The Putrescent Knight is one of the most notorious and challenging bosses in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Located deep within the Shadow Realm, this enemy offers both a thrilling battle and a key milestone in the DLC progression. Reaching the Putrescent Knight is not straightforward it requires exploration through treacherous terrain, solving environmental puzzles, and unlocking hidden areas that are easy to miss. This guide will walk you step-by-step through how to get to the Putrescent Knight, including all the key locations, routes, and important checkpoints to help ensure your journey is smooth and successful.
Prerequisites Before Facing the Putrescent Knight
Accessing Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
Before you can even think about reaching the Putrescent Knight, you need access to the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. This means you must first defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood, in the main game. After defeating Mohg, you will find a new entrance in his boss arena a cocoon-like object that leads into the Shadow Realm. Interact with it to begin your journey into the DLC area.
Level and Gear Recommendations
While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended that your character be at least level 120+ with upgraded weapons (preferably +9 or +10) before attempting to reach or fight the Putrescent Knight. The enemies and environment in the DLC are punishing, and under-leveled players may struggle to even reach the boss arena.
Getting Started in the Shadow Realm
Scadu Altus Region
Once inside the Shadow Realm, your first major region of exploration will be Scadu Altus. This area contains various paths that intertwine, with multiple optional dungeons and challenging enemies. To begin the journey toward the Putrescent Knight, you need to progress through the main path of the DLC until you unlock the Bonny Village Site of Grace.
Reaching Bonny Village
To reach Bonny Village:
- From the Castle Ensis Checkpoint, head eastward across the wooden bridges.
- Navigate through the Bonny Gaol dungeon to reach the Bonny Village Site of Grace.
- This area introduces you to rot-afflicted enemies and several spectral knights, offering a taste of what’s to come.
Finding the Route to the Putrescent Knight
Exploring the Fissure
The key to finding the Putrescent Knight lies in a location called the Fissure. This is a hidden chasm-like area located beneath Bonny Village. From the Bonny Village Site of Grace, move northeast to find a collapsed cliff face with tree roots and narrow ledges. Carefully descend the roots and platforms until you reach a hidden cave entrance. This marks the beginning of the descent into the Fissure.
Descending Into the Depths
The Fissure area is dark, full of rot-infested enemies, and has tight ledges that can make platforming hazardous. Be prepared to fight spectral knights and fungal beasts that inflict poison and rot buildup. Bring lots of Preserving Boluses or equip gear that resists rot, such as the Mushroom Set or the Mottled Necklace.
Continue descending and watch out for ambushes. After a series of narrow tunnels and caverns, you will unlock the ‘Fissure Depths’ Site of Grace. From here, the boss arena for the Putrescent Knight is not far off.
Final Approach to the Boss Arena
After resting at the Fissure Depths Grace:
- Proceed down a long corridor lined with decaying roots and whispering spirits.
- You’ll enter a wide-open space filled with rot puddles and skeletal enemies that endlessly respawn unless their summoning source is destroyed.
- Find and eliminate the summoning urns to make the area safer to traverse.
- Head to the large door on the far side of the arena and activate it to unlock the final fog gate.
This door leads directly to the boss chamber where the Putrescent Knight resides. Activate the nearby Stake of Marika to set your respawn point and prepare for the fight.
Tips for Navigating the Area
Bring Light Sources
Much of the Fissure and the area beneath Bonny Village is dark and filled with traps. Equip a lantern or bring a torch to help with visibility. The Glowstone item can also be placed on the ground to illuminate hard-to-see ledges.
Use Status Resistances
The rot and poison buildup in this area are punishing. Equip talismans that reduce status build-up and use gear with high immunity. If available, equip spells or incantations that cure or prevent rot, like Flame, Cleanse Me.
Watch for Ambushes
Almost every narrow corridor and drop-down section has hidden enemies waiting to pounce. Move slowly, shield raised or spell ready, and scan the ceiling and corners before rushing in.
Resource Management
Make sure you bring enough healing flasks and FP-restoring items. There are few safe resting spots between Bonny Village and the Putrescent Knight, and the fights leading up to the boss can wear down your resources quickly if you’re not careful.
Why the Putrescent Knight Matters
Defeating the Putrescent Knight is more than just a tough boss fight it’s a major progression point in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. This boss drops valuable items, and its defeat opens new regions and unlocks further lore regarding the decay of the Erdtree and the fate of the shadowy realm you’re exploring.
Many players consider this fight one of the hardest in the DLC due to the boss’s speed, rot-based attacks, and multi-phase battle mechanics. Being able to reach the Putrescent Knight is already an achievement, and defeating him is a significant milestone that proves your readiness for the remainder of the content in the DLC.
Reaching the Putrescent Knight in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a demanding task that challenges your platforming, combat, and survival skills. From unlocking access to the Shadow Realm to navigating through the dangerous depths of the Fissure, each step requires preparation and awareness. Whether you’re after the thrill of battle, rare loot, or narrative closure, the journey to the Putrescent Knight offers one of the most rewarding and immersive experiences in the game. With the right build, patience, and strategy, you’ll find yourself standing victorious over one of the DLC’s most fearsome foes.