preferences and builds may favor other weapons like the Black Knight Sword or Black Knight Greatsword.
6. Why Can’t I Parry Black Knights Easily?
While Black Knights are parry-able, their attack patterns can be somewhat unpredictable for new players. The key is to learn their telegraphs and timing. Holding your shield up and baiting their attacks is a viable strategy for learning to parry them.
7. Is the Black Knight Sword Worth It in Dark Souls 1?
The Black Knight Sword is a very reliable weapon, especially early to mid-game. Its high damage output and relatively low stat requirements make it an excellent choice for many builds. Two-handing the Black Knight Sword significantly increases its damage and attack speed.
8. Who is the Strongest Knight in Dark Souls Lore?
Lore-wise, Havel the Rock is often considered the strongest knight in Dark Souls. His immense strength and unwavering resolve are legendary. Other contenders include Knight Artorias, Slave Knight Gael, and the Fume Knight.
9. What is the Highest Strength Weapon in Dark Souls 1?
While not a Black Knight weapon, the Demon’s Greataxe boasts the highest strength scaling in Dark Souls 1. However, many Black Knight weapons, such as the Black Knight Greatsword, are also top contenders for high-strength builds.
10. Can Black Knights be Backstabbed?
Yes, Black Knights can be backstabbed. Circling around them and timing your backstab during their attack animation is a common strategy.
11. Are Black Knights Good to Fight Early in Dark Souls 1?
While challenging, defeating the Black Knight in Undead Burg early in the game can be a significant boost, as the Black Knight weapons are very powerful for the early and mid-game. However, it requires patience, skill, and potentially a bit of luck. It’s up to you to decide if you want to face him so early!
12. Can Black Knights Bleed in Dark Souls 1?
Yes, Black Knights can bleed, though they have a high resistance to it. Weapons with bleed buildup can eventually trigger the effect, dealing extra damage.
13. How Rare is the Black Knight Weapon Drop?
The Black Knight weapons have a relatively low drop rate. Increasing your Humanity stat and wearing items like the Gold Serpent Ring will increase your item discovery, improving your chances of obtaining a Black Knight weapon.
14. Who is the Hardest Boss in All of Souls Games?
This is subjective and depends on the player’s build and skill. However, Ornstein and Smough from Dark Souls 1 are frequently cited as one of the most challenging boss fights in the series.
15. What are the Best Swords in Dark Souls 1?
The best swords in Dark Souls 1 depend on your build and playstyle. Popular choices include the Black Knight Sword, Claymore, Uchigatana, and Zweihander. The Drake Sword is a popular choice at the beginning of the game but can be easily outscaled.
Hopefully, this detailed guide has shed light on the enigmatic Black Knights of Dark Souls 1, their locations, weaknesses, and the coveted weapons they wield. Happy hunting, and may the flames guide thee!