Where to Get the Banished Knight Helmet in Elden Ring
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The Banished Knight helmet is a highly sought-after piece of armor in Elden Ring, prized for its stylish appearance and decent protection. Unlike some fixed-location items, obtaining it requires a bit of patience and a willingness to battle. You obtain the Banished Knight helmet by farming Banished Knights wearing the helmet as a drop. These knights are most commonly found in Stormveil Castle and Castle Sol. It’s a random drop, meaning you might get it on your first try, or it could take several attempts. Persistence is key!
Understanding the Banished Knight Helmets
Before we dive into the farming locations and strategies, it’s important to understand that there are actually three variations of the Banished Knight helmet:
- Banished Knight Helmet (Altered): This is the most common variant and the one most players are looking for. It features a fully enclosed helm with a distinctive, slightly worn appearance.
- Banished Knight Helmet: This is the unaltered version, lacking the cloth draped over the front. It’s generally considered less visually appealing than the altered version, but offers identical stats.
- Greathelm: While visually similar, the Greathelm is a separate helmet with different stats and a different drop rate. Be sure you’re fighting the correct enemy if you specifically want the Banished Knight helmet.
Prime Farming Locations
While Banished Knights appear in a few different locations throughout The Lands Between, two stand out as the most efficient farming spots:
Stormveil Castle
- Why Stormveil? Stormveil Castle is accessible relatively early in the game, making it a good option for players who want the helmet early on. The knights here are also somewhat weaker than those found later, making them easier to defeat.
- Specific Location: The most reliable farming spot is near the Rampart Tower Site of Grace. Head outside and you’ll usually find a Banished Knight patrolling the area. If he’s not there, rest at the Site of Grace to reset the enemies.
- Tips: Consider using stealth to get a backstab on the knight for extra damage at the start of the fight. Also, be mindful of the other enemies in the area.
Castle Sol
- Why Castle Sol? While Castle Sol is a more challenging area located much later in the game, it offers a higher density of Banished Knights, increasing your chances of getting the helmet to drop.
- Specific Location: Explore the castle grounds thoroughly. You’ll find multiple Banished Knights patrolling the courtyards and ramparts.
- Tips: These knights are significantly tougher than those in Stormveil Castle. Be prepared for a challenging fight. Consider using spirit ashes to distract the knights and make the fights more manageable. Castle Sol is located in the Mountaintops of the Giants region.
Optimizing Your Farming Run
To improve your chances of obtaining the Banished Knight helmet, consider the following:
- Increase your Discovery stat: Discovery directly affects the item drop rate of enemies. You can increase Discovery by:
- Arcane stat: Increasing your Arcane stat significantly boosts Discovery.
- Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot: This consumable item temporarily increases your Discovery. Craft it using Rowa Fruit, Four-Toed Fowl Foot, and Silver Firefly.
- Silver Tear Mask: Wearing this helmet increases your Arcane stat, thereby boosting your Discovery.
- Patience is key: Remember that the Banished Knight helmet is a random drop. It may take several attempts before you finally get it. Don’t get discouraged!
- Upgrade your weapon: Defeating the knights quickly and efficiently is crucial for maximizing your farming runs. Upgrade your preferred weapon as much as possible.
- Use Spirit Ashes: Especially in Castle Sol, Spirit Ashes can provide valuable assistance in distracting the knights and dealing extra damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What stats does the Banished Knight helmet offer?
The Banished Knight helmet offers a balanced distribution of physical and elemental defenses. Specific stats can vary slightly depending on the version (altered or unaltered), but generally provide decent protection against strike, slash, pierce, magic, fire, lightning, and holy damage. Its primary benefit lies in its poise.
2. Does the Banished Knight armor set offer any set bonuses?
No, the Banished Knight armor set (including the helmet) does not provide any set bonuses when worn together. You’re free to mix and match pieces with other armor sets to create your ideal build.
3. Can I get the Banished Knight helmet early in the game?
Yes, you can farm for it in Stormveil Castle shortly after starting the game. However, the drop rate can be low, so be prepared for some grinding.
4. Is the Banished Knight helmet worth farming for?
That depends on your priorities. If you prioritize aesthetics, the Banished Knight helmet is a popular choice for its cool appearance. Stat-wise, it’s a decent, well-rounded helmet, but there are arguably better options available later in the game.
5. Are there any other locations where I can find Banished Knights?
Yes, Banished Knights can also be found in other areas, such as the Cathedral of the Forsaken under Leyndell, Royal Capital, but Stormveil and Castle Sol remain the most efficient farming locations.
6. Does the type of Banished Knight affect the drop rate?
No, the drop rate is the same for all Banished Knights wearing the helmet, regardless of their weapon or location (within the prime farming areas).
7. Does the Banished Knight Greathelm have the same drop rate as the regular Banished Knight helmet?
No, the Greathelm has a separate and distinct drop rate. It’s important to ensure you’re targeting the correct enemy (one wearing the desired Banished Knight helmet variant).
8. Can I trade for the Banished Knight helmet with other players?
Yes, you can trade with other players if you’re having trouble farming for it. Look for players offering trades on online Elden Ring communities. Keep in mind online trading requires a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live subscription.
9. How do I know if a Banished Knight will drop the helmet?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to know beforehand. The helmet drop is entirely random. Keep farming and eventually, it should drop.
10. What’s the best weapon to use for farming Banished Knights?
The “best” weapon depends on your build and playstyle. Generally, a weapon with good damage output and speed is ideal. Consider using weapons with bleed buildup, as Banished Knights are susceptible to bleed.
11. What level should I be to farm Banished Knights in Castle Sol?
It’s recommended to be at least level 80 or higher before attempting to farm in Castle Sol, as the enemies there are significantly stronger than those in Stormveil.
12. Does using Spirit Ashes affect the item drop rate?
No, using Spirit Ashes does not affect the item drop rate. They’re purely for assistance in combat.
13. Is there a way to reset the enemies without resting at a Site of Grace?
No, resting at a Site of Grace is the only reliable way to respawn enemies in Elden Ring.
14. What’s the difference between the altered and unaltered Banished Knight helmet?
The altered version features a cloth draped over the front, while the unaltered version does not. They have the same stats. It’s purely a cosmetic difference.
15. Can I get the Banished Knight armor set in the same locations as the helmet?
Yes, the entire Banished Knight armor set (chest piece, gauntlets, and greaves) can drop from Banished Knights in Stormveil Castle and Castle Sol, though each piece has its own individual drop rate. Farming in these locations will give you a chance to obtain the complete set.