Is Black Knight Armor Good in Dark Souls? A Comprehensive Guide
The simple answer is: the Black Knight armor is a mixed bag. It’s not the absolute best armor in Dark Souls, but it’s certainly not the worst either. Its value lies in a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses that make it a viable, though perhaps niche, option for players. Ultimately, whether it’s “good” for you depends heavily on your playstyle and preferences. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics.
Black Knight Armor: Strengths and Weaknesses
Defensive Capabilities
The Black Knight set provides mediocre physical defenses for its weight. While it won’t tank hits like heavier sets such as Havel’s or the Giant’s, it’s not a glass cannon either. It offers a respectable level of physical protection, but there are definitely better choices if pure physical damage reduction is your primary concern.
Poise and Flame Defense
Where the Black Knight armor shines is in its decent poise and exceptionally high Flame Defense. Its poise, while not the highest in the game, is substantial enough to withstand many smaller enemy attacks without staggering. This is vital for maintaining aggression and casting spells without interruption. Furthermore, its Flame Defense is unmatched by any other medium armor set when fully upgraded. This is a huge advantage in areas saturated with fire damage, such as the Demon Ruins or Izalith.
Aesthetic Appeal and “Cosplay” Factor
A large part of the Black Knight armor’s appeal lies in its appearance. It has an iconic, menacing look that many players find incredibly cool and stylish. As the article you provided states, a common use for this set is for “cosplay,” where players role-play as a Black Knight, often pairing the armor with a Black Knight weapon and the Black Knight Shield.
Black Knight Shield: A Standout
Speaking of the shield, the Black Knight Shield is widely considered one of the best medium shields in the game. Its very high stability allows you to block a considerable amount of damage without staggering, which is why it’s a key component of the Black Knight “cosplay” build. It features excellent resistance to both physical and elemental damage.
Drawbacks: Weight and Aesthetics
While the armor isn’t excessively heavy, it still takes up a good chunk of your equip load. This can be a problem for players who prefer to maintain a light or medium roll. Furthermore, some players find the aesthetic design of the chest and helmet less appealing than other sets, which is a significant reason why it doesn’t see universal acclaim. This design choice makes it less universally beloved compared to more sleek designs.
In Conclusion
The Black Knight armor isn’t the strongest overall set in Dark Souls, but its high Flame Defense, decent poise, and the powerful Black Knight Shield make it a compelling choice in specific situations. Its aesthetic appeal and the “cosplay” element further enhance its charm. However, its average physical defense and less-than-universally-loved design hold it back from being a top-tier contender. Ultimately, the armor’s suitability hinges entirely on the individual player’s priorities and playstyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Black Knight Armor in Dark Souls
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide a broader understanding of the Black Knight Armor and its place in Dark Souls:
1. Where Do You Get the Black Knight Armor Set in Dark Souls?
The Black Knight Armor set is not found as a single drop but is acquired by farming the Black Knights themselves. Each piece is a rare drop. These knights can be found throughout the game, most notably in the Undead Parish, Darkroot Basin, and the Kiln of the First Flame. You’ll need some patience and a fair amount of luck to get a full set.
2. Is the Black Knight Shield the best medium shield in the game?
The Black Knight Shield is widely regarded as one of the best medium shields. It boasts very high stability, making it excellent for blocking physical attacks, as well as good elemental resistances. However, it does have a higher weight than other medium shields.
3. Is the Black Knight armor good for beginners?
It is not recommended as the best set for beginners. The Black Knight armor is a mid-game set at the earliest, and the need to farm for the items and its specific stats make other sets more useful at the early stages. The Elite Knight Set is a more accessible and more balanced choice for new players.
4. What are the best stats to focus on when using Black Knight armor?
As a medium armor set, the Black Knight armor works well with a quality build, focusing on both strength and dexterity. The poise it offers makes it also a good option for a strength build that aims to trade hits. However, its high Flame Defense makes it a good counter to fire-based enemies regardless of build.
5. How does the Black Knight armor compare to other popular armor sets like Havel’s or Giant’s?
Compared to Havel’s Set or the Giant Set, the Black Knight armor offers significantly less physical damage reduction but has a higher poise than some other medium sets and a unique advantage in Fire Resistance. These heavier sets are focused solely on tanking while Black Knight provides moderate poise while also having high fire resistance, and being not overly heavy.
6. Does upgrading the Black Knight armor make a big difference?
Upgrading the Black Knight armor does significantly increase its defensive stats, including the critical Flame Defense stat. While upgrading doesn’t change its weight or poise, the increased defenses make the set more effective. However, like all armor sets, the boost is not as dramatic as with weapon upgrades.
7. Is the Black Knight Sword a good pairing with the Black Knight armor?
The Black Knight Sword is an excellent pairing with the armor. This combination helps to achieve a “Black Knight build” by being thematic, and it is also a very powerful weapon in its own right, especially in the early-to-mid game.
8. Is the Black Knight Halberd better than the Black Knight Sword?
The Black Knight Halberd is indeed another incredibly powerful option, often considered by many to be one of the best weapons in the game. While the Black Knight Sword has higher per-hit damage, the Halberd has longer reach and a faster attack speed which gives it superior DPS and utility.
9. Are the Black Knights easy to parry?
Yes, the Black Knights are among the easiest enemies to parry due to their predictable attack patterns. Learning to parry them is a quick way to quickly deal with them.
10. Do Black Knights respawn in Dark Souls?
Generally, Black Knights do not respawn; however, the Black Knights at the end of the game in the Kiln of the First Flame do respawn.
11. Does the Black Knight Armor have good magic resistance?
No, the Black Knight armor has a fairly low magic resistance. Its strength lies in flame resistance and modest physical defense. It’s not recommended for areas or fights where magic damage is the primary threat.
12. Is the Black Knight armor good for PvP (Player vs Player)?
The Black Knight armor can be viable for PvP due to its good balance of poise and defense, and of course the great Black Knight Shield. However, some players will choose heavier armor for better protection or lighter armor for better mobility.
13. Is the Black Knight armor worth it if I don’t like its appearance?
If you don’t like the look of the armor, it’s likely not worth using. There are plenty of other sets that offer better stats for the same weight, or other sets that are better looking. Its main appeal lies in its iconic look, high fire resistance, and of course the great Black Knight Shield.
14. Are there any other armors that provide similar poise and fire resistance?
There are a few other armor sets that provide good fire resistance, but none that combine both high fire resistance with a similar amount of poise in a medium armor set. This makes the Black Knight armor unique in this area.
15. Does reinforcing armor really make that much of a difference in Dark Souls?
Yes, while reinforcing armor won’t give you as dramatic of a boost as reinforcing weapons, it does make a noticeable difference, especially against enemies that are doing elemental damage. Upgrading the Black Knight Armor will increase its overall defense but the biggest benefit will come from the increased Fire Resistance.
By considering these strengths, weaknesses, and answers to frequently asked questions, you can determine if the Black Knight armor set is the right choice for you in your Dark Souls journey. Remember, it’s all about finding an equipment build that fits your playstyle!